The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) received a delegation from the UK led by Lord Marland to talk about experiences at London 2012 and pass on valuable insight as the SC builds towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
Jean Tomlin worked at London 2012 as the director of Human Resources, Workforce and Accreditation, where she and her team recruited and mobilized a 200,000 strong workforce, which organized one of the most successful Olympic Games in recent history. Tomlin recently visited the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC)’s Doha headquarters to talk to its Human Resources department about her experiences at London 2012 and pass on valuable insight as the SC builds towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
Asked about benefits that diversity could bring to an organization such as the SC, a very international organisation with over 45 nationalities represented across all of our departments, Jean Tomlin said: “It was wonderful to see such a diverse and inclusive workforce at the Supreme Committee offices. I felt immediately included and welcomed. You achieved with ease what it takes others years to accomplish. Diversity and inclusion seems to flow naturally here. I would add however, that when staging an event such as the FIFA World Cup you are in essence inviting the world to come to your country to participate in ‘the beautiful game’ and be the recipients of your hospitality. The whole world will arrive in Qatar, and a diverse workforce will ensure you are well equipped to welcome everyone. Ensuring that fans and players see the diversity in everything you do will most certainly contribute to your ambitions. Build on the fantastic start you have made.
On another question related to volunteers, Tomlin said: “As you rightly say, volunteers were at the heart of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and from the outset it was clear that in order for them to be successful we needed to provide them with an environment in which they could be themselves. We provided a framework within which the volunteers could be great ambassadors for the United Kingdom and showcase their individual talents. This meant we had to select, recruit, train, uniform etc. to the highest standard and ensure that their journey from submitting an application to the point of deployment to venue was an excellent one. This took time, care, and most of all, meticulous attention to detail, plotting every aspect of the volunteer journey. When selecting volunteers we were looking for individuals who could work as part of a diverse team, could think on their feet and had great client service ethos. We wanted them to be honest, open and treat others with respect, have a ‘can-do’ attitude and, most of all, we wanted them to allow their true personalities to come to the fore because we knew that by doing so they could deliver something truly inspirational.”
Asked about the best way to engage the people of the host country to ensure that they take part in organising the event, she said: “Engaging your press and broadcast media is an obvious thing, but working with your partners and sponsors will also provide invaluable support, something that I am sure you will do extremely well.
“Your employees will also be great ambassadors for the event. Their commitment and determination was evident to me from the moment I walked into the SC building. They will do this naturally but making requests of them to be ambassadors will help emphasise the importance of their contribution in this regard. Having great initiatives and stories that the nation can get behind and be part of will be some of the essential ingredients. Involving young people, schools etc. - all things I know you have in mind - will also be of great support.”
