Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Strength through diversity
Celebrate difference.
Our ability to harness diverse perspectives from around the world is at the heart of our client proposition. To make this promise a reality, we are committed to equitable policies, educating our people through formal training and immersion sessions, and fostering dialogue while recognizing cultural celebrations through shared experiences and conversations.
Committed to our community.
We are only at our best when our people feel a sense of belonging. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and encourage our colleagues to participate in our employee resource groups (ERGs) around the world. These groups sponsor development programs and serve as sounding boards to colleagues for internal initiatives and work on behalf of our clients. ERGs empower historically underrepresented groups to solidify a strong internal foundation of inclusion.
In collaboration with the ERGs we continue to address barriers and better understand challenges faced by these groups.
Throughout the year, in conjunction with our diversity-themed commemorations and celebrations such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride, and AAPI History Month, FGS Global sponsors cultural events and panel discussions featuring a wide range of advocates on the frontlines of social justice activism and DEI related work in a variety of industries.
Our ERGs are an integral part of the employee experience and play a vital role in connecting people across the firm in building a sense of community and belonging for our colleagues.
In the US several ERGs meet regularly and represent the diverse groups and needs within the firm — including AAPI, FGS Global Noire (Black employee network), LGBTQ+ PRIDE, LatinX, Mental Health Advocacy, Women of FGS Global, and Working Moms.
Embrace
Our multicultural network in the UK dedicated to championing greater ethnic, gender, sexual orientation and cultural diversity across our firm and the wider communications industry.
The group oversees our local cultural calendar, identifies training opportunities, and works in concert with its executive sponsor and the wider management team to institute policies and commitments to cultivate a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment.
Support for our people.
Listening and Learning
We hold training sessions across our offices focused on allyship, implicit biases, and how they impact professional interactions and career development. These sessions are a way for colleagues to learn, discuss and debate topics around culture and society in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Our hiring practices encourage recruiting managers to proactively source and present a diverse slate of candidates for every open position.
We use blind CV protocols to remove bias and encourage a diverse slate of candidates. FGS Global colleagues who participate in the hiring process take unconscious bias training and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusiveness and anti-racism.
Cultivating a pipeline of talent into the communications industry that represents the societies in which we work is core to our commitment.
Through sponsorships of professional affinity group associations and college recruiting programs at HBCUs — via ColorCom, the Posse Foundation and the Taylor Bennett Foundation — we extend our reach and exposure to talented individuals from varied backgrounds.
The Taylor Bennett Foundation
FGS Global has been a partner of the Taylor Bennett Foundation since 2012.
The Taylor Bennett Foundation is a charity that exists to encourage black, Asian and minority ethnic graduates to pursue a career in communications. FGS Global hosts a cohort from Taylor Bennett’s award-winning program, offering an introduction and training across communications disciplines and internships to selected candidates.
Profile
Ilhan Ahmed
Completed the TBF program: Winter 2021
Team: Financial Services
Interests: Corporate PR, social media, and content creation
“The combination of both the training program and internship has been an amazing journey. It has really provided me with the support, experience and confidence to start my career in the industry. I have had the opportunity to work on diverse and exciting clients from sectors such as consumer goods, insurance, and private equity, allowing to develop a breadth of knowledge and interests. My time at FGS Global so far has been amazing and I can’t wait to continue developing and growing!”
The Posse Foundation
FGS Global has partnered with The Posse Foundation since 2020. Posse identifies and trains extraordinary young people with leadership potential. A small, talented and diverse group of Posse Scholars receive full-tuition scholarships at prestigious colleges and universities. Every semester, Posse Scholars join our internship program and we have several colleagues who are former Posse Scholars.
Our commitment in action
Pro Bono support
Our support for fostering an inclusive society doesn’t stop at the front door. We encourage our people to be involved in the community, offering funding and pro bono advice for diverse causes, both formally through our Social Activism and Volunteering groups, and informally with community organizations.
FGS Global PAC DEI Initiative
The principles of our DEI efforts underpin our PAC’s contribution strategy, while maintaining the bipartisan approach that serves our client and business interests.
FGS Global PAC contributions, at minimum, match the diversity of Congress.
Our PAC work aligns with the growing movement by large corporations, including many of our clients, to speak out on social issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion and commit to strengthening DEI work within their organizations.