BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE BUSINESS

The Barnes Group of Companies is committed to creating opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace across our businesses.

Diversity and Inclusion

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Our Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

At the Barnes Group of Companies, we believe that our greatest strength lies in our people. A workforce that reflects the full diversity of South Africa is not merely a regulatory obligation — it is a strategic advantage and a moral imperative. We are committed to building an organisation where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, or background.

Our approach to diversity and inclusion is embedded in the way we lead, hire, develop, and retain our people. It shapes our policies, informs our partnerships, and drives the culture we are committed to building across every entity in the group.

Diversity is not a destination. It is how we work, every day.

DIVERSITY

Transformation and B-BBEE

The Barnes Group of Companies is committed to the principles of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) as a cornerstone of our transformation agenda. We recognise our responsibility to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economic transformation and to the redress of historical inequalities.

Our transformation efforts are guided by the Codes of Good Practice and the applicable sector charters. We actively pursue meaningful progress across all elements of the B-BBEE scorecard, including:

Ownership: Advancing black ownership and economic participation within the group
Management Control: Building diverse leadership at board and executive level
Skills Development: Investing in the development of black employees and youth
Enterprise and Supplier Development: Supporting black-owned businesses through preferential procurement and development programmes
Socio-Economic Development: Contributing to the upliftment of communities in which we operate

We view B-BBEE not as a compliance exercise, but as an opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable business that creates shared value for all South Africans. [Insert current B-BBEE rating level here, e.g., “The Barnes Group holds a Level [X] B-BBEE contributor status.”]

DIVERSITY

Gender Equity and the Advancement of Women

The Barnes Group of Companies is committed to achieving meaningful gender equity across all levels of our organisation. We believe in creating an environment where women can build successful, long-term careers — from entry level through to executive leadership.

Our commitment to gender equity includes:

Actively recruiting, developing, and retaining women in leadership and technical roles
Ensuring equitable pay and opportunities for career advancement
Supporting flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
Providing mentorship and sponsorship programmes to accelerate the progression of women in the group
Challenging unconscious bias through training, awareness, and accountability

We are committed to setting measurable gender targets, reporting on progress transparently, and holding our leadership accountable for creating a workplace that is genuinely equitable for all.

DIVERSITY

An Inclusive Culture for All

Beyond transformation and gender equity, the Barnes Group is committed to fostering an inclusive culture where all employees — regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs — feel a genuine sense of belonging.

We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment of any kind. Our policies and practices are designed to promote dignity, fairness, and mutual respect in every workplace interaction. We encourage open dialogue, celebrate difference, and continuously work to remove barriers that may prevent any individual from reaching their potential within our organisation.