John Lewis establishes advisory group to improve inclusivity of fashion ranges

John Lewis has announced a series of actions targeted at improving inclusivity within the business as part of Black History Month.

Over the last few months, the British department store said it has been working closely with its black employees to gain insight on how to improve their experience.

This will result in a diversity and inclusion strategy that will be created with colleagues from all under-represented background.

John Lewis has also launched a Black Partner Advisory Group which will focus on making its fashion and food ranges more inclusive and representative.

In addition, the retailer is launching a reverse mentoring scheme pairing 176 senior executives with black partners.

John Lewis said the changes follow the killing of George Floyd in the US and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has led the retailer “to reflect deeply on the role we can play to make sure Black voices are lifted and listened to”.

The company employs over 81,000 people across the UK, of which just 15.3% identify as BAME (black and minority ethnic backgrounds), according to the 2019 Gender Pay Gap Report.

Most of the BAME employees at John Lewis hold non-management positions, with just 3% of partners from ethnic minority backgrounds holding a senior leadership role.

In a letter addressed to customers and partners, the retailer said: “We know there is still so much more to do and this is going to take relentless focus over time. These are just the first steps and they’ve helped us to understand what we need to do. We are not perfect, and don’t profess to be, so please bear with us while we learn and improve.”