Our inclusive

communities approach

We strive to have a positive impact on the communities where we source, make and sell our brands through providing equal access to resources, skills and employment opportunities. This is a central focus of our Spirit of Progress plan.

Our commitment

We aim to promote sustainable growth through inclusive programmes that help our communities to grow as we grow. Our programmes include the provision of business and hospitality skills training, safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and support for smallholder farmers.

All our programmes are ‘inclusive by design’ meaning we aim for 50% of beneficiaries to be women and that our programmes enhance diversity and inclusion of underrepresented groups.

How we are championing an inclusive communities approach

Business and hospitality skills programme

Our ambition is to create a hospitality sector that works for all. Our longstanding business and hospitality skills programme Learning for Life focuses on promoting gender equality and empowering people from underrepresented groups through skills and entrepreneurship training.

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programme

We champion inclusion and diversity in the communities connected to our production sites and sourcing areas. We work with WaterAid and CARE Interantional UK to provide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to communities in water-stressed areas. We see that a lack of access to clean water and decent toilets disproportionately impacts women and girls. That’s why every time we invest in WASH, we invest in women. We promote equal representation for women on WASH committees and facilitate community dialogues that tackle social norms preventing women’s equal access to, and agency over, WASH.

Smallholder farmer programme

Our work with smallholder farmers aims to enhance environmental and economic resilience and supports farmers to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Key to the programme are gender inclusive design principles that aim to tackle the unequal access to agriculture skills and resources between men and women.

Our Spirit of Progress targets

  • For 50% of beneficiaries from our community programmes to be women, and for our community programmes to enhance diversity and inclusion of under-represented groups.