Reaching for the stars

Throughout this week we’ll be sharing stories from around the business to highlight our inclusion campaign - Altogether Different.

Rebecca Wilson-Kane is an annual leave cover manager at Luton delivery office. She has been with Royal Mail for four years and was a member of our BAME mentoring scheme.

‘Our aim at Luton delivery office is to ensure that we clear the office each day and promote a positive workplace,’ said Rebecca.

‘I have often found that my progression at points has been blocked due to training courses being cancelled. But having said that, I got a big break when I first enquired about possibilities within management. As there was already a female manager in place in this office, I felt that I too could become a manager. The challenges I overcame while managing the office when I was a postwoman, were difficult at the time, however, they have definitely shaped my management style to date.

‘I firmly believe that having a direct mentor through the BAME mentoring scheme has helped me. But, it would also be great to be given the time to explore other options within the business. While based in one sector – Operations, in my case - I would still like to know about other areas of the business and discover the necessary skills needed to make certain transitions.

‘What I enjoyed about the BAME mentoring scheme was being around other like-minded people who “look like you”, and have faced similar experiences as you. But also, recognising the fact that the mentors we have are living proof that we too can make an impact on a massive corporation such as Royal Mail.

‘I am super-ambitious and I do not wish to compete with anyone but the person I see in the mirror. If you reach for the stars and land on the moon you have certainly achieved magnificent things.’

Watch our video below to hear more on what it feels like to be included.

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 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.