Business in the Community

Let's Care Together - Programme Introduction (for Employers)
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-03 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-01 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Online webinar
This webinar is for employers and wellbeing leads to introduce our new virtual befriending initiative to support carer’s wellbeing.

Audience

This is a virtual event open to employers, wellbeing leads and employee carer networks.

Background

Business in the Community (BITC) and leading healthcare provider Simplyhealth, have come together to co-create the Let’s Care Together programme.

Research shows that unpaid carers have worse wellbeing outcomes than non-carers, and are likely to be time-poor due to their caring responsibilities*. The programme aims to support carers by streamlining access to resources and providing practical support across the four pillars of wellbeing: Physical, Mental, Social and Financial. This support will include helping people with caring responsibilities to connect with friends and family, community groups and wider support, find wellbeing information and gain financial confidence.

Our volunteer befrienders will work on a one-to-one basis with each carer on one or all of the following, depending on their preference: ​

Increasing connection to their local community, improving overall social wellbeing and reducing any feelings of isolation. ​

Supporting financial independence and knowledge of financial tools/support available.​

Access to practical support and tools for their physical wellbeing. ​

Being a regular listening ear and friendly face to offer support and guidance.​

About this event

In this webinar you will learn how our Let’s Care Together programme can support unpaid carers (over 18) with their wellbeing, through pairing them with an online befriender.

Join this session to learn more about how your beneficiaries, or colleagues with caring responsibilities could benefit from the programme.

Speakers

Usha Manojkanth – BITC Programme Manager

Simon Walters – BITC Programme Manager

Michelle Brannen – BITC Programme Manager

Booking, contact details and further information

Email care@bitc.org.uk, for any further questions.

The session will take place on Teams.

Joining instructions will be sent before the event.

About Business in the Community

Business in the Community is the largest and longest-established movement dedicated to responsible business in the UK, formed in 1982 and with HM The King as our Royal Founding Patron. Together with our network of businesses we are leading the UK to create a fair and sustainable world in which to live and work.

*Carers UK 2022 – Unpaid carers continue to suffer poorer health- with some groups adversely affected.

BITC Scotland’s Race at Work Reception
2024-06-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Deloitte 9 Haymarket Square 3rd Floor Edinburgh EH3 8RY
Join us to network and learn the tools and best practice to enhance or implement race at work policies within your organisation.

This is an in person event.
Audience
This event is open to members of Business in the Community (BITC). The event has been designed to benefit representatives from your Diversity & Inclusion Employee Networks, HR professionals, Talent Managers, and recruitment managers.

Background
The Scottish Census data on ethnicity is due to be published in May this year. BITC Scotland’s Race at Work Reception will build on the Census data and provide you with the tools and best practice to enhance or implement race at work policies within your organisation, to ensure you are inclusive in your attraction, recruitment, and retention of ethnically diverse talent. It will be an inspiring evening of networking and collaboration, bringing together representatives of Diversity and Inclusion employee networks from across Scotland.

About the event
Join us to:

Learn about the BITC Race at Work Charter and its calls to action.
Find out how our network can help you tackle current challenges and provide the toolkits and factsheets to equip you to prioritise race equality in your workplace.
Find out practical tips on how to set targets for attraction, assessment and recruitment using demographic data, to be a part of the recruitment process and find out the benefits of 2-way mentoring.
Be motivated to act faster, braver, and bolder in making changes in your organisation.
Engage with representatives from Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) employee networks and HR professionals to learn from each other and share best practice.

Speakers
Hear first-hand from Sandra Kerr CBE, BITC’s Race Director on the research findings and how BITC is empowering employers to accelerate change for ethnically diverse employees.
Other speakers to be announced shortly.

Refreshments
Canapes and refreshments will be served at the reception.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Florence Hughes for any futher questions.
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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

BITC Scotland’s Race Leadership Roundtable
2024-06-12 08:30 - 10:00 | Deloitte, 9 Haymarket Square 3rd Floor Edinburgh, EH3 8RY
Join us to drive positive change and cultivate workplaces that celebrate diversity and empower all individuals to thrive.

