DISC Thematic Review Report Launch

Audience

Open to all Business in the Community (BITC) members and non-members. This event is designed for procurement, supply chain, sustainability and ESG professionals, HR and people management managers/practitioners, diversity and inclusion managers/practitioners and senior managers and would benefit those who took part in the Leadership, Employees, and Procurement YouGov survey.

Background

Join BITC’s Race Campaign for the launch of the Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chain (DISC) Thematic Review Report. This new report builds on findings from the 2024 Leadership, Employees, and Procurement YouGov Survey, which gathered 5,091 responses and included 2,889 open-text comments providing rich qualitative insight into the lived experiences of employees, leaders, and procurement professionals.

These survey findings were further explored through BITC’s Supply Chain Long Tables, which brought together diverse founders, small business owners, and large corporate employers to discuss how inclusive procurement can become standard practice across the UK.

The report explores how employers can create fairer, more inclusive supply chains by addressing key barriers faced by Black, Asian, Mixed Race and ethnically diverse-led SMEs and enterprise owners. It also shares practical recommendations for how large organisations can balance compliance and risk management with accessibility, transparency, and proportionality.

About the event

This webinar will unpack the findings from the new DISC Thematic Review Report, offering a deep dive into how organisations can strengthen inclusive procurement practice in 2026 and beyond.

Through data insights, discussion, and practical examples, this session will explore:

• The gap in perspectives between SMEs and large organisations revealed through the Supply Chain Long Tables.
• How procurement processes can be simplified and made more transparent.
• Why proportionality, prompt payment, and supplier development matter for building trust and long-term resilience.
• How the findings align with Commitment 7 of the Race at Work Charter Reset.

Attendees will also hear how BITC’s Inclusive Procurement Maturity Model (IPMM) can help organisations assess their current approach and take practical steps to embed inclusion and fairness in supply chains.

By attending this event, you will:

• Gain exclusive early insight into the DISC Thematic Review Report findings.
• Hear directly from researchers and leaders on shaping inclusive procurement policy and practice.
• Learn how to apply the Race at Work Charter Reset’s Commitment 7 within your organisation.
• Discover actionable steps to build stronger, fairer, and more resilient supplier relationships.

Speakers

• Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director, BITC.
• Dr Chidozie Umeh ACIPD, FHEA), Assistant Professor in Human Resource Management, Programme Leader MSc Human Resource Management, School for Business and Society University of York
• Professor Nelarine Cornelius BSc, PhD, MBA, Professor of Organisation Studies; Associate Dean, People, Culture and Inclusion School of Business and Management, Queen Mary University of London

Business in the Community’s work on race equality

For 30 years, BITC has worked with employers to ensure all employees feel they belong, have a voice, are valued, and can be their true selves.

We know that inclusive and fair workplaces are key to unlocking productivity and performance. Black, Asian, Mixed Race and ethnically diverse staff still experience disparities in recruitment, retention, and progression. The Race in the Workplace: The McGregor-Smith Review highlighted the £24bn annual economic boost possible by tackling racial inequalities. Insights from the Race at Work surveys continue to shape our work, ensuring organisations benefit from the widest possible talent pool and a more inclusive future of work. The insights from our Race at Work surveys led BITC to create the Race at Work Charter, with 85 founding signatory organisations committed to improving equality of opportunity in the workplace. The charter now has more than 1100 signatories and our Race at Work surveys continue to shape the charter.

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

Booking, contact details and further information

• Contact jessica.hart@bitc.org.uk, Events Coordinator at BITC for more information.
• Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.