BEST VENUE FOR EQUALITY DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
{10-11} Carlton House Terrace
At {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, we recognise as a team of event and hospitality professionals who inhabit a prestigious central London venue, we have previously had barriers to access, and although unintentional, our previous activity is likely to have been impacted by biases and structural bias that exist organisationally, within the industry and in wider society. We are committed to breaking down those barriers to entry and delivering a better service and environment for our staff, clients, and suppliers We strive for fairness by understanding and celebrating differences as well as creating a sense of belonging – for everyone Utilising our influence by creating opportunities to ensure we are open to a wider audience and more communities We have the ability and opportunity to encourage diversity, inclusion, and accessibility where we can We are committed to being socially responsible and helping to build a stronger, diversified industry through providing opportunities for marginalised and underrepresented communities and promoting diversity and inclusion in our policies and practices In the summer of 2022, we began work with Diversity Alliance to translate our desire to break down these barriers into a tangible commitment and this year we will be working toward Diversity Alliance accreditation.
Friends House
Friends House is a Quaker venue, and as such we uphold the values of equality, peace, truth, justice, and simplicity. We want to provide a comfortable and safe environment where every individual feels respected and valued in their identities, no matter their gender, faith, sexual orientation, class, background, ethnicity, and ability.
We always strive to make the venue as accessible as possible and have worked with Accessable to create a detailed accessibility guide. We also do the work on EDI and run ongoing training for staff on race and equality. We take feedback on board and look at our past to improve the present.
We believe that treating staff fairly is key. Therefore, we pay everybody above the London Living Wage (as set by the Living Wage Foundation) and have a 1:4 ratio between the highest and lowest paid staff members. Finally, we recently improved our family friendly (maternity and adoption) and flexible working policies. Staff’s well-being is part and parcel of a successful venue, and we intend to uphold our commitment to a safe and enjoyable workplace for all.
House of Commons
The House of Common’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is evident in its enshrined commitments, flexible working practices, training initiatives, accessibility measures, and positive feedback from staff and clients. This extends beyond lip service, actively creating a welcoming and nurturing workplace that values diversity in all its forms.
The House of Commons prioritizes diversity in recruitment, implementing inclusive policies and fair selection processes that mitigate unconscious biases. They offer comprehensive training programs, mentoring opportunities, and equal promotion prospects based on merit. Flexible working arrangements accommodate diverse employee needs, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Collaborating closely with clients, the venue ensures tailored services and inclusive facilities to accommodate diverse abilities and preferences. The culinary team crafts menus that cater to various dietary requirements and cultural preferences, prioritizing sustainability and sourcing from local suppliers.
The House of Commons’ enduring legacy, dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion, innovative approaches, excellent catering services, and transformative impact in the event industry make it a deserving contender for the award. Their request for recognition emphasizes the venue’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and making a difference in the field.
Lumiere London
We proudly nominate Lumiere London Underwood for the “Best Venue for Diversity and Inclusion” award, showcasing their exceptional dedication to fostering an inclusive environment. Led by acclaimed fashion photographer Carlos Lumiere and Stephan Trockle, Lumiere London was established in 2007, offering creative studio spaces. The addition of Underwood Lofts in 2020 expanded their offerings. Underwood Lofts feature diverse spaces and inclusive facilities, including accessible options. Lumiere London boasts a team of 12 individuals spanning various nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, ages (21 to 57), abilities, and LGBTQ+ representation. Their unity, founded on core values, promotes open dialogue and respect. Robust policies encompass gender equal pay, EDI, anti-harassment, and more. The venue hosts a wide array of events, ensuring cultural diversity. Inclusive menus, collaborative partnerships, staff training, and engagement in social impact initiatives further demonstrate their commitment. Lumiere London’s marketing strategies also reflect inclusivity, featuring diverse individuals in their materials. The venue’s dedication to diversity and inclusion extends across their team, practices, and values, making them a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.
Troxy
Troxy, one of London’s largest independent venues, stands as a cultural landmark and East London hotspot. Evolving continually to enhance the event experience, the venue recently underwent refurbishment, elevating production values, installing gender-neutral facilities and adopting sustainable supplier initiatives. Since its art deco doors opened in 1933, Troxy has been a versatile event space, hosting various LGBTQIA+ events, including Buttmitzvah and MIMI’s Pride.
Troxy boasts a trusted reputation among clients, delivering diverse live and corporate events. The 1050sqm floor space can accommodate up to 800 guests for seated dinners or 3000 for standing events, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.
