The theme of this year’s National Inclusion Week is Time to Act: The Power of Now.

It’s easy to think inclusion is something that is complicated and a bit overwhelming, but this year’s theme is great as it means all of us doing our bit, in small ways every day, to help our colleagues and customers feel they can be themselves. 

At M&S, we have taken action to help make us more inclusive such as introducing Sunflower Lanyards to all our stores to support those with hidden disabilities, setting out our zero-tolerance policy when dealing with discrimination by launching ‘Respect Matters’ and developing more inclusive products, such as our ‘new neutrals’ lingerie range.

We’re encouraging our colleagues to take action too. From joining one of our eight colleague networks to sharing their diversity data with us, to help us better understand the make-up of our business. 

But also asking them to share ideas – through Straight to Stuart, our CEO suggestion scheme. The scheme is all about harnessing simple ideas that have a big impact.

To mark National Inclusion Week, here are three fantastic – and inclusive – Straight to Stuart colleague ideas we’re putting into action:

Suzanne Larmour, Clothing & Home Customer Assistant at M&S Belfast Abbey Centre

“My sister's step-son, Cody, has special needs and the family shop at M&S. Taking Cody shopping requires a lot of planning. You can't push a trolley and keep an eye on him at the same time; it takes two people to assist him and keep him safe.  

It usually ends up being extremely stressful and sometimes the family have had to leave without everything they needed. I went Straight to Stuart with the idea of a larger trolley for those with special needs, as it just made perfect sense. It allows families who have children with special needs to shop stress-free because their child is happy, relaxed and safe.”

Simone Fletcher, Store Manager at M&S Cirencester

“The reason I suggested LGBT+ name badges Straight to Stuart is that as a Store Manager with a veritable melting pot of colleagues, I felt that they were not being 'seen'.

When I suggested a rainbow flag, every colleague said yes, they would LOVE IT, so that's what happened. What I didn't foresee was the depth of feeling of how many people also wanted this. On top of this I had three colleagues who got in touch with me, to thank me, they all had been able to talk to their families about their sexuality and their lives are changed. This is my highlight of working at M&S.”

Megan Tomkies, A&A Customer Assistant at M&S Southampton Shirley

“I decided to design and submit my stammer symbol idea to help raise awareness of people like me who have a stammer. There was not a universally known symbol so having the opportunity to change that has felt amazing.

Now every colleague with a stammer or speech impediment will be able to add the symbol onto their name badge to let customers and colleagues know we need a bit more time. I hope that my design will contribute to M&S becoming more inclusive and understanding of all colleagues and customers who have a speech impediment.”