As world leaders meet for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Britvic is proud to announce its commitment to disability inclusion campaign, the Valuable 500.
Unveiled at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting last year, the launch of the Valuable 500 was the first time disability was discussed on the main stage of The Meeting with the support of global business leaders.
The campaign calls on 500 global businesses to eradicate the exclusion of people with disabilities from business and today Britvic makes a public commitment to put disability inclusion on its business leadership agenda.
Simon Litherland, Chief Executive Officer at Britvic, said “Britvic signing up to the Valuable 500 is a key milestone. It recognises what we have already achieved as a global company when it comes to diversity but also makes a public commitment to do more to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in everything we do.
“Our company’s purpose is to make life's everyday moments more enjoyable and to do this we need to make sure that everyone, from our customers to our employees, feels valued and included.
“For our company and our people to truly thrive we need a workforce that mirrors the richness and diversity of the markets and communities we serve.”
Over the past year Britvic has continued implementing its diversity strategy, Be-Yourself. This includes employee network groups such as B-Seen, a group with a mission to drive disability awareness at Britvic and ensure colleagues and their families are supported during ill health, chronic conditions or disability.
Karen Silverman, Category Manager at Britvic, said: “Having only been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the last two years I have found that Britvic has been a strong supporter of my disability.
“They have given me the time to attend medical tests and follow-up appointments, supported flexible working and provided support on a day-to-day basis when I have needed it most.
“Britvic’s support has allowed me to come to work as my true self and be part of an inclusive organisation. Something that the Valuable 500 champions.”
Britvic has also recently partnered with leading network support and professional development business Purple Space.
Purple Space will work alongside B-Seen to offer support, training and guidance, as well as help develop sessions and network events, so Britvic can be confident that it is being inclusive in its working practices and meeting its commitment to the Valuable 500.
Caroline Casey, Founder of the Valuable 500, said: “It is extremely promising to see global companies from all four corners of the globe and across a vast array of sectors, continuing to pledge to join our disability inclusion movement nearly twelve months on from its launch.
“We gladly welcome these new members – I am certain they will be instrumental in ensuring disability inclusion becomes the norm in working life globally.”