This is an in-person event.
Audience
This event is open to members of Business in the Community (BITC). The event has been designed to benefit senior leaders.

Background
The Race at Work Leadership roundtable aims to shape the future of workplaces across Scotland. Action by employers could boost the UK economy and lead to increased productivity and returns in the workplace. However, these potential gains are stifled by the barriers faced by ethnically diverse talent in the workplace.

About the event
We are bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and influencers to discuss the critical topic of race at work. We will focus on understanding the impact of the Census data on ethnicity in Scotland, which is due to be published in May this year, to help shape the way forward.
This roundtable serves as a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and actionable strategies.
Together, we can drive positive change and cultivate workplaces that celebrate diversity and empower all individuals to thrive.

Speakers
Hear first-hand from Sandra Kerr CBE, BITC’s Race Director on the research findings and how BITC is empowering employers to accelerate change for ethnically diverse employees.
Other speakers to be announced soon.

Refreshments
A light breakfast will be served at the roundtable.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Florence Hughes for any futher questions.
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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

Responsible AI Series: What Does AI Mean to the HR Function?
2024-06-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Schroders Investment Management Limited, 1 London Wall Place, London Wall, Barbican, London EC2Y 5AU
Join us to learn how to unlock the power of responsible AI in HR.

This is an in person event.
Audience
The Responsible Artificial Intelligence(AI) series is only open to members of Business in the Community (BITC). This event has been designed for HR/People/Talent management practitioners/managers and anybody working with AI.

Background
HR professionals, managers, and executives, play a crucial role in shaping the future of organisations. In our upcoming session titled “Responsible AI Series: What Does AI Mean to the HR Function?,” we will delve into the transformative role of AI within human resources (HR) and its implications for workplace dynamics, equality, equity, diversity, inclusion, and overall employee wellbeing, topics that are directly relevant to your roles and responsibilities.

About the event
Exploring AI in HR: We will start by examining the evolving landscape of AI applications within the HR function, from recruitment and talent management to performance evaluation and employee engagement. We will uncover the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating AI into HR processes.
Promoting equality and equity: AI has the potential to revolutionize the HR landscape by minimising biases in decision-making processes. However, it’s essential to ensure that AI algorithms are developed and deployed responsibly to promote equality and equity in the workplace. We will discuss how we work to mitigate bias in AI algorithms which fosters a more inclusive hiring and promotion process.
Fostering diversity and inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are critical components of a thriving workplace culture. We will explore how AI can be leveraged to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives within HR. By harnessing the power of AI, HR professionals can create more inclusive environments where every employee feels valued and supported.
Enhancing workplace wellbeing: Employee well-being is a cornerstone of organisational success. AI technologies can play a significant role in supporting employee wellbeing initiatives. We will discuss how HR can leverage AI to prioritise employee wellbeing and create healthier, supportive work environments.
Key takeaways: By the end of the session, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between AI, the HR function, equality, equity, diversity, inclusion, and workplace wellbeing, but also leave with practical insights and actionable strategies for leveraging AI responsibly to drive positive outcomes for both employees and organisations. This knowledge will equip you to navigate the evolving HR landscape and make informed decisions that benefit your workforce and your organisation.
Join us for an engaging discussion as we explore the transformative potential of AI in shaping the future of HR and fostering more equitable, inclusive, and wellbeing-focused workplaces. Together, let’s unlock the power of responsible AI in HR! We look forward to your active participation and insightful contributions.

Guest speakers

Mike​​​​ Daley, SCS Global Director of Technology, PageGroup.

About the Responsible AI series
AI is poised to transform work, with implications for people, places, and the planet. Every business will engage with AI, affecting employee support, customer interactions, and value chains. Responsible AI practices can enhance business performance and address societal challenges. Poor practices may perpetuate biases and worsen environmental impacts.
BITC is embarking on a series of dymanic Responsible Business AI events, spotlighting the critical challenges and barriers that AI poses if businesses fail to embrace responsible integration, where leaders and practitioners have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and gather insights from our issue area experts and trailblazing businesses within our network.

