Living proof

As part of Black History Month we are profiling a number of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) colleagues to celebrate the differences, contributions and achievements of our diverse workforce.

Postwoman Sharon Pratt, from Swindon mail centre, has worked for Royal Mail for almost 30 years.

‘It all came about because of my late father, who worked for Royal Mail from 1976 until his retirement for medical reasons, in 1986,’ says Sharon. ‘I guess his satisfaction with working for the business rubbed off on me because I joined soon after he retired.

‘My father, Nollis Noriega, who was originally from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, joined the RAF in the mid-1950s. After he had completed his service he was left looking for a full-time job.

‘He found work at a car manufacturing company, but he really didn’t like it. And when my older brother came home from his summer job between university terms with a £50 note for a week’s work at Royal Mail - which turned out to be £20 more than my Dad was earning a week!  - he asked if there were any vacancies. The rest, as they say, is history.

‘But it wasn’t just the pay that attracted him to Royal Mail. It was the job security, the cosmopolitan mix among colleagues and the working conditions that he liked the sound of too. Back then, they use to say that working for Royal Mail was a job for life, and I guess if you want it to be, it can be just that.

‘It’s probably for this very reason that I’m still working at Royal Mail, that and the fact that the business works side by side with the CWU to constantly evolve and bring about a better working environment for all colleagues and members.

‘I’ve had various roles, but I’m currently working full-time on nights as a postwoman and workplace coach operating an FSM/TOPS machine to sort A3 flats letters. In addition to these roles, I can proudly add that I am a first aider and a CWU equality officer and union learning rep.  

‘I would like to think that my Dad would be proud of what I’ve managed to achieve in my 29 years with Royal Mail and that I am living proof that the job can indeed be a job for life!’

Supporting BAME colleagues

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Making our business a place where black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues can achieve their potential remains a priority.

Career progression is a key focus as we work towards improving the representation of colleagues from BAME backgrounds across all levels of the business. We need to build greater awareness that the network exists and is there to support our people and shine a light on all the good, positive things we are doing across the business.

If you are thinking about holding a BAME cultural event in your unit and need some help, please reach out to us. To contact the BAME steering group, or volunteer to help out with their activities, please email bame@royalmail.com.