Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: BELCO’s Ongoing DE&I Journey

Aug 19, 2022

Check out our article in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Magazine: Bermuda Media — Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) is committed to creating and supporting a diverse, equitable and inclusive company culture which we believe results in a more just society, resilient community, and high-performing workforce. Additionally, we remain focused on maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity in our relationships with our team, our community, our customers, and our stakeholders, while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

BELCO has representation on an established global Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Council which was formed to unite representatives from across the globe with the goal of developing, refining,– and taking the lead on the path to a more DE&I centric approach. The Council is mandated to provide informed leadership for cultural equity and to promote equal opportunity within the workplace. Our participation on this Council is assisting BELCO in strengthening the foundation in order to develop and implement the appropriate programmes to address DE&I issues across our business.

We recognise that we have a social responsibility to our community and our team to develop and enact policies that support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). With a team of 234 employees, we strive to continuously evolve our DE&I approach to ensure every team member knows that they are valued; receives fair and equitable treatment; has a voice that can be heard; and has a place they know that they belong. Overall, an investment in a DE&I centric approach makes good business sense as it builds a team that delivers better business results and creates a stronger, more resilient organisation.

One of the areas we are continuously trying to improve in is female representation within our company and industry. While the physical work operating the plant and maintaining the distribution grid has traditionally been dominated by men, women are increasingly taking on these roles and excelling. Of the 234 full-time employees at BELCO, 35 are women. Women work in almost every area of the Company including Bulk Generation; Transmission, Distribution and Retail; Occupational Health, Safety & Environment; IT; Sustainability; Procurement & Logistics; and Communications with one of our two Managing Directors being female. Additionally, our Electricity Supply Trade Union (ESTU) has a female President for the first time in its history.

At BELCO, we strongly encourage women to apply for careers, scholarships, internships, and apprenticeships and of the latest 15 apprentices, one is a young Bermudian female. Upon completion of our Apprenticeship Programme, she, along with all the apprentices, will be placed in a designated area of the business deemed most suitable, which will include potential positions such as Electrical Fitters, Mechanical Fitters, Line Workers and Electrical Jointers. Additionally, BELCO has recently hired 20 Summer interns – the most in the Company’s history – of which 11 are female.

BELCO’s Director, Human Resources and Culture, LaKeitha Cunnigham shared: “BELCO has a long history of supporting its team, but we are proud of the strides we have made in the realm of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in recent years. As we move towards a more sustainable future, we are constantly learning and implementing new strategies to improve. Ensuring we take a DE&I centric approach will assist us in attracting and retaining top talent, while also ensuring our customers are receiving the highest calibre of service and care possible.”

Our ongoing DE&I journey demonstrates our commitment to a more sustainable future. As we strive to continuously evolve and progress, we recognise further opportunities for growth and improvement. However, we are proud of the progress we have made so far and look forward to progressing even further in the future.

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