SWA advocates for equality with new focus group

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has created a Diversity and Inclusion Focus Group to help reach targets outlined in the Diversity and Inclusivity Charter.

The SWA launched the Diversity and Inclusivity Charter last year to encourage equal opportunities across the sector.

The new focus group will comprise people from SWA member companies who will support an industry-wide workplan to ‘boost equality, diversity and inclusion’ in all areas of whisky.

Plans to improve diversity and equality include improving education, recruitment practices and stakeholder engagement.

Kirsty Summers, head of workforce and skills at the SWA, said: “The creation of this new focus group is [a] great step forward, and reflects the commitment of the Scotch whisky industry to put equality, diversity and inclusivity matters to the forefront of our planning.

“Scotch whisky is for everyone and our member companies are keen to ensure that this is reflected in their policies and practices to attract and retain a talented workforce, in Scotland and around the world.

“We look forward to working with SWA members to embed the initiatives set out in the Scotch Whisky Diversity and Inclusivity Charter.”