Natalie Collingwood is one of two team members leading RAFT, a CSR initiative launched in 2021 by Randstad Sourceright to support underrepresented talent as part of Randstad Enterprise’s global commitment to inclusive workforce solutions.
The problem
Workplace diversity and inclusion remain persistent challenges in many organisations, with underrepresented individuals often facing barriers to employment and career progression.
At Randstad Sourceright, there was a recognised need to foster a more inclusive environment and create tangible opportunities for diverse talent. Traditional hiring practices frequently prioritised experience over potential, limiting access for candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities. Additionally, there was a lack of structured support for employees requiring accommodations or facing challenges related to neurodiversity.
Addressing these systemic issues required a dedicated approach to embedding diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) into the company’s culture and processes.
The solution
Natalie took a proactive role in driving DEI initiatives at Randstad Sourceright, spearheading transformative efforts to break down barriers to employment. She developed and launched the RAFT (Recognising Ability, Fostering Talent) programme, specifically designed to support underrepresented individuals by creating employment opportunities and providing holistic support throughout their professional journeys.
Key elements of Natalie’s approach included:
- Organising awareness sessions on neurodiversity, covering topics such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism, and reading for over 200 colleagues across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
- Establishing partnerships with charities to extend the reach of RAFT and provide additional support to candidates.
- Advocating for clients to shift hiring perspectives, encouraging them to prioritise potential over experience when considering RAFT candidates.
- Implementing structured support mechanisms to ensure candidates received the guidance and accommodations necessary to thrive in their roles.
The results
Natalie’s leadership in DEI has yielded remarkable results, both within Randstad Sourceright and externally. Internally, her initiatives have fostered a culture of greater inclusivity, resulting in heightened employee engagement, improved retention rates, and the advancement of former RAFT candidates into senior positions.
The RAFT programme has successfully placed over 60 candidates into roles, including a specialist initiative at Fidelity International that focused on hiring candidates with disabilities.
Client engagement with RAFT’s principles has increased, leading to a broader commitment to inclusive hiring practices and more diverse hires. Additionally, strengthened partnerships with charities have expanded employment opportunities for underrepresented groups, reinforcing Randstad Sourceright’s role as a leader in driving workplace inclusivity.
Through her dedicated and innovative approach, Natalie has not only transformed the internal culture at Randstad Sourceright but has also set a precedent for industry-wide change, making her truly commendable in the DEI Influencer of the Year category.
The information contained within this resource was accurate at the time of its publication. This article was created in May 2025.