A running start

Black History Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness of and celebrate the achievements and contributions of our black colleagues, the wider BAME community and BAME allies.

Today, field account director, Nathan Osbourne, charts his journey at Royal Mail since joining the Parcelforce sales team in 1993.

‘A year after joining the sales team in East London, I moved across to Royal Mail’s new telephone account team in Rathbone Place, Tottenham Court Rd,’ said Nathan. ‘I had a great time working with some great people, and got my two promotions to a key account manager role out on the road.

‘I’ve had two really good managers who were very supportive with not only my career, but as me as a person, showing great empathy and support when required.

‘Over the years, I’ve seen Royal Mail become much more vocal about the value of having such a diverse workforce and the importance of celebrating key dates across different cultural groups. I believe that there does, however, need to be more diversity within senior levels of Royal Mail to tap the enormous talent we have among colleagues and better match our customer base.

‘As a child of first-generation British Jamaicans to the UK, my parents have been my role models due to their resilience and bravery at having left their parents and country of birth to make a new life for themselves overseas. They’ve succeeded at raising no less than seven children to be independent and to have their own successful careers.

‘I believe Black History Month is very important to showcase the contribution many BAME individuals and families have provided to make this country a success. As part of the sales Diversity & Inclusion Group, BHM will be highlighted on our weekly sales communication newsletter to more than 300 sales colleagues.

‘I now live in North Wales and I’m involved in junior athletics via my position as the vice-chairman of my local running club. Being a BAME committee member gives our club a more inclusive outlook on attracting new members from other parts of the local community.’

Supporting BAME colleagues

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.

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