This week I’ve been visiting SMMT members in the North of England to discuss the challenges they are facing after an unprecedented couple of years, and what SMMT can do to provide new opportunities. Each one has said they are experiencing a restricted recruitment market and are being impacted by a shortage of a readily available skilled workforce.
There are many steps that can be taken to recruit more effectively, but the launch of SMMT’s new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Toolkit last week helps members to take an important one. Every business will be at a different stage in developing a more diverse and inclusive workforce, but it is proven that those embracing DE&I are best placed to succeed, by developing and growing their workforce with a diverse range of talents, backgrounds and experiences, and the benefits that brings, both commercially and socially.
The toolkit has been created to identify best practices for promoting DE&I within automotive companies. It provides guidelines for demonstrating an inclusive culture, and supports actions to help develop a truly inclusive industry agenda, as well as providing helpful tips and advice.
It is also encouraging to see that some SMMT members are proactively running recruitment programmes or open days that engage with the local community they are in, as well as introducing employee development programmes that focus on succession planning for the future of their business.
Looking further ahead, we’re just six months away from the CV Show in 2023. This year’s show in May had a very strong turnout of both visitors and exhibitors, and exciting new plans are already in place for the next edition. Find out more at www.cvshow.com.