Refreshments
Tea and coffee will be provided.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Jessica Hart, Events Coordinator at BITC 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

Windrush 76th Year: Leaders' Inspiring Progress
2024-06-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Online webinar
Join this event to recognise the contributions of the Windrush Generation as part of the 76th Anniversary.

Audience
Open to all Business in the Community (BITC) members and non-members. This event is designed for HR and people management managers/practitioners, diversity and inclusion managers/practitioners and senior managers.

Background
Windrush Day takes place on 22 June every year, to tribute the HMT Empire Windrush ship which arrived at Tilbury Docks, Kent in 1948. It carried people from across the various British Commonwealth Caribbean islands, who had been invited to work in the UK to help rebuild its infrastructure and provide their expertise, following the devastating impact of the second world war. This migration was to span 20 years.

The importance of Race Equality
At Business in the Community, we mark this day every year. This is part of our ongoing campaign championing Race Equality in the workplace.
Action by employers could boost the UK economy and lead to increased productivity and returns in the workplace.*
However, these potential gains are stifled by the barriers faced by ethnically diverse talent in the workplace. ‘At this rate, it would take over 50 years to reach proportional representation of Black talent in finance and professional services’. Moreover, representation figures from 2022 Office of National Statistics UK population data show that the pace of change has slowed: 50 years could become up to 70 years.’**

About the event
Following on from last year’s successful event, which marked the 75th-anniversary celebrations, we spoke to three fantastic women and BITC Race Leadership Team that descended from the Windrush Generation. They are in the top table of key industries in the UK in our Windrush at the Top: The Black Talent Scorecard event.
This year’s event will have an all-male panel of senior leaders, who are in the top table of key industries in the UK. By joining this event you will:

Learn practical tips on increasing the rate of recruitment, retention, and progression of talent from diverse ethnic backgrounds at senior levels.
Recognise the contributions of the Windrush generation, 76 years on.
Hear the stories of senior leaders, descended from the Windrush Generation, who have progressed to the top table of key industries in the UK.
Discover the early insights of the ‘Leadership, employees, and procurement’ survey, in collaboration with YouGov, which promotes diverse and inclusive supply chains.

Speakers

Richard Iferenta, Partner and Vice-Chair, KPMG and Chair, BITC’s Race Equality Leadership Team
Justin Onuekwusi, Chief Investment Officer, St James’s Place (SJP), and on BITC’s Race Equality Leadership Team
Roland Ilube OBE, SVP Finance – Mobility, Shell, and on BITC’s Race Equality Leadership Team
Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director, BITC

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Florence Hughes, Events Manager at BITC, 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

References
*Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, (2017) Race in the workplace: The McGregor-Smith Review
*McKinsey & Company, (2020) Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters
**Bain & Compant, (2024) Why We Need to Pick up the Pace of Black Representation in Finance and Professional Services in the UK

Unlocking Talent Pipelines with Inclusive Recruitment Action
2024-06-19 08:30 - 11:30 | MIRA Technology Park MIRA Technology Institute 1 Eastern Avenue Nuneaton Leicestershire CV10 0UX
Join us for an engaging workshop where we’ll explore the interconnectedness of various factors and discover how inclusive recruitment strategies and meaningful school engagement can not only boost your bottom line but also foster positive change within your community!This event will promote employment and skills and the importance of business playing their part.

About the Event

During the event, participants will:

Hear about Business in the Community’s Opening Doors Campaign.

Explore a new, free to use, ‘Employer Standards’ self-assessment tool that provide you with a framework outlining best practice in business education outreach.

Understand how Enterprise Advisers working strategically with schools and colleges are changing the recruitment landscape.

All these sessions will help your business to become a more inclusive recruiter which can help with your recruitment challenges, help you to make your school engagement more meaningful and effective and lastly, we will highlight a great opportunity for your senior leaders to volunteer in schools at a strategic and leadership level, to help schools develop their careers and employability offer to students.

Find out more about the event on LLEP’s website.

Contact details

For more information, contact Annette Ettarh, Events Manager at BITC.

The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality: Class of 2024
2024-06-20 13:00 - 17:00 | Norton Rose Fulbright 3 More London Place London SE1 2AQ
This session will bring together the top 50 listed organisations for The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024.

