Celebrating diversity

An Aberdeen workforce learn about diversity at work with a little help from Scottish Opera – and a brave mountaineer

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Members of Scottish Opera offer tips on creativity and expression to consulting, outsourcing and technology company Accenture during the firm’s first Diversity Week. Accenture was recently announced as sponsor of Scottish Opera

ABOUT 75 workers from the Aberdeen office of Accenture, a global consultancy, outsourcing and technology company, recently took part in workshops in parenting advice, fair-trade awareness and overcoming physical and emotional barriers.

Their experiences were part of a five-day programme of activities designed to celebrate the diversity of the company’s 330-strong Scottish workforce.

Focusing on the themes of gender, ethnicity, parenting and enablement, the first Diversity Week programme launched by Accenture attracted huge support from staff at all levels.

Among the highlights was a keynote speech from Jamie Andrew, the Scottish mountaineer who had his hands and feet amputated following a horrific accident in the French Alps.

He offered insight and his perspective on overcoming personal challenge and barriers to a room of more than 30 staff during their lunch hour at the Bridge of Don office.

Among those attending was Alan Barron, support centre lead.

He said: “Listening to Jamie’s sheer determination was truly inspirational. He’s a great example of what can be achieved when you set your mind to it.

“On a professional level, it was also a really useful reminder that you shouldn’t limit yourself or allow yourself to be pigeonholed.

“Everyone attended this session with a positive attitude and an open mind and there was a real buzz in the office after his presentation ended.”

Accountant Ryan Beattie, who took part in a first-aid course earlier in the week, added: “With one 16-month-old child and another one on the way, I thought it would be a good idea to take part in the first-aid course.

“It was well attended and great to learn the basics in a short course that you can fit into your working day.

“It has given me the confidence to deal with situations that I maybe would not have had before.

“I think it’s great to see these events happening up here in Aberdeen, too.”

Trevor Hatton, managing director of Accenture Scotland, said: “We are tremendously pleased with the success of our first Diversity Week, not only with the fascinating programme of workshops that were offered to staff, but with the positive feedback from those who took part.

“Accenture is lucky enough to benefit from a talented and diverse workforce which we are proud to celebrate through this rewarding programme.”