Nikita approached In the Middle with a challenge: drive positive change across Marston’s Internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I).
DE&I isn’t a box to tick. It’s a business advantage.
We recently partnered with Marston’s to help redefine Diversity, Equity & Inclusion across the business — not as policy, but as culture. Because real DE&I doesn’t live in slide decks or statements. It shows up in leadership, in everyday behaviours, and in the way people feel when they walk into work.
At Marston’s, eight colleague networks are helping lead that change. Colleague-led. Voice-driven. Focused on building a culture where people can truly Come As They Are.
They celebrate difference, challenge the status quo, and push the business to be better — every single day. That’s what moving beyond compliance looks like.
At Marston’s, our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Networks are at the heart of building a culture where everyone belongs. These colleague led groups celebrate our differences, champion inclusion, and drive positive change across our business.
COME AS YOU ARE
Marston’s foster a culture where everyone can ‘Come as They Are’; where dignity, respect and opportunities are lived every day.
Guided by the Equality Act 2010 and Marston’s values, they actively remove barriers, challenge bias, and create inclusive environments across the entire employee journey – all the way from recruitment to development and progression.
Pride network
Connecting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Our Pride Network is all about inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community, all year round. We want everyone, whether that’s LGBTQ+ or our allies, to come as they are and feel warmly welcomed at any of our pubs.
Social network
Uniting everyone to cultivate a positive workplace culture, reinforcing values and shared behaviours. The Social Network hosts events and fundraising activities, bringing people together to celebrate inclusion and raise funds for Marston’s Charitable Foundation.
Men’s network
Bringing our men and allies together in a safe and supportive environment, we aim to make connections, create positive change, educate and remove the stigma around men’s mental health and wellbeing. M – mental health E – education N – nurturing.
Age network
Driving intergenerational understanding to support lifelong growth, collaboration, and social impact. The Age Network focuses on intergenerational understanding and education. Increasing the recruitment of 50 year old + workers into the business.
Core network
Connecting and empowering our people by celebrating diversity and inclusivity through authentic representation in the workplace. Culture, Origin, Religion and Ethnicity. The Network is committed to celebrating and supporting the diverse cultural heritage of Marston’s people.
Women network
A supportive space where women connect, grow, and lead with confidence and purpose. Proactively working to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Continuously seeking feedback from our people,identifying and understand needs and implement meaningful changes.
Accessibility network
A space where people of all abilities – especially those with disabilities – can fully participate and thrive. Creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, inspired and empowered to thrive! Attracting, hiring, retaining and supporting more disabled colleagues into our business.
Communities network
Creating safe, engaging spaces for all promoting positivity and togetherness. Striving to be a fully inclusive employer that attracts and appeals to diverse and vulnerable groups of people. We also sustain our support for our UK Armed Forces as a forces-friendly employer.
The result Creating a DE&I strategy that ensures Marston’s people:
Relate to, feel represented by and trust each other
Feel valued and supported
Feel involved in the bigger picture
Are appreciated as individuals
Communicate openly, have a voice and are listened to
The eight employee network groups provide safe spaces where people can connect with each other, share experiences, influence real change and work collaboratively.
Marston’s networks are at the heart of building a culture where everyone belongs.
With over 1,000 members the networks create numerous opportunities for their people to connect, learn, raise awareness and receive support when they need it.
We’re building a culture where people matter. A place where passion, personality and potential are celebrated. This project puts Marston’s on that roadmap and aligns everyone internally to what we are trying to achieve.
Nikita Sheldon, Head of Diversity and Inclusion – Marston’s PLC
