Inclusive recruitment at Maersk: Gillian Howarth shortlisted nominee for the British Diversity Awards 2024 - HR Diversity Champion Award

Hello! I am Gillian Howarth. I am the Head of TAA (Talent Attraction and Acquisition) for Europe and North America, as well as the Global Focal for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Maersk's TAA organization. Most recently, a shortlisted nominee in the HR Diversity Champion category at the British Diversity Awards 2024.

Being a Global Focal for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Over the past year, I've had the privilege of having a dual role as the Global Focal for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Maersk's Talent Attraction and Acquisition (TAA) organization alongside being the Head of TAA for Europe and North America.

As a devoted advocate for diversity and inclusion in recruitment, the Global Focal DEI role has allowed me to highlight opportunities to strategically enhance inclusivity in our hiring practices. Aligning my vision with the Maersk Global DEI strategy, we identified substantial potential for improvement at each phase of the hiring process. As a TAA team, we direct our efforts towards attracting a diverse pool of talent through compelling content and refining procedures to ensure an equitable and just recruitment experience for all.

Diversity at Maersk

Diversity is at the top of the agenda at Maersk; we have a Global DEI team at Maersk dedicated to working across all aspects of diversity, from diverse abilities, to gender, to inclusive leadership, to make Maersk a more inclusive place to work.

Our DEI ambition is to facilitate diversity of thought and create diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces where Maersk employees feel able to be their whole selves and contribute their fullest. Creating a culture built on respect, fairness and a strong sense of belonging is key to improving our business and transforming our industry.

This is even more important with Maersk being such a global organization, with nearly 100,000 employees across 130 countries. To work in the best way possible, the ability to work effectively and sensitively across different cultures and locations is essential.

I truly believe that working in a diverse environment and in a culture that embraces and supports all our employees, no matter who they are. I’ve personally seen how the inclusive culture has positively impacted colleagues, for example having the opportunity to join panels to openly talk and share about Neurodiversity and psychological safety has opened up conversations that hadn’t been happening previously.