The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Group’s Top 10 Achievements in 2024

Here are the top 10 DE&I achievements from 2024:

1. Launch of the DE&I Monthly Calendar 

To promote inclusion, the DE&I Group introduced a monthly calendar that celebrates key themes such as mental health, religious and national celebrations, and the diversity of our workforce. The calendar also highlights protected characteristics, including neurodiversity. During Stress Awareness Month in April, the Group organised a lunchtime team walk, encouraging colleagues to take a break, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors. 

2. Inclusive Companies Membership and Top 50 Placement 

In 2024, we were recognised in the UK Inclusive Companies Awards, placing 29th in our first year of participation. This achievement reflects our deep commitment to equality and inclusion across all aspects of diversity. As part of our Inclusive Companies Membership, the Windward Group continue to foster an environment where all employees are valued for their unique contributions. 

3. Celebrated Pride 2024 

For the second year running, we proudly supported Pride 2024, reinforcing our support for the LGBTQ+ community. Colleagues, along with their families and friends, joined in the celebration, creating an opportunity for team members to share more about themselves with confidence and pride. 

4. Launch of the Menopause Policy 

Proactively ahead of government mandates, we launched a comprehensive Menopause Policy to support staff experiencing menopause. This included signing up to the Menopause Matters Charter and hosting a dedicated session during our company-wide ‘Town Hall’. 

5. Race Equality Session: Microaggressions vs. Banter 

The DE&I Group hosted a Race Equality Session aimed at creating open discussions around microaggressions, with a focus on how to differentiate between harmful behaviour and banter. This session was part of our wider effort to foster a deeper understanding of race equality in the workplace. 

6. Celebrating Over 50% Female Workforce 

We are proud to have achieved a milestone of over 50% female colleagues across the business in 2024. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we shared stories from inspirational women at Bute Energy, including a feature on Windward’s Legal Assistant, Afia Khan, who reflected on her journey and female leadership. 

7. Gender Diversity Policy Launch 

We launched our Gender Diversity Policy, which outlines our commitment to supporting all transgender and gender-diverse colleagues. This policy ensures that all employees are treated with dignity and respect throughout their gender identity journey. 

8. Sharing DE&I Knowledge with Industry Partners 

Our DE&I policies have caught the attention of our suppliers, and we’re beginning to share our best practices with them. From inclusive parenting policies to support for menstruation and menopause, we are working to ensure that the green energy workforce of the future is as diverse and accessible as possible. 

9. Orientation Days for New Staff 

In 2024, we enhanced the Group’s orientation days for all new staff members. These days provide an in-depth understanding of our culture, values, and DE&I efforts, including a focus on unconscious bias and Insights Discovery to help new hires recognise their strengths and contribute effectively to their teams. 

10. Great Place to Work Accreditation 

After receiving Great Place to Work accreditation in 2023, Bute Energy continues to build on this success. With a growing workforce and a suite of inclusive policies developed through feedback from our employees, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone at Bute Energy feels they belong.