Thrive in an inclusive environment

Check out our All In statement here.

All In is about making sure that we’ve not just got a seat at the table, but that we’re part of the conversation. It’s about making sure everyone is treated with respect and reaffirming that there’s no place for discrimination, of any kind, on our doorstep. It’s about making change from the inside, so we can become a truly great place to work, for everyone.

EDI Policy

We recognise that there is inequality in society, in our own communities and in our workplace and we would like to make a difference. Our vision is to promote a culture where Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are valued and respected throughout Abri Group, and our EDI Policy sets out how we will actively promote equality and diversity, including challenging discrimination and harassment.

We have a Respect at Work Policy and Procedure in place

We’re committed to providing a stimulating, supportive and inclusive work environment free of harassment and bullying, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

This policy raises awareness of acceptable behaviours and unacceptable behaviours. It also shows the steps that we take if a colleague suffers from harassment at work. Here at Abri, we have a zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment in the workplace.

We have a Gender Reassignment Policy and Procedure

We’re an employer who celebrates values and diversity, and this policy sets out the steps Abri takes to welcome and support colleagues who may identify themselves as transgender.

Time off will be given to attend medical appointments and to undergo gender reassignment surgery. This will be treated separately to time off for sickness as this will automatically be discounted as an occasion of absence under the Attendance policy.

Support will also be made available after surgery dependent upon each colleagues needs.

We have a domestic abuse policy

We want to promote safe communities where everybody can live free from fear, intimidation and violence and we provide a supportive working environment for our colleagues. We condemn all incidents of domestic abuse, and this policy sets out how we are working towards preventing and combating, domestic abuse.

Maternity/paternity/ adoption leave

We understand family comes first so we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave to colleagues who qualify.

Maternity / shared parental and adoption pay

Colleagues qualify for enhanced maternity pay if they have over one year’s service at the time the baby is due. Enhanced maternity pay includes:

• Weeks 1-6 at 90% of average weekly earnings
• Weeks 7-26 at 50% of your normal salary + Statutory Maternity Pay
• 27-39 weeks at SMP only
• Weeks 40+ unpaid

Paternity leave

Colleagues qualify for enhanced paternity pay if they have 26 weeks of service 15 weeks before the due date. You’ll be paid your full basic salary for the duration of the full two weeks of your paternity leave.

Abri Parent Buddies

Although exciting, becoming a parent can be quite daunting. Whilst you’re getting ready for your little bundle of joy (or joy’s) to arrive, you’ll be popping out for appointments, looking at your maternity/paternity/adoption pay and seeking out advice and information.

That’s where Parent Buddies come in! To help you feel supported whilst you’re preparing to be parents, going on and returning from maternity, adoption, paternity and parental leave, the role of the Parent Buddy is to provide parents/carers with the opportunity to access one to one support and to address individual needs.

A Parent Buddy will have first-hand experience of becoming a parent and can share their personal experience of the transition to the dual role of parent and employee.

The buddy programme is an informal arrangement that will connect colleagues to give advice and tips on preparing for parenthood and balancing parenting with your career.

At Abri, we support people in bringing their authentic selves to work. We’re committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion. Read our current Inclusion and Belonging report.

We understand it might not always be easy for some people to be their true, authentic selves at work. But we’re determined to change that and create a great place to work, for everyone.

Our Elephant in the Room series is here to provide a safe space for anyone to reach out and share their experience. For most of us, we spend more time at work than doing anything else. But life doesn’t stop just because we’re at work. And at times, we'll be experiencing personal situations that will impact us all in different ways. That means encouraging conversations, continued learning and, ultimately, caring for each other. Our Elephant in the Room sessions invites colleagues to open up the conversation around those traditionally 'off limit' topics, and we’ve had sessions on the menopause, anxiety and depression, bereavement and on Pride. By doing this, we'll support inclusion across Abri and hopefully connect colleagues who are experiencing similar things.

We also hold listening groups, and get together to talk about subjects like barriers to progression, banter, race, and mental health.

We also launched a Safer Streets action plan, which sets out a number of goals which when achieved, will greatly improve the level of safety among both our colleagues and customers. This was in response to the murder of Sarah Everard. After this devastating event, here at Abri we knew we needed to do more to protect our colleagues and customers safety.