ITM Inclusive Travel Taskforce releases new guide to help “frame the need”

Empowering companies to build inclusive travel programmes, the Institute of Travel Management (ITM)’s latest Taskforce has produced a new guide to help organisations across different sectors embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) into their corporate travel policies and practices. Accessible to all, the guide will be available both in written and audio format and will be supported by a free webinar on 19 June, 10 – 11:00 (BST)*.

The taskforce** brings together voices from both buyers and suppliers to provide a well-rounded perspective. Representative of the collaborative approach required to consider the needs of all individuals; the guide encourages a true partnership of both internal and external parties across the business.

Offering actionable insights that build on duty of care initiatives, the webinar and guide is applicable to all, whether you are in the initial stages of building an inclusive travel strategy or developing an established policy.

Outputs serve as a practical roadmap for travel managers and associated stakeholders to create travel programmes that account for the varied needs of a diverse workforce — including considerations related to race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, and neurodiversity, which may put a traveller at greater risk than others. From conducting inclusive risk assessments to supplier engagement and employee feedback mechanisms, the guide provides clear steps to transform intent into impact.

ITM board member and Taskforce representative, Sue Jones added, “Be reassured that we, our buyer members and our supplier members are all learning together, so the important thing to remember is that you are not alone in this!” Motivating others to embark on this journey, this series of resources incites meaningful change – “keep in mind that the steps we take towards making business travel truly inclusive will make a positive difference to our travellers, to our organisations, and to society as a whole.”

Supporting individuals to be their complete selves in all aspects of their working life; both at home and ‘on the road’ without discriminations, barriers and/ or burden; the guide alongside this month’s webinar, addresses the following key topics:

Key topics addressed include:

• Understanding different traveller experiences through different perspectives
• Embedding inclusive practices into travel risk management and duty of care
• Engaging with diverse suppliers and accommodation partners
• Building feedback loops that centre employee voices
• Leveraging data to measure inclusivity in travel spend and policy impact

Building an Inclusive Travel Programme will be available to download via ITM Resources from 19 June; following the associated webinar earlier that same morning.

* Non ITM members must first create a free Connect profile before registering at itm.org.uk/events
**Taskforce members include Sue Jones at HSBC, Adam Hickingbotham at Atkins Realis, Kayleigh Rogers at Amex GBT, Carolyn Pearson at Maiden Voyage, Kerry Smith at Mott MacDonald, Louise Kilgannon at FESTIVE ROAD and a Travel Manager from Banking and Financial Services

The article ITM Inclusive Travel Taskforce releases new guide to help “frame the need” first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.