Audience
This event is by invitation only for those organisations who were successful in making the The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 listing.

The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality
The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality is the UK’s most established and in-depth assessment of UK employer efforts to create workplaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. Open to all, and highly competitive, applicants share details of their efforts to seize opportunities and address ongoing challenges when it comes to ensuring an inclusive, equitable working world. Covering topics ranging from support for working parents to pay transparency, action to address poor workplace behaviour to ensuring an intersectional approach to the agenda; these events will highlight learning from this year’s awards.

About the event
Join us to celebrate the release of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024, managed and assessed by Business in the Community (BITC).
The UK’s most established and in-depth assessment of employer efforts to create workplaces where everyone regardless of gender can thrive, this event brings together successful list-makers to share best practice, network and of course – celebrate!
The afternoon will start with a panel session ‘Delivering a more equal future – how do we keep momentum’ where delegates will hear from industry leaders on areas of best practice and innovation, and how this thinking is shaping a future focus on gender equity in the UK.
After a quick toast to celebrate, there is ample time to network with other list makers as well as members of the BITC Assessment Team who will be able to share further insight into best practice seen in this year’s submissions.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Florence Hughes, Events Manager at BITC, 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

Launch Webinar - Prioritise People: What Next?
2024-06-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join us for this webinar when we will explore the practical measures and strategies outlined in our latest report.

This is an online event.
Audience
Business in the Community (BITC) members and non members.

Background
If ‘Prioritise People: Unlock the value of a thriving workforce’ is the business case; ‘Prioritise People: The next step’ is the catalyst. Published last year, ‘Prioritise People: Unlock the value of a thriving workforce’ highlighted the significant economic impact of unlocking the value of your people, contributing 6-17% of UK GDP. The feedback received was a call for actionable steps that organisations can take to make these benefits real and tangible.
To address this need, ‘Prioritise People: The next step’ will launch on 25 June. Drawing on research from the McKinsey Health Institute, BITC has developed a ‘How to’ guide offering practical, science-based measures for organisations to assess and enhance their health and wellbeing initiatives. This guide is divided into two ‘How to’ sections, designed to help organisations evaluate their current state and define their future goals.

About the event
Join us for the launch webinar of ‘Prioritise People: The next step,’ where we will explore the practical measures and strategies outlined in our latest report. Key topics will include:

How to measure employee health and wellbeing
Selecting the right KPIs for effective measurement
Setting up a KPI dashboard
Guiding principles for implementation
Developing initiatives to improve employee health and wellbeing

Our expert speakers will provide insights on differentiating between outcomes and underlying drivers, and how to create sustainable change through continuous tracking and iteration. There will also be opportunities for interactive engagement with the audience, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how to apply these strategies within your own organisation.
Don’t miss this chance to learn how to make tangible improvements in your organisation’s health and wellbeing initiatives. Join us to gain practical advice and actionable steps to unlock the full potential of your workforce.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Annette Ettarh, Events Manager, BITC 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

Employer Standards: BITC and CEC Webinar 3
2024-06-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Online
Join us to hear more about how to increase the impact of your education engagement and increase your talent pipeline.

Audience
This event is open to both members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC).

About the webinar
The Careers and Enterprise Company developed the Employer Standards to support businesses to engage in education in an impactful way. This joint event from the CEC and Business in the Community will educate employers on the Standards, as well as providing insight and information on how your business can get involved and what support you can expect.
This is the third in a three-part webinar series, with each focusing on a different pillar of the Employer Standards. This session will focus on the third pillar: “Collaborate for Success.”

Guest Speakers

TBC

Contact Details

For more information, contact Cormac Healy, Social Impact Manager, Business in the Community (BITC).
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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

Peer Learning Forum: Combatting Bullying and Harassment
2024-07-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Delve deeper into addressing instances of bullying and harassment in the workplace, through impactful, action-oriented conversation.

Audience
Business in the Community (BITC) members who have advisory in their membership package.
Our Peer Learning Forums are now open to all members who have advisory in their membership package – hosted by our issue experts, there are 20 forums a year, covering a range of responsible business areas and enabling our members to discuss challenges, solutions and ideas. This particular event targets people managers, line managers , senior leaders and those with accountability for driving inclusion and wellbeing.

Background
BITC’s Race at Work 2021 survey found that there was an increase in the percentage of employees reporting that their employers gave them support and information to call out bullying and harassment in the workplace. There was an increase from 42% in 2018, reported by employees of all backgrounds across the UK workforce. In 2021, 50% of White and White British employees said yes to receiving support from their employer, compared to 46% of Black, Asian, Mixed Race and ethnically diverse employees saying yes to receiving support from their employer.
A clear policy on tackling bullying and harassment in the workplace, wherever it is found, is essential to building an inclusive culture where everyone feels they are a valued member of the workforce.
Find out more about Business in the Community’s focus on people

About the event
Join BITC’s second Bullying and Harassment Peer Learning Forum, a continuation of April’s session.
This event will provide members with ample opportunity to co-create innovative solutions, by using the three-pillar approach of preventing, surfacing, and addressing instances of bullying and harassment in the workplace. Through shared insights and interactive discussions, peers empower each other with practical strategies to apply the three-pillar approach and foster a culture of respect, dignity, and support within their organisation.
In this Peer Learning Forum (PLF), we will explore how businesses can effectively implement a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment in the workplace, applicable to internal and external stakeholders alike, with role-modelling and a drive for change from the top.
Participants will leave the session with specific, impactful interventions to transform workplace culture and mitigate the occurrence of any form of bullying and harassment.
Join us as we pave the way for positive change and create safer, more inclusive work environments for all.
Speakers:

Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Director, Business in the Community
Charlotte Woodworth, Gender Equality Director, Business in the Community

Agenda
10:00 Welcome and introductions
10:15 The three-pillar approach to bullying and harassment
10:20 Campaign calls to action from BITC’s Gender and Race Campaign Directors
10:25 Breakout Session 1: Preventing bullying and harassment instances
10:40 Breakout Session 2: Surfacing bullying and harassment Instances
10:55 Breakout Session 3: Addressing bullying and harassment instances
11:10 Breakout reflections and Q&A
11:25 Further support from BITC & close

Booking and contact details

Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.
For more information, contact Jessica Hart, Events Coordinator at BITC.

Business in the Community’s 2024 Leadership Summit
2024-07-09 17:00 - 19:30 | EC4N London
You are warmly invited to the Business in the Community (BITC) 2024 Leadership Summit and the launch of the Lifting up Britain: State of the Nation Report on Responsible Business.

This is an in-person event.
Audience
The Leadership Summit is by invitation only.

Background
In today’s challenging and turbulent environment, there is a real need to lift up everyone across society to create hope and opportunity for the future. However, the pressure to balance profit with purpose is increasingly being tested. It is therefore more important than ever to work together to develop new approaches and solutions to the challenges facing the world today. This context provides the basis for BITC’s inaugural Leadership Summit, which will convene CEOs from the UK’s leading businesses and see the launch of the ‘Lifting up Britain: State of the Nation Report on Responsible Business’.
Drawing on quantitative research and interviews, the ‘Lifting Up Britain’ report will detail the thoughts from leaders of Britain’s largest businesses as they reflect on what has been done and what is still needed to change the world around us.
This will include:

Their responsible business priorities and the actions they are taking to accelerate change​.
How they are seeking to balance business objectives and social purpose​​.
The barriers that are preventing faster responsible business action​​.
Key motivations and drivers for responsible business action.

About the event
The Leadership Summit will inspire, equip and accelerate collective action to lift up Britain through:​

Accelerating the responsible business movement by identifying critical priorities, motivations and barriers to action.​
Creating calls to action for business leaders to collectively lift up the UK, by leading together, making their businesses more responsible, tackling inequality, transforming lives and helping the planet and communities thrive​.
Identifying new opportunities to drive collective action with businesses, communities and government on key issues​.
Inspiring further action through impact stories, peer learning and pathways for more impactful engagement​.

Following the wonderful news from His Majesty The King, that he will continue as our Royal Founding Patron, we very much hope you are able to join us to celebrate on the evening.

Refreshments
There will be a drinks reception. Please let us know any dietary requirements when you register.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact the Events team for any futher questions.
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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

Opening Doors Forum: Beyond Ban the Box
2024-07-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Join peers to share your challenges, learnings, experiences and best practice on inclusive recruitment.

This is a virtual event.
Audience
Open to both members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC). This event would be of interest to anyone who is willing to give people with convictions a fair chance to secure good work.

Background
Creating meaningful employment is one of the most significant ways that businesses can contribute to the livelihoods of individuals and communities, and is, for many the only sustainable route out of poverty.
Offering quality work experience, adopting inclusive approaches to recruitment, and breaking down barriers to entering work for people from disadvantaged groups can benefit businesses by helping them tackle skills shortages, build new talent pipelines, boost retention rates and achieve higher productivity.
BITC is calling on employers to commit to making their jobs more accessible to diverse talent by committing to take action through our Opening Doors inclusive recruitment campaign.

About the event
Join the next webinar in our Opening Doors series, which will focus on how employers can support people with convictions into work. Hot on the heels of the launch of the Fair Chance Charter, which requires signatories to commit to Ban the Box in order to reach Gold standard. We will be co-hosting the event with the Fair Chance Business Alliance to understand what some of the stumbling blocks are for employers when it comes to recruiting people with experience of the criminal justice system, and – crucially – how they can overcome them.

Join to:

Hear directly from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system about the difference employment has made to their lives.
Learn from leading businesses about how they’ve benefitted from opening their doors to ex-offenders.
Exchange ideas with your peers about how you make inclusive recruitment work for your business.

Understand how employers are benefitting from intentional inclusion through the UKs first Employment Charter for recruiting and progressing people with criminal reco

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Florence Hughes 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

New Member Induction- July
2024-07-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join us to learn how to maximise the value of your membership with Business in the Community (BITC).

This is a virtual event.
Audience
This event is open to new members of Business in the Community (BITC) or new contacts from existing BITC members in larger companies.

About the event
The New Member Induction is an opportunity for new members and contacts to understand how to maximise the value of their membership with BITC.
It will highlight the key elements and opportunities of BITC membership, and explain our purpose and mission.
Delegates will hear from an existing member about how BITC has added value to their organisation, and will be able to discuss in smaller groups the current responsible business challenges they are facing.
This induction is aimed at larger companies within our membership. If you are unsure whether this, or our smaller members induction, would be more appropriate for your organisation, please talk to your Relationship Manager.

Event details
This event will induct new members, and new contacts from current member companies, to BITC.
Attend for:

Inspiration: Be inspired to take more action on responsible business with BITC.
Orientation: Have a clear understanding of what BITC does and how to make the most of it in alignment with the Responsible Business Map.
Networking: Meet other contacts within the community who you can work alongside in your responsible business journey.
Action: Identify the greatest opportunities for greater engagement.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Annette Ettarh, Events Manager at BITC for further information.

Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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

Business Response Forum: Civil Unrest in Communities
2024-08-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Online webinar
BITC will be holding an online forum for members in response to the disorder we have seen erupt in some of our local communities.

This is an online event.
Audience
This event is open to Business in the Community (BITC) members.

About the event
In response to member’s recent enquiries, BITC will be holding an hour long online forum for members in response to the disorder we have seen erupt in some of our local communities.
The forum will offer members the opportunity to hear from each other about the immediate actions that have been taken within business, and in the local community, as well as thoughts for longer term. The forum will be attended by experts from BITC’s place, inclusion and advisory teams who will share their knowledge and be able to signpost to further advice.
We will agree during this meeting whether we should reconvene or build in additional forums in the weeks ahead.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Annette.Ettarh@bitc.org.uk, Event Manager, BITC 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

Peer Learning Forum: Driving Impact with Financial Literacy
2024-08-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join us to explore how fostering financial literacy can drive social change and economic empowerment.

This is an online event.
Audience
Business in the Community (BITC) members who have advisory in their membership package. Our Peer Learning Forums (PLF) are now open to all members who have advisory in their membership package – hosted by our issue experts, there are 20 forums a year, covering a range of responsible business areas and enabling our members to discuss challenges, solutions and ideas.

Background
BITC Social Impact Advisory supports companies through understanding the leading practice principles of social impact, co-designing solutions with their communities, and leading to sustainable impact within society and business. ​Our thoughtful, needs-led approach enables us to deliver outputs and recommendations that are evidence-based and that help organisations understand what leading practice is, and what action they can take to achieve that.
Is your business doing enough to foster financial literacy?
In the UK, a staggering 39% of working-age individuals lack confidence in managing their money, and 11.5 million people have less than £100 in savings*. Despite financial education being added to the national curriculum in 2014, a 2021 survey by The Centre for Social Justice revealed that less than half of secondary schools are delivering the comprehensive financial education students deserve*.
* Key statistics on UK financial wellbeing, numeracy and – FinCap
*centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CSJ-The_financial_education_initiative.pdf

About the event

Join us for an enlightening session with BITC and fellow members to explore how prioritising financial literacy can drive positive social change and economic empowerment.
In this PLF, we will explore practical strategies for enhancing financial education and creating a lasting impact on our communities. You will also have the opportunity to enter a discussion with other organisations to collectively identify the most effective ways to achieve financial literacy and social impact.
Guest speakers

Inderjit Singh, Sustainability Adviser, HMRC Communications
Imogen Graham, Charity Grants Manager, Leeds Building Society

Booking details and contact for further information

Contact Jessica Hart, Event Coordinator, BITC 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

BITC Scotland Summer Drinks & Networking
2024-08-21 17:00 - 19:00 | PwC, 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EB
Join us for summer drinks and networking. Celebrate and connect with leaders driving responsible business across Scotland.

This is an in person event.
Audience
This event is open only to Business in the Community (BITC) members and is tailored for C-suite/senior leaders.

Background
We are delighted to invite you to join our Leadership Board, Place Steering Group and Social Mobility Group members and other senior leaders from our members network.
The aim of the event is to thank our community of leaders for their time and contribution to driving responsible business across Scotland.

Event highlights

Connect and network senior leaders dedicated to driving forward Responsible Business practices.
Gain insights and inspiration from our speakers (names to be announced soon).
Celebrate our collective impact and shared successes.
Reflect on our achievements and explore how you can benefit from future BITC initiatives/events.
Seize opportunities for enhanced collaboration and innovation.

Refreshments

Drinks and nibbles will be provided.

Booking and contact details and further information
Contact Evelyn Rorie, for any further questions.
Further details and full joining instructions will be sent before the event.
Find out how your organisation can become a member of Business in the Community

Peer Learning Forum: Integrating Wellbeing into DE&I
2024-09-05 10:30 - 12:00 | Online webinar
Understanding your employees’ unique and different wellbeing needs is a key first step in synchronising DEI and Wellbeing.

This is an online event.

Audience
Business in the Community (BITC) members who have advisory in their membership package. Our Peer Learning Forums (PLF) are now open to all members who have advisory in their membership package – hosted by our issue experts, there are 20 forums a year, covering a range of responsible business areas and enabling our members to discuss challenges, solutions and ideas. This event, in particular, targets people managers, line managers, senior leaders, HR professionals and those with accountability for driving diversity, equity, inclusion and wellbeing within the workplace.

About the event
This peer learning forum will bring together People practitioners to explore working synergies, examining how wellbeing can be integrated with DEI and into HR strategies, so it works for everyone, and organisations are better able to support their workforces to succeed.
Through a combination of real-life examples from BITC member organisations that have successfully integrated DEI and Wellbeing and breakout room conversations, the event will explore questions such as what works, what barriers exist, how these can be overcome, and, crucially, how organisations can create strategies to support their objectives whilst meeting employee requirements.
Participants will leave the session equipped with practical insights and tangible action to develop a comprehensive and integrated approach to prioritising their people.
Agenda
10:30am – Welcome and Introduction
10:45am – Guest Speaker Slot
11:00am – Q&A
10:10am – Breakout Group Discussion: on opportunities and challenges of integrating wellbeing into diversity, equity and inclusion for People professionals.
11:30am – Breakout Reflections
11:50am – BITC Further Support and Close
Speakers
Asha Boyce, Wellbeing Manager, Costain
Kate Hinder, Wellbeing Lead, Business in the Community
Marwan Patrick, Wellbeing Issue Lead, Business in the Community

