Black History Month 2026: Honouring our Communities, Driving Progress

This is an in-person event

Audience

Open to all Business in the Community (BITC) members and non-members.

This event is designed for senior leaders, executive sponsors, HR and inclusion leaders, Race at Work Charter signatories, employee network leads, hiring managers and employers committed to improving pathways into good work for ethnically diverse young people.

Background

Black History Month 2026’s theme, Honouring Our Communities, provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution that Black communities make to the economy, workplaces and civic life. While progress has been made in improving employment outcomes for Black communities, evidence continues to highlight disparities in recruitment, progression and representation across parts of the labour market.

Delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA), the event will support ongoing action to advance race equity in employment and strengthen the collective commitment to building fairer and more inclusive workplaces.

About This event

One year on from the launch of the Race at Work Charter Reset, Business in the Community, and the Greater London Authority (GLA), invite employers and partners to come together to explore how mentorship, sponsorship and meaningful connections can help create better pathways into good work for Black and ethnically diverse talent.

This event will celebrate the achievements, contributions and leadership of Black communities across London and beyond. Bringing together employers, policymakers, community organisations, young people and business leaders, it will provide a platform to share learning, showcase effective practice and inspire action.

Through panel discussions, evidence, employer case studies and networking opportunities, attendees will explore approaches that are improving recruitment, career progression and representation for Black communities. The event will showcase successful partnerships and initiatives, highlight emerging challenges and opportunities, and provide space for meaningful dialogue between employers, communities and future talent.

Together, participants will celebrate progress, exchange ideas and strengthen commitments to improving employment outcomes and creating workplaces where Black talent can thrive.

By attending this event, you will:

· Explore the latest Race at Work 2025 Survey insights and the how the evidence informs the Race at Work Charter Commitments.
· Explore how the recommendations from the No Talent Wasted report and the Milburn Review can be translated into practical employer action.
· Hear directly from young people about their experiences of entering the workplace and what employers can do differently.
· Learn from employers embedding mentorship, sponsorship and inclusive pathways into their organisations.
· Take part in Connection Conversations, creating meaningful opportunities to build relationships with young people and fellow employers.
· Leave with practical ideas and renewed commitment to support your current employees and support ethnically diverse young people into good work.

Speakers

Confirmed speakers include:

• Richard Iferenta, Chair of the BITC Race Leadership Team and formerly Partner and Vice Chair of KPMG
• Justin Onuekwusi, Chief Investment Officer, St. James’s Place (SJP)
• Albertha Charles, Asset & Wealth Management Leader, PwC United Kingdom
• Carmen Watson, Chair of Pertemps Network Group & High Sheriff for the County of West Midlands
• Louise Alexander-Brewer, Corporate Human Resources Manager UK and Ireland at Enterprise Mobility
• Nishi Mayor, Director of Employer Engagement & Partnerships at Youth Futures Foundation

Further speakers to be announced.

Booking and contact details and further information

This is an in-person event only. Full joining instructions, including venue details, will be shared with registered attendees in advance of the event. For any questions please contact events@bitc.org.uk.