People Awards 2024: Equity and Inclusion Award – Kerb

Shortlist

• Kerb
• Mollie’s Motels
• Sodexo UK & Ireland

By incorporating its values into all decisions, the winner of the Equity and Inclusion Award has significantly increased representation, not just in its own business but the wider sector it operates in.

Our judges said street food caterer Kerb’s entry showed “real heart and soul” in its efforts to attract and support a diverse team.

At the outset Kerb looked to ensure that the needs of every individual in the business were respected and met. It ran training sessions on the Equality Act (2010) to ensure employees understand all protected characteristics and the implications of discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Additional training sessions then explored unconscious bias and the impact of microaggressions to give team members the skills to enable open and honest conversations.

It also developed a comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion strategy that focused on five areas: people and human resources, learning and development, culture, community, and a diverse ecosystem.

In addressing recruitment Kerb revised its processes in partnership with organisations such as Be Inclusive Hospitality, the Disability Confident scheme and Pride in London, to engage with a wider pool of applicants. Internal analysis found that 76% of Kerb’s head office staff and 100% of venue management were white, compared to just 26% of front-line staff and this data was used to further guide the business’ recruitment and development strategies.

Through its Kerb Academy it offered personal development plans and competency frameworks to all employees and partners, as well as developing a mentoring programme to support team members into managerial roles.

An audit of the street food traders that Kerb partners with revealed that only 32% were female-owned businesses. The company responded to this statistic by launching an inKERBator programme to support women’s advancement in the street food industry. One graduate, Mezzo, is now opening her first permanent location at Seven Dials Market in London, where 55% of traders will be female-owned and operated businesses.

This data-led approach has also seen Kerb carry out an audit of its suppliers and commit to positive action to support underrepresented groups. By reflecting on data and building long-term pathways to change, Kerb has been able to create a meaningful difference within both its business and the wider street food sector.

Judges’ comments

Dawn Browne, people and talent director, Fuller’s: “There was real heart and soul in this entry – about as far from tick box as you can get!  Comprehensive strategy and a plan with evidence they are making progress.”