Anne Watts CBE - Business in the Community

Anne was Chair of the Appointments Commission, an independent body recruiting chairs and non-executives to public bodies, particularly in NHS, from April 2007 until its abolition in 2012.

She is a leading figure in diversity, recruitment and workplace development issues. With a strong track record across the private, public and voluntary sectors, Anne has had executive roles relating to workforce and diversity in Business in the Community, HSBC and Natwest. She serves on the boards of Greater London Enterprise, Opportunity Now, Race for Opportunity and Surrey University and is a trustee for the Eve Appeal for Gynaecological Cancer.

Anne completed a Ministerial Appointment as a member of School Teachers Review Body and has carried out an independent diversity reviews on behalf of the Army and DECC, a review of councillor remuneration for London Councils and worked for Business and Innovation and Skills Department. 

She is patron of a small charity for self-sustainability in South Africa and a Vice President of Working Families.

About Business in the Community’s Leadership Teams

Each area of work Business in the Community (BITC) undertakes is led by a group of senior executives who provide strategic guidance and support us in achieving our objectives.

The purpose of BITC’s Gender Equality Leadership Team is to help ensure that women can achieve their full potential at work.

Find out more about BITC’s work on gender.

The purpose of BITC’s Race Equality Leadership Team is to support employers to help break down the barriers that prevent the progression of ethnic minorities in their workplaces and show how an inclusive organisation better serves its customers, clients and communities.

Find out more about BITC’s work on race equality.