Case Study - Hallmark Cards Plc

Background

Championing Diversity was a West Yorkshire wide programme offered to employers to help them develop their management of diversity. This included an assessment of the company’s progress to date and extensive help over 18 months to move them in the direction they want to be in the future.

The Organisation

Hallmark UK was established in 1958. They are the UK’s leading greeting card publisher, representing 60% of the Hallmark International business. They have the largest creative resource in the industry. Based in Bradford, Hallmark in the UK have 3,100 employees covering all areas of the business; creativity, sales, production and distribution. They are a leading and award winning specialist in Corporate Social Responsibility.

Impact “Involvement in the project has been a great experience and we are really excited to embed Diversity in to our organisation using the strategy, tools and methods developed throughout the programme. We have learnt that Diversity is not just the legal stuff and our strategy document 'Valuing Difference' fits perfectly with ourstrong company values and will enable us to continue developing our culture and employees whatever background, experience, skills and knowledge they may have.” Natalie Allan, HR Advisor

What did we do?

Identified key areas for action through the Driver process Developed the Hallmark Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 'Valuing Difference' Developed staff as trainers to roll out and embed the strategy to the business. Valuing Difference, 2009-2012 Hallmark's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, 'Valuing Difference', incorporates the following key strands: Strategos - Innovation programme Talking Talent Business Ethics Ways of Working Learning & Development ReSPECT (Corporate Social Responsibility) Communications Equal Opportunities Diversity action planning is being developed for each of these areas.

What did we learn?

How Diversity fits with our commitment to excellence in our overall business approach; The importance of senior buy-in, and of commitment from different areas of the business to drive this forward. We involved HR, Learning and Development and Corporate Social Responsibility teams. One employee also has this project as a key objective within their role.