Business Response Forum: Rising Anti-Immigrant Sentiment & Racism in the UK

About the event

In response to a growing climate of anti-immigrant sentiment, protests and racially motivated incidents across the UK, Business in the Community (BITC) is hosting a one-hour, confidential online listening forum.

This space is designed for members to come together to:

• Share lived experiences, emerging concerns and organisational dilemmas grounded in the current societal environment
• Reflect on how these dynamics are affecting employee wellbeing, sense of belonging, community relations, and external stakeholder expectations
• Explore how businesses can respond with a values-led approach in a proactive and compassionate way
• Inform BITC’s ongoing guidance and support for members navigating this turbulent landscape

To ensure open and candid conversation, the discussion will not be recorded and will be conducted under the Chatham House Rule.

During the session, participants will:

• Hear a short framing by Shannon Rivers, Director of Inclusion & Wellbeing Advisory, BITC on the current landscape and risks
• Participate in breakout group discussion facilitated by Inclusion & Wellbeing Advisers to enable peer learning and honest sharing
• Report back key themes, challenges and ideas to the full group
• Contribute anonymously to shaping BITC’s next steps for member guidance and support

This is a unique opportunity to test ideas, learn from peers, and galvanise collective momentum for inclusive, rights-respecting responses. Participants are invited to the session with their honest, respectful, and constructive contributions.

Background

These developments are not distant headline issues, they are playing out in communities, media discourse, local politics, and public spaces, with real implications for workplaces and people’s lived experiences.

• Employees with immigrant or minoritised backgrounds may feel heightened anxiety, insecurity or threat in their work and home lives.
• Businesses may risk reputational harm if they are perceived as silent or complicit.
• Organisations may face internal tension over how to balance freedom of speech, safety, inclusion, and respect.
• The broader social climate can influence talent attraction, retention, and community trust.

As a responsible business network, BITC believes that in such times, companies have a responsibility to show leadership, stand for inclusion, and support those affected.

Our commitment

BITC stands firmly against racism, xenophobia, and discrimination of any form. We are committed to providing support, resources, and a listening ear to our members in challenging times. The insights from this forum will directly inform our advisory services, toolkits, and future member programming.

We encourage member organisations to attend and participate: your voice and experience matter.

Audience

This event is open to BITC Member organisations, HR, EDI, Wellbeing Managers, Inclusion Practitioners, Wellbeing Practitioners. Registrations are limited to two places per organisation.

Booking, contact details and further information

• Contact Events@BITC.org.uk for any further questions.
• Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

Find out how your organisation can become a member of Business in the Community