Interview with Emily Abbam
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We shine the spotlight on all underrepresented groups throughout the year but every October, we take the opportunity to reflect specifically on the meaning behind Black History Month. More importantly, we strive to place particular attention on the career and successes of members of our Collaboration Community who have Black heritage. It is a month in which we celebrate this vibrant culture while contemplating the complex historical narrative, and look ahead with positivity and a commitment to ensure that Black communities and colleagues are recognised for their contribution to all parts of society.
In the run-up to our Inclusion Summit, we were thrilled to catch up with former Ethnic Future Leaders Programme graduate, Emily Abbam, who is Head of D&I with Rapport, one of the Compass Group UK&I brands. Emily is on the shortlist for inclusion in’s Most Outstanding EDI Professional of the Year in HTL, at the Gala Awards ceremony next week. In this interview, she gives her perspective on Black History Month and how she sees diversity and inclusion evolving.
What is the importance of Black History Month to you?
Within Rapport and the wider Compass business, we have reimagined Black History Month to Black Future Month, as for us it’s about taking what we have learnt from past generations, to change the narrative and look forwards to enhancing better inclusion of Black and Ethnic minorities. To me, celebrating Black Future Month and remembering Black History isn’t just for the month of October, but it is really important that there is a time where the contributions of those with African and Caribbean heritage to British society are recognised and celebrated, to foster an understanding of Black history in general.
How have you interpreted this year's theme of 'Reclaiming narratives' at Compass?
The theme this year of “reclaiming narratives’ is about how we can recognise and correct the narratives of Black history and culture. To me, this highlights the importance of education and creating a platform for Black people to tell their story, past, present and future. Within Rapport and Compass, our DEI Networks play an important part in giving our teams the opportunity to share their story and celebrate Black culture. There is power in storytelling. It helps us preserve old cultures and build new ones. Stories also provide a sense of identity, inclusion and belonging.
How did your experience of the EFL Programme have an effect on your work mindset and/or your career?
Being part of the ELF Programme back in 2023 allowed me to be connected with leaders in the industry and external experts – giving me the insight and exposure to help me consider my growth and development as a leader. Since the programme, I have developed into my Head of DEI role at Rapport and am really excited to continue to do important work in this area for our business.
How would you like to see EDI evolving (particularly for Black colleagues)?
There is still much work to be done when it comes to diversifying talent pipelines, but also in breaking the glass ceiling which still exists for Black people. I am pleased to say that we are working on a new programme within Rapport - a Reciprocal Mentoring Programme to launch next year, which will focus on this area. I am really excited to continue to work on initiatives which create meaningful and positive lasting change.
Within Compass Group UK & Ireland, we are gaining great momentum with Our Social Promise which includes the Mission To A Million promise, to positively impact one million people from within and outside the organisation by 2030. This includes a focus on representation and opportunities.
You are on the shortlist for inclusion in's Most Outstanding EDI Professional of the Year in HTL. What initiatives have you led in the past 12 months which have had the best traction or impact?
More recently, I have been really proud to lead on the development of our DEI leadership learning modules within our Inspire Programme to continue to support our Rapport managers with their knowledge and capability. We have also launched our Giving Back Strategy and have a target to raise £30,000 for our nominated charity partners, West Lea School and Down Syndrome Ireland. Our fundraising efforts kicked off with our Cycle to Inspire Challenge which saw 12 of our Ambassadors cycling from London to Dublin in September to help raise funds for two important charities! To find out more and to donate, please click here.
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