The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has appointed 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 Sally, including being a key stakeholder in the implementation, launch and ongoing development of the IMI’s diversity task force.

Leading its physical & non-visible disabilities working group, Sally set out to understand how the motor sector can be not only a more attractive workplace but also a more diverse future workforce by improving equity and inclusion.

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 Sally.

“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.

“I passionately believe we must all be responsible for educating ourselves about others with different backgrounds and life experiences. Indeed, by being part of the IMI diversity task force I have gained a significantly broader view of the scale of challenges faced by those with different disabilities, as well as those whose background, gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity is different to mine.

Lesley Woolley, chief operating officer at the IMI added: “Sally has shown the utmost commitment to changing cultures and improving diversity and inclusive opportunities within the IMI and the wider automotive industry. Her drive is inspirational and we are excited to see what she does next."