WineGB launches comprehensive EDI resource for wine industry
11th November 2024
WineGB has launched its ‘People Support Hub’ to promote equity, diversity and inclusion within the wine industry.
The hub supports businesses, individuals, and allies to create a more welcoming sector that fosters development.
This is particularly pertinent following the 2023 survey by Curious Vines, which found that over three-quarters (76%) of those surveyed felt that women were underrepresented in leadership roles, while over half (58%) did not think that women had equal opportunities for progression.
Of those polled in this survey, only 9% worked for a company with mostly or all female senior leaders.
WineGB said that having a diverse workforce reflective of society brings new ideas and perspectives to businesses, boosting innovation and creativity.
Increasing diversity
Data shows that the wider wine industry is increasingly reliant on older consumers, although consumption patterns of English and Welsh wine show a bias towards millennials. The hub aims to help businesses increase diversity, which in turn can help companies unlock and serve a wider customer base.
The hub signposts over 50 organisations within wine, alcohol, farming, and EDI. It is designed with UK domestic wine producers as its core audience, but its value can apply to others in the wider alcohol sector.
Information is provided in 10 sections with links to organisations best placed to provide practical support.
The publication preceded the law change on 26th October 2024, which requires employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees.
Sustainability Impact Report
The report reviewed the impact of WineGB’s Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Scheme (SWGB) and provided a broader assessment of the English and Welsh wine industry’s environmental, social, and governance impact.
It showed significant early coverage of the SWGB Scheme, with 43% of the total UK vine hectarage.
By providing these resources, WineGB said it is laying the foundations for a sustainable GB wine sector where workers are empowered and respected, with easy access to resources that will assist their development and interactions with others.
Commenting on the launch of the WineGB EDI hub and the culmination of the 30 Days of Sustainable Action campaign, WineGB CEO Nicola Bates said: “Our industry is changing and becoming more diverse, but we can do more and WineGB’s People Support Hub highlights resources that businesses, individuals, and allies can use to get advice to foster more welcoming workplaces.
“Along with our Safeguarding Hub, we are showing that deeds, not words, matter most, and are practically supporting the people who make, sell, and drink our wine.”
Access the hub here. Read more vine news.
