In conversation with Pooja Patel, Associate and Chair of our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging group;
- What motivated you to join the D&I group?
For me, it’s the idea of bringing people together from all backgrounds and celebrating each other. It’s also about ensuring that everyone within the organisation feels included. If something isn’t quite right, we work to address it, creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and unity. - How do you see our diversity and inclusion efforts shaping the culture here?
Our D&I efforts encourage everyone to get involved and celebrate a wide range of cultures, religions, and traditions. They help ensure that no one feels left out by encouraging open discussions about internal policies and identifying ways to improve inclusivity across the organisation. - How do we make sure everyone feels like they belong, no matter their background?
Everyone is welcome to join the D&I group, where we openly discuss all things related to diversity and inclusion. We actively explore ways to improve D&I within the firm. Every idea and perspective is valued, and no one is made to feel that their thoughts or suggestions don’t matter. - How can all of us—no matter our role—get involved in supporting D&I?
If anyone has a specific idea or need that could improve their experience—whether it’s related to internal policies or company events—we’d love to hear from them. This is crucial, as while we try to address as much as possible, we rely on input from others to identify areas we might have overlooked. - Can you share a moment when you saw our D&I work make a real difference in the company?
Our group meets quarterly to review current policies and discuss ways to make them more inclusive. For instance, ahead of Stowefest, we planned to create a breakout room where people could take time for themselves if they needed a quiet space. This small addition made the event more accommodating and inclusive for everyone.
Pooja Patel, Associate and Chair of our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging group