Exertis Forms ERGs to Promote Inclusivity, Support Employees

U.K.-based technology distributor Exertis has named the individuals who will lead its newly founded employee resource groups (ERGs). The ERGs focus on three areas — women, people from ethnic minorities and LGBTQIA+ communities. The leader of each division is responsible for driving support for and progress within their respective focal point.

The purpose of an ERG is to create a safe, supportive space for employees who share a common identity. It enables underrepresented employees to support one another in building their community. The objectives of the group include providing support and a safe space for communities within Exertis. In addition, each group will educate the entire workforce about its members’ experiences and how to work with them more effectively. It will also strive to increase the amount of talent from each of the three focal communities at all levels of the business.

Exertis states that its ERGs have been formed to actively promote inclusivity and to ensure everybody is given a fair chance to succeed and flourish in their chosen path within Exertis – regardless of their background. The ERGs commit to champion, mentor and coach individuals from all genders, ethnic backgrounds and sexualities, as well as celebrating major events and driving policy changes within the company. Exertis intends the ERGs to help drive forward its policies on inclusivity in line with the company’s belief that diverse and inclusive organisations are successful ones.

Leading the Efforts

Exertis’ Gemma Walters

Gemma Walters, Exertis’ general manager for Microsoft, is the newly appointed ERG for women. She said of her new duty: “The aim of our Women’s ERG is to raise awareness of issues facing women in the workplace. We are committed to empowering, developing and supporting our female employees. As well as opportunities for networking and learning, we are going to be looking very closely at how we recruit, retain and advance women. We will challenge ourselves and set goals that we can measure in all these areas.”

Exertis’ Mani Bath

Manpreet (Mani) Bath, general manager for data center and commercial at Exertis, is leading the ERG for people from ethnic minorities. “Having been with Exertis only a short time, it is amazing to see the genuine drive for change throughout the organization,” she said. “It is not a tick-box exercise – the setup, the investment of time and the people for the ERG is only just the beginning.”

Exteris’ Holly Chatton

Leading efforts to support LGBTQIA+ colleagues is Holly Chatton, Exertis’ head of data governance. Chatton outlined her drive to enable a safe environment for Exertis’s people, saying, “I want to make it my mission to make this a welcoming and nurturing place for anyone who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether they are out loud and proud, still in a questioning phase, an ally and friend, a parent or relative of someone in the community, or are just curious and have questions. I want to help people be their true, authentic selves in the workplace.”

‘Allowing People to Grow’

Exertis’ Paul Bryan

Exertis UK Managing Director Paul Bryan said of the ERGs: “I am so pleased that we have these new ERG platforms starting within our business,” said Exertis UK Managing Director Paul Bryan. “I am very proud to see that our people are so engaged and enthusiastic with this approach.

“The more we learn, discuss and elevate these communities, the more we break down the taboos within society and create safe environments, allowing people to grow and achieve their aspirations”.