We have achieved a top level accreditation for ethnicity inclusion

We have achieved the highest level of accreditation available through the Investing in Ethnicity Maturity Matrix.  

We have been named an Exemplary Employer, Level 4 for 2026-27, recognising our work to create a fair and inclusive workplace for colleagues from all ethnic backgrounds.  

The Maturity Matrix assesses employers across seven areas, insights, supporting strategy, culture and inclusion, recruitment, the employee life cycle, external impact and employee network groups.  

We achieved a score of 1054 out of a possible 1480, equivalent to 71 per cent, compared with the 2026 employer average of 57 per cent.  We performed above the average in six of the seven categories assessed.  

Particular strengths included:  

• External impact, where we scored  88 per cent against an average of 51 per cent; 
• Insights, with a score of 82 per cent against an average of 71 per cent; 
• Employee network group activity, scoring 81 per cent against an average of 54 per cent; 
• Culture and inclusion, scoring 79 per cent against an average of 54 per cent; 
• Recruitment, where we achieved 78 per cent against an average of 56 per cent.  

The assessment also awarded us full marks in several areas, including customer and client services, employee network communications and organisational understanding of ethnicity inclusion.  

Our approach to reporting data by ethnic group, aligning recruitment activity with representation targets, involving leaders in inclusion work and promoting fair opportunities within our supply chain were also highlighted as areas of excellence.   

Tom Piotrowski, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager said: “Achieving Exemplary Employer status is an important milestone and one we are incredibly proud of.  It reflects the commitment of colleagues across Platform who are helping us create a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to succeed.  

"We are particularly pleased that the assessment recognised the strength of our work around external impact, insight, recruitment, culture and inclusion, as well as the contribution made by our employee network.  

"However, this accreditation is not the end of the journey.  The detailed assessment has also given us a clear and independent view of where we need to go further.  We will use its recommendations to strengthen our action plan and ensure inclusion is embedded throughout every stage of the colleague experience."  

The report identifies further opportunities for us to strengthen our approach to employee development, performance and progression, representation data, mentoring and organisational accountability.  

We will now use the findings to inform our future equality, diversity and inclusion work and build on the progress recognised through the accreditation.  

Investing in Ethnicity was launched in 2016 to help organisations develop their understanding of ethnicity inclusion and workplace best practice.  Its Maturity Matrix, backed by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Governance and Inclusive Leadership, provides organisations with an independent assessment of their progress and a roadmap for continued improvement.  

Our 2026-27 Exemplary Employer accreditation was certified by Sarah Garrett MBE, Founder of Investing in Ethnicity.   

Photo caption : Platform colleagues celebrating International Culture Day earlier this year