IMI appoints head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

As the evolution of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) frameworks continues across the automotive sector, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has appointed experienced EDI advocate, Sally-Anne Hodder as Head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging. In her previous role as Head of HR & Business Support at the IMI, EDI was a significant focus for Hodder, including being a key stakeholder in the implementation, launch and ongoing development of the IMI’s Diversity Task Force.

Leading the Physical & Non-Visible Disabilities working group of the Diversity Task Force, Hodder not only set out to understand how the motor sector can be a more attractive place to work in for all. She also wanted to identify how to deliver tangible solutions to help automotive businesses prepare for a more diverse future workforce by improving equity and inclusion in their businesses now. This work is crucial for sector businesses to address the high vacancy rates and skills shortage and will complement the launch of the IMI’s latest campaign, ‘There’s More to Motor’, which aims to shift widespread perceptions and showcase the vast array of career opportunities for school leavers, graduates and career changers alike.

“In my role leading the HR team, I gained a real insight into how important it is to have a diverse workforce. My work with the Task Force has reinforced this, but also highlighted that it is equally important to understand the changes we need to make to be more equitable and inclusive in the workplace to welcome and retain that more diverse workforce. This is important for us as an organisation as well as for the wider automotive sector,” commented Hodder. “From a personal perspective I was only too aware of the difficulties faced by those with disabilities because my daughter is autistic and has learning disabilities herself. Together we have had to overcome numerous challenges both through the school system and now trying to find employment.”