Rolls-Royce one of UK's most faith-friendly workplaces

Rolls Royce is one of the best workplaces in the UK for workers with a faith or belief, according to a new index. 

It scored top points in the first UK edition of the corporate Religious Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) Index and Monitor alongside management consulting firm Baringa Partners LLP.

They are being honoured today at the first Faith at Work Conference, being held at the London Salesforce Tower by the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation.

The foundation said that both organisations had "fully integrated religion (including non-theistic beliefs) as part of their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion".

"In doing so they have created workplaces where employees of all faiths and beliefs feel a sense of belonging, which is a benefit to retention, recruitment and ultimately revenue," it said. 

The index scores companies on a range of policies, among them the inclusion of religion in diversity training, how well they accommodate the religious needs of employees, and being attentive to how religion impacts stakeholders.

Rolls Royce and Baringa are followed in the REDI index by Ovo Energy, NATS and Thames Water.

In addition to Rolls Royce, the top 10 faith-friendly firms listed on the FTSE 100 includes BT Group, Schroders, Whitbread, HSBC, Ocado Group, Phoenix, Anglo American, United Utilities and St James Place.

The Faith at Work Conference being held today will explore how businesses that embrace a faith and belief-inclusive culture can gain a competitive advantage in talent acquisition, retention and overall productivity. 

Research by the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation found that while most FTSE 100 companies have one or more employee resource groups for race, abilities, gender and sexual orientation, only 12 per cent have any for religion or belief. 

The foundation said the data showed that "much more attention needs to be placed on including religion and belief" in diversity policies. 

News
Questions raised about demolition of 19th century church in Manchester
Questions raised about demolition of 19th century church in Manchester

Save Britain's Heritage has questioned the process behind the decision to call in the bulldozers.

Bishop raises plight of Christians caught in Sudanese civil war
Bishop raises plight of Christians caught in Sudanese civil war

Sudan has been in a state of civil war for most of its post-independence history.

Are we seeing the end of Western civilisation?
Are we seeing the end of Western civilisation?

the riots now sweeping across Europe like some foul contagion demonstrate that Western culture is under attack, and that the enemy is within.

Church of Scotland nominates first prison chaplain as Moderator of General Assembly
Church of Scotland nominates first prison chaplain as Moderator of General Assembly

For the first time in its 466-year history, the Church of Scotland has nominated a prison chaplain to serve as Moderator of its General Assembly.