30 years of our Ethnic Diversity Network

“Our vision is a future where every employee feels valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute their unique brilliance to the success of BT Group.” 

This powerful vision statement comes from one of our largest internal networks, the Ethnic Diversity Network (EDN). Established in 1994, originally known as the Ethnic Minority Network, the EDN was created ‘to encourage greater diversity at all levels of BT’s workforce, to benefit BT on a commercial, community and individual basis’.  

Now, as we celebrate its 30th anniversary, join us as we look back at the key moments in the beginning of the EDN and how it continues to play a crucial role in driving commercial success, enriching our community, and supporting individual growth within BT Group. 

1992 - Project Roman 

Before the EDN began, BT was focused on developing company policies to improve the profile of people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds, particularly in management positions. This initiative led to the formation of an internal team, Project Roman, in 1992, which consisted of eight BT Group employees: Kathy Henry, Donna Gray, Clint Brown, John Quail, Victoria Hillier, Lorna Beckford, Andrew Rock and Rosie Ong. All of whom can be seen below in a picture taken back in 1992.

1994 - The Launch of the Ethnic Minority Network 

In early 1994 co-founders Donna Gray and Lorna Beckford, both originally part of Project Roman, launched the Ethnic Minority Network to colleagues across the UK. Starting with 50 members, BT was the first company in the UK to have a network to promote and develop the professional image of its 10,000 ethnic minority employees. At the time, this represented 5.9% of our total workforce. Shortly after, in 1995, the Network had achieved its original vision by becoming the leading company-sponsored network in the UK. 

1996 – The Networks first annual conference 

On 18th October 1996, the first Ethnic Minority Network annual conference was held. In the original conference programme, then sponsor Garry Griffiths, Director of Employee Relations, wrote “Equal Opportunities is a journey, not a destination.” Chair Lorna Beckford added “The inherent skills and cross-cultural mixes we already have are what seems to be required more and more now as BT expands around the world; by encouraging integration and learning from the best of all cultures, we will prosper. The one message I leave you with is this: ATTITUDE AFFECTS ALTITUDE!” 

1997 – Award-Winning network 

The Network quickly became recognised for its impact and importance both at BT Group but also as inspiration to others. In 1997 the Network won Gold Standard at the British Diversity Awards as European Year Against Racism Champion. 

This award recognised how the network had won support from the BT Board and aligned the Network’s objectives with the business’s global objectives. 

This year also saw the introduction of another layer of support from the Network – The Regional Network Team (RNT). These RNTs volunteered time and skills to support committee members in objectives such as forming closer links with networks members in their local areas. 

1999 – The EMN Challenge 

In 1999, the EMN Challenge award was launched to provide help and support to young students going to university. The first winner of the award was Andrea Carnegie (pictured below) who was about to study Human Geography at Queen Mary and Westfield. 

Reflecting on the EDN’s achievements to date: 

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the EDN, it’s amazing to see how far we have come since its inception in 1994. From its roots in Project Roman, to the launch of the network and the recognition received. The journey has been remarkable. 

Fast forward to the present, the EDN continues to play an important role in driving change.  

Let's dive into some of the remarkable accomplishments over the past 12 months: 

• Introduced a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) metric in the Executive Committee's (Exco) scorecard, making sure progress is tracked and celebrated. 

• Conducted an in-depth analysis of ethnicity pay gaps to address and rectify disparities. 

• Provided crucial feedback to senior leaders to enhance the experience for ethnic minority colleagues.   

• Influenced the business to share D&I updates to ensure accountability with leaders, including quarterly finance updates from the CEO. 

• Established diversity shortlisting guidelines to strengthen the hiring process for ethnic minority candidates. 

• Fostered partnerships with the Aleto Foundation, 10,000 Black Interns, and Code First Girls, amplifying our efforts to improve ethnic representation.  

Future goals:  

As we look to the future, the EDN remains dedicated to guiding us towards our 2025 goal of having ethnic minority employees make up 16% of the workforce. With 13% already represented, we are on track to achieve this milestone.  

The EDN's efforts continue to drive significant changes, ensuring that every employee feels valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute to the success of the business.  

 2024 - Stand Together Awards: 

Launched in 2021 the EDN’s Stand Together awards were created to celebrate the positive change and progress that has been made towards equality and inclusion. 

The award recognise colleagues who have led positive change, broken down barriers, championed great talent, and acted as strong allies to our ethnic minority colleagues.   

Congratulations to our winners:

• Inspirational Role Model – John Malcolm

• Legacy Recognition Award – Annmarie Holligan

• Hope Not Hate Award – Chantel Law and Mary Evans

• Ethnic Diversity Champion Award – Wassim Ismail and Stephen Adubofour

• Race Equality Award – Leon Smith

“This is an important milestone for BT Group. We have found it inspirational learning from EDN founding members how forward-thinking BT was regarding race equity and how far BT has come, and the responsibility we have to build on their legacy.” 

Marc Allera, CEO, Consumer Division at BT Group and Executive sponsor of the BT Group EDN.