Our commitments to a more inclusive world

At Sopra Steria, we’re inspired by the possibilities that come from working together and embracing difference.

From seeking diversity in recruitment, to nurturing our existing talent – we want to make sure Sopra Steria is an organisation where everyone feels like they belong. Where their uniqueness is valued. Where they can be themselves. Where everyone has a fair chance to progress and reach their highest potential.

This commitment is reflected in the UK’s Great Place to Work® 2021 survey results, where we scored over 80% favourable in all the fair treatment questions, and by our Great Place to Work® UK's Best Workplaces™ ranking. It is also underlined by our partnership with VERCIDA – a platform which connects jobseekers with employers that prioritise diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.

What does this commitment look like in practice?

Gender equality...

We’ve signed up to the "7 Women's Empowerment Principles" of the UN Women's Charter. It’s a clear indication of our commitment to professional equality, as is the work we’re doing to increase the proportion of women in senior management. We also have a very active Women’s Inclusive Network, offering a safe and inspiring space to expand professional networks. Our internal female mentoring programme guarantees a mentor for anyone who applies, and we also participate in the 30% Club mentoring scheme, which aims to achieve greater gender balance at all levels within organisations.

Race and culture equality...

Our Race and Culture community of Networks are formed of a range of race and culture-related groups all dedicated to a more inclusive and representative organisation. In 2020 we became signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. And we have introduced a new mentoring programme to offer support specifically to Black and Ethnic Minority employees. We’re conscious that our Black and Ethnic Minority employees are currently under-represented in our businesses, and this is something we want to improve.

LGBT+ equality...

We want our LGBT+ employees to feel comfortable, confident, and to thrive here. Our active LGBT+ Network helps to keep us accountable, raising awareness about sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace. Our LGBT+ Allies scheme is about taking a genuine and active interest in the treatment of LGBT+ colleagues, calling out unacceptable behaviour and using our voices to promote positive change. Rainbow lanyards are available for network members and allies who wants to show their support.

Disability equality...

We want great talent, and to make that work for you, we actively use innovative recruitment, job adaptation, training and awareness-raising initiatives. This is all about supporting candidates and employees to perform to the best of their ability, and removing any barriers to success. In 2021 we reaffirmed our commitment by signing the International Labour Organization (ILO) charter and joining the "Entreprises et Handicap" network. In the UK, we have also signed up to become a Disability Confident Committed employer as part of the government 'Disability Confident' scheme, and have committed to move to Level 2 ‘Disability Confident Employer’ this year. Our inclusive, employee-led Disability Network provides support, advice, and a voice for employees with disabilities.

Age equality…

We believe we can all learn from each other, and we encourage the transmission of knowledge and skills. In turn, we sensitively help with the transition from work to retirement.

Neurodivergent equality…

We know that around 10% of people are neurodivergent in some way. We also know that neurominorities have a vast range of skills and strengths that they can bring to the workplace. Our Neurodiversity Network was set up to embrace and represent all forms of neurodiversity including; dyslexia, dyscalculia, attention deficit hyperactivity and the autistic spectrum. Seeking to raise awareness and positively influence how the organisation meets differing needs, the Network also offers a safe space where employees can speak openly about their experiences and support each other.

Every equality…

In essence, we listen to our people to make sure we’re doing our best for their work, career and professional life. Above all else, we want our people to be happy and healthy, which is why we were delighted to have been recognised as one of the 25 Best European Multinational Corporation by the Great Place to Work® Institute in 2021.

Wellbeing at work

At Sopra Steria, employee wellbeing takes centre stage and is part of our ‘people first’ philosophy. So, we are delighted this commitment has been recognised with our ranking among the top organisations in the first-ever UK's Best Workplaces™ for Wellbeing 2022 list by Great Place to Work UK.

We support our people to be emotionally and physically healthy through a truly holistic approach. This includes equipping our managers with training and support so they can spot when team members may need extra help. Our range of wellbeing tools include programmes on mindfulness, healthy eating nutrition and resilience, as well as on-demand fitness and wellbeing classes. Trained Mental Health First Aiders provide a first point of contact for employees to talk to about anything affecting their mental wellbeing. And our Employee Assistance Programme gives employees access to free, professional, impartial information, support and counselling in total confidence.

In a world where mental health and wellbeing are part of our everyday conversations, our aim is to help our people to be as happy and healthy as possible, whether at work or at home.