Today marks the start of National Inclusion Week, and we have a busy and exciting week ahead as colleagues across Compass Group UK & Ireland come together to celebrate inclusion and belonging.

National Inclusion Week provides an important opportunity to reflect and celebrate the work and progress we have made. But we know there is always more we can do.

We work throughout the year to embed inclusion into our culture, and it remains a vital part of Our Social Promise commitment to help people from all backgrounds to thrive. Through our four pillars of Get In, Get On, Get Supported and Get Involved - we are focused on creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered and able to reach their full potential.

Over the coming days, colleagues will have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities designed to spark conversation, inspire learning and encourage action. We will be inviting colleagues to share personal inclusion pledges, outlining the practical steps they will take to become more inclusive in their teams and communities. These commitments demonstrate that inclusion is everyone's responsibility and that small actions can create meaningful change.

Colleagues will also be able to test their knowledge through our Big Inclusion Quiz, hear from members of our Executive team and colleague networks through a series of video messages, and take part in our InclusiviTEA conversations, which provide valuable opportunities to listen, learn and share experiences.

National Inclusion Week also gives us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our six colleague networks, whose passion and dedication continue to support our people. Together, our networks now have more than 2,000 members, highlighting the strength of the communities that exist across Compass. I would like to say a personal thank you to all of our network ambassadors and advocates who dedicate their time to supporting colleagues.

Just some of the recent achievements from our colleague networks include:

• You Matter unveiling a new identity and vision, alongside practical Line Manager Guides covering topics including stress, anxiety and bereavement to help managers better support colleague wellbeing.

• Ability continuing to expand its suite of Disability Guides, supporting greater understanding of a wide range of disabilities and encouraging colleagues to access support when needed.

• Within celebrating and promoting cultural diversity through events including World Day for Cultural Diversity, Race Equality Week and Black History Month. Plus launching their new two-way mentoring programme, Elevate.

• Pride in Food working alongside the LGBT Foundation in Manchester to support its safer sex pack initiative ahead of Manchester Pride, while colleagues also proudly represented Compass at Birmingham Pride.

• Armed Forces Network strengthening support for the Armed Forces community through Armed Forces Week events, partnerships with the Forces Employment Charity and recognition as one of the Top 50 Great British Employers of Veterans 2026.

• Women in Food continuing to drive positive change through updates to policies such as our menopause policy and Planning for Parenthood guide, as they approach the 10th anniversary celebrations later this year.

These successes demonstrate the power of our colleague-led networks to drive positive change, foster understanding and create meaningful support for our people.

As we begin National Inclusion Week, I encourage everyone to get involved and consider the role each of us can play in creating a more inclusive workplace and wider community.

Thank you to every colleague, network ambassador and leader who continues to champion inclusion across our business. Together, we are helping to create an environment where everyone can thrive, contribute and feel a genuine sense of belonging.