News & Media
Diversity and Inclusion at BASF in UK
We believe that diversity and inclusion make the difference. Only when people with diverse backgrounds come together, contribute their various experiences and attitudes, and look at challenges from different perspectives, creative innovations and groundbreaking solutions are created.
Diversity and Inclusion is a focus for BASF.
Working with passionate employees in our UK organisation we have developed a network of people, across our sites, who are committed to developing and driving topics in the UK which support our aims of an inclusive workplace. We call these our Diversity and Inclusion Action Groups. Guided by a leadership sponsor and an employee champion, our Action Groups partner with external organisations to support best practice and benchmarking. Current partnerships include Inclusive Employers.
We are committed to taking action to continuously improve, based on five broad pillars - Awareness, Processes, Communication, External Engagement and Evaluation.
Our Action Groups
Our Action Groups, alongside local activities at our sites, work to make a positive impact on our company culture. The groups have evolved and continue to evolve. In 2016 a group of ambassadors, inspired by the work of WISE, worked to encourage gender balance within STEM subjects by working with neighbouring schools and colleges, as well as championing gender balance within our own BASF teams. The group has grown, has been renamed The Gender Action Group and now represents all genders. Their work looks to support a variety of gender topics within and outside of BASF in UK and Ireland.
In 2020 the Race Action Group and LGBT Action Group were formed and a non-hierarchical strategic team was put in place, formalising the Action Group structure. A D&I Strategy was developed which was underpinned by four broad pillars: Education; Processes; Communication and Outreach. Following on from the initial objectives which focused on inspiring the next generation of female scientists in our communities, our objectives expanded with all our Action Groups working to raise awareness of lived experiences and current challenges within the organisation with the aim of developing an open, inclusive and respectful environment.
In 2024 Non-visible Disabilities, Generations and Societal Engagement Groups were established; the pillars were expanded to five (Awareness, Processes, Communication, External Engagement and Evaluation) and the Mission Statement was reviewed.
We recognise the value of diversity to our organisation and the importance of having an organisation where everyone feels included.
Recent Actions
Our Action Groups encouraged the partnership with Inclusive Employers and supported the development, piloting and introduction of a bite-sized, self-directed learning package which began roll-out to all BASF employees across UK & Ireland in 2023. The short sessions are delivered by colleagues with little experience in EDI and are designed to raise awareness and facilitate conversations across all BASF employees in UK & Ireland. Other outcomes of note include the 2022 launch of BASF’s Inclusion Award which recognises employees who actively create an inclusive environment and establishing Mind Over Menopause, a safe space group supporting all female employees with expert help, a place to ask questions and for colleagues to share life experiences. We are proud to be partners in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Broadening Horizons Programme and to have co-hosted our recent Women's Conference CONNECT.SHARE.INSPIRE.
Inclusive practices create an environment that enables everyone to be heard, be their best self and deliver value to our customers. BASF in the UK wants a workplace where everyone feels included. I believe the action groups within our organisation alongside local activities at our sites really make a difference.
