We believe that everyone has the potential to be the best person for the job, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or disability. Which is why we have a team of Inclusion Ambassadors who are becoming subject matter experts in their special interest. They support our colleagues and our clients on Inclusion and form part of our commitment to being the UK's best inclusive recruiter.
We caught up with Nandini Bhatia, who is one of our amazing Recruitment Consultants based in our Manchester Office, and our Race Ambassador.
Tell us a bit about yourself, Nandini!
I'm Nandini Bhatia, I am 21 years old and I've been working at Outsource UK for just over 6 months now as a Recruitment Consultant. Working here, I have learnt so much and met some lovely people!
I was born and brought up in Dubai, and moved to the UK in 2018 to achieve my degree in International Tourism Management. Once I graduated in 2021, my partner and I moved to Manchester from Sheffield where I got my first job at a restaurant as a host. During my time there, I learnt a lot about what I did and didn’t want in my career. I was able to experience the good and the bad of a customer-facing role and learnt about the importance of having good colleagues and a company that you connect with. I started looking seriously into recruitment and had interview after interview until John Crichton (Head of Solutions Delivery at Outsource UK) approached me and that’s where my journey at Outsource UK began.
Why did you choose to be a Race Ambassador?
Growing up in the Middle East was fantastic, I myself am Indian and Hindu but I have always been surrounded by people from all over the world and have been able to experience different kinds of customs, holidays, and food for as long as I can remember.
I am really passionate about being a Race Ambassador because I think it can be really nerve-wracking when you are from a different place, no matter how many years it has been, you can still feel like an outsider at times. Being able to discuss my background openly in the office and have people genuinely listening and wanting to know more has allowed me to feel more confident in myself and integrate into the team better.
Talking about different customs, ethnicities, and religions can be beneficial for everyone involved! Having open conversations, asking questions, and genuinely being interested in learning can help you open your mind up to a completely different way of life. It also teaches appreciation for all kinds of cultures.
What have you got planned for your role as an Ambassador?
Something exciting that I'm planning for October is a pot-luck in each of our offices! It'll be one day where anyone who wants to take part, brings in a meal that they grew up having and is special to them or their background. We'll then all come together and have a work lunch with some great food and learn about each other's backgrounds!
I'm also going to continue to promote our Inclusion Calendar internally, our Inclusion Calendar allows all of our colleagues to share dates that are important to them. By knowing these dates, we're able to acknowledge them in the best way possible. Be that by celebrations, discussions, or whatever is best suited for that occasion - we'll do it! I really like our Inclusion Calendar as it means I'm able to talk to that colleague to understand specifically why that date is important to them so I'm also learning all the time!
Outsource UK recently updated every employee's benefits package, and one of my favourite new benefits is that each Ambassador gets a day to either volunteer or attend an event that is linked with our ambassadorship so I'm really looking forward to that!
What’s your favourite holiday that you celebrate?
My favourite holiday is Diwali, also known as the festival of lights. Diwali usually lasts five days and the dates vary from year to year, the occasion specifically takes place on a no-moon night to enjoy the beautiful lights. This year Diwali is from 23rd to 27th October with the main day being on 24th. Every region in India has distinctive traditions for commemorating this festival, but whatever the customs, there is an agreement that Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. Diwali is a very auspicious time as it coincides with the Hindu New Year.
Back home during Diwali, as a family we would spend time together setting up our homes by deep cleaning, putting up lights inside and outside our home as well as creating beautiful decorations known as ‘Rangoli’, made with colourful powders placed in an intricate pattern. We also dress up in bright and colourful traditional outfits and visit homes of other loved ones to share blessings, delicious food and positivity. Personally, my favourite part is when we light firecrackers and enjoy the beautiful light show!
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to learn more?
It's good to ask questions if you’re open to learning and remember to keep an open mind! Don’t be afraid to share your story if you’re comfortable doing so, there will always be someone who is happy to listen. Comparison is a great way to find how different people celebrate festivals but remember to not react negatively to customs different from your own.
If you'd like to keep the conversation going, please don't hesitate in contacting Nandini Bhatia:
- LinkedIn - Nandini Bhatia
- Email - NBhatia@outsource-uk.co.uk
- Phone - 0161 694 5940
