ABOUT US

At Unity, we are focused on uniting, appreciating and celebrating the cultural diversity represented by employees and customers at NEXT.

Our objective is to work with the business to be part of the effort to ensure that this is a workplace that enables everyone to bring their authentic self to work and equally supports the needs of all employees to develop and achieve their full potential at NEXT.

We are a passionate voice for ethnic diversity and equality at NEXT. And as an expression of this, we have built a community that has created an open and safe space for education, discussion and celebration of employees from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds across the business.

We all have a role to play in ensuring the business is providing a positive and inclusive work culture. 

So, no matter who you are or what your background is, at Unity, we are here for all employees, from all background across the business to access resources and activities to ensure we are a NEXT that is proud together. 

To unite, appreciate and celebrate the cultural diversity represented by employees and customers at Next, by creating a safe space for individuals from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds to develop, thrive and be their authentic selves at work.

Click here to read about why we launched the network

To provide a safe environment where we encourage our members to share opinions, thoughts and experiences through internal communication and activities and encourage them to develop within NEXT.


The employee led community will also shape a positive and inclusive community, to inspire our employees to learn more, and ensure we practice inclusivity across the company.

The employee led community's Chair is James Nyamuda, Total Platform Manager for next brands. You can learn more about him and the rest of the Steering Committee here.

The three C's

We are passionate about being a voice for ethnic diversity and equality at NEXT. To ensure that we are continually achieving this, we have designed a community to create an open and safe space for education (Champion), discussion (Connect) and celebration (Celebration) of employees from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds across the business. 

We call this the 3 C's and you can read more about them below.

To collaborate with HR on efforts to:

Determine a clear commitment to supporting ethnic and cultural diversity within the business through improving the existing Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

To raise awareness of aspects of our behaviours that affect those around us such as unconscious bias through employee training.

Champion talent from underrepresented backgrounds.

To be a safe space and supportive environment for employees from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds to socialise and engage in open and honest conversations.

Create a welcoming and open community which provides a platform for employees from all backgrounds and their allies to ask questions, educate themselves and learn from each other.

Build a supporting and encouraging environment for people to celebrate their respective events, festivals and cultures with their colleagues and the wider business.

Educate the wider business both internally and externally about key cultural holidays, celebrations and their meanings through activities, events and awareness campaigns.

Meet the Team

Unity at NEXT is a collaboration of individuals from the ethnic minority community and their allies across all divisions of NEXT.

These are passionate and supportive diversity champions who have given up their time to create the Unity employee led community. You can learn more about them below.

Background: Zimbabwean - born and bred 

Makadini (Shona greeting) I'm James and I've been with the business for nearly 15 years. I came over from Zimbabwe after high school to study and even given the lack of sunshine, I love the UK. Being married with 2 young daughters, my life revolves around them. I also enjoy running even though my quest for sub 40min 10k is proving rather elusive and aged me.

I'm so looking forward to interacting with people across the business and so excited about the legacy a group like this is capable of in terms of creating something that makes a lasting impact. 

Background: Black British, Jamaican descent

Hi I'm Viv. I've been with Next for 6 years.  I was born in Hertfordshire but I've lived in Derbyshire for many, many years. I love shopping and food (any and all food)

I'm really excited to be part of this group.  I've experienced many different levels of racism, exclusion, discrimination and intolerance purely because of the colour of my skin. I'm passionate about celebrating diversity, promoting equality and cultural awareness. 

Background: Mixed Heritage, African & Indian Decent. 

Hey, I’m Latifah, I’ve been working for Next since 2006! I’m a Leicester girl, born & kind of bred. Having family all over the country, I’ve spent a lot of time (& for brief stints lived) in cities such as Coventry, Northampton & London. 


I try to catch as many flights abroad as I can - I love to travel. But when I’m not on a flight, I do Muay Thai, Hotpod Yoga & I try (emphasis on ‘try’) to regularly go to the gym. The motive behind it… food! I love to bake and try different cuisines, so I have to balance the scales somehow!


I’m delighted to be a part of Unity at Next. I look forward to continuing to grow the network, celebrate our diversity & contribute to the safe space we have to feel valued & included. 

Background: Bolton born and bred married to AJ Black british and mum to Bodie age 17.


Hi, I'm Victoria, Retail Store manager. I've worked for Next for 32 years in many stores in the north west.


I have joined Unity because of my background and mixed marriage. As a mum I started to think about what my son's experiences will be joining the working world, will his mixed heritage have an impact? I want to help promote equality, respect and celebrate diversity in Next Retail. I want all our retail team from every background  to have a great experience working at Next. 

Background: Indian.


Hi, I'm Kam, I started my Next career in 2006.


I'm a Mum of 2 teenage boys - who keep me very busy outside of work and we all love to be in the great outdoors! Be it traipsing through the country, BBQ on a beach, or playing games in the garden!


My other love is food! I love cooking, and I love eating. Be it Indian, Thai or Italian....I love it all!


Being part of unity means developing a platform where everyone feels valued and everyone has a voice within the business.