Specsavers unites for anti-racism  

At Specsavers, everybody is somebody. We want a connected workforce that reflects the communities in which we work and the customers we serve. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity. 

Today’s National Inclusion Week action is all about uniting for anti-racism. At Specsavers we understand that it is no longer enough not to be racist, we must be actively anti-racist. Events over the past 12-18 months have highlighted the huge importance of having courageous conversations about race, along with the realisation that learning and educating each other on anti-racism is a shared responsibility to us all.  

To help our colleagues on this journey, we are celebrating Black History Month this October. We are offering ten lucky colleagues fully funded tickets to the Rising Vibe Conversations That Matter – Race in the workplace online event on 29th September.  

Rising Vibe support and challenge leadership in organisations to have the conversations that matter, in order to create or transform to a high performing culture. The Race in the Workplace event will focus on having a ‘beginner’s mind’ to create an environment that enable conversations that can feel difficult and will often be avoided. It aims to support and challenge participants to have conversations that matter, so that change, anti-racism and allyship can become the norm – which is exactly what we want at Specsavers.  

We are asking the ten colleagues who attend to share their experience and learning with other colleagues after the event – either through a blog, vlog or live lunch and learn session.  

“Over the last few months, I have begun having conversations with my peers and colleagues on race within the workplace alongside equality and diversity. I am looking forward to attending the session so I can understand how I can positively impact these conversations and bring about change for those of race within a corporate environment.”
Sonam Sehemby, Professional Audiology Development Manager  

“Being Mixed White and Black Caribbean dual heritage, I feel that even I can have an advantage to hearing/understanding both sides of the fence. With race being a topic that I could never be able to avoid, I find it incredibly interesting how it affects people of all colour and cultures, particularly in such a modern world that is always redesigning itself.”
Christopher Smith, Director  

We can’t wait to hear all about the day and learn about what else we can do to help kick start those conversations that matter and support others in becoming allies too.  

We are committed to supporting all our colleagues to be the best they can be by creating an environment that respects and celebrates difference.