Background
“DEI and wellbeing are a ‘junction where belonging, health, happiness, and productivity live’…the key is to understand how they intersect ” and therefore, how HR, DEI & Wellbeing Leads and/or teams can work collaboratively to synchronise what their organisation is doing to support employees with different needs and lived experiences. Here at BITC we often have key contacts within member organisations who lead on these areas, but often have conflicting priorities and work in silos. We intend to use this peer learning forum to convene practitioners to discuss integration and synergies between wellbeing and DEI with the aim of highlighting best practice from experts. Please read our latest wellbeing report with additional context.
Talent Culture (2022) The Critical Intersection Between DEI and Mental Health
BITC (2024) Prioritising People: The Next Step

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Florence Hughes, Events Manager, BITC 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

Race at Work Charter Surgery September 2024
2024-09-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join this event to learn more about the early insights from the recent Race at Work Charter survey.

Audience
This event is open to members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC). We also encourage those who are attending the ‘Executive Sponsors and Network Chairs’ Event on 21 March to attend this surgery.

Background
The monthly Race at Work Charter surgeries are an opportunity for attendees to speak directly with Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director, BITC and ask any questions about the Charter, the survey, or race offerings at BITC.
These surgeries benefit anyone wishing to sign or build on their organisations commitment to the Race at Work Charter.

About the webinar
This surgery will offer attendees a chance for discussion around the Race at Work Charter survey paper one – leadership and executive sponsors for race and impactful employee network chairs within organisations.
This webinar will provide employers with a space to ask questions about the feedback available from the Race at Work Charter 2023 survey and what the commitment to action is that we ask of employers who have signed the Charter. There is also an opportunity to look at what insights are in the pipeline.

About the Race at Work Charter
The Race at Work Charter is seven calls to action to ensure that ethnically diverse employees are represented at all levels in an organisation. The actions include:

Appoint an Executive Sponsor for race.
Capture ethnicity data and publicise progress.
Commit at board level to zero tolerance of harassment and bullying.
Make clear that supporting equality in the workplace is the responsibility of all leaders and managers.
Take action that supports Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse people’s career progression.
Support race inclusion allies in the workplace.
Include Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse-led enterprise owners in supply chains.

Learn more about BITC’s Race at Work Charter.

Business in the Community’s work on race equality
BITC is working to ensure all employees feel they belong, have a voice, are valued and can be their true selves.
For over 27 years, BITC has been campaigning and helping organisations to ensure Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse employees are represented at all levels.
All organisations want to recruit from the widest talent pool and help successful applicants progress. It is key to future productivity and performance. Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse staff still encounter significant disparities in employment and progression*. The government-sponsored Race in the workplace: The McGregor-Smith Review found that greater progress and positive outcomes are needed to ensure all organisations benefit from the wealth of diverse talent and tap into the potential economic boost of £24bn annually by tackling racial disparities in the workplace and labour market The findings led BITC to create the Race at Work Charter, with 85 founding signatory organisations committed to improving equality of opportunity in the workplace.
Find out more about BITC’s work on race equality.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Jessica Hart, Events Coordinator at BITC for more information.
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

References
*Business in the Community (2021) Race at Work 2021 Scorecard Report

The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality: Insights
2024-09-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join us to learn insights from The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024

This is a virtual event.
Audience
This event is open to members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC). It will be of interest to applicants of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality, and diversity and inclusion practitioners/managers, HR/People/Talent management practitioners/managers, Heads of Diversity and inclusion and Heads of HR/People/Talent management.

Background
The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality is the UK’s most highly profiled and well-established listing of employers striving for gender equality in the workplace.
It aims to recognise employers who embed gender equality across all levels of their organisations and actively take steps to address inequalities caused by current events, such as the challenging economic environment and shifting attitudes towards equality in the workplace.
Since 2019, BITC has published The Times Top 50 Employers for Women Insights Report – alongside an insights and learning event – to continue to drive positive change and progress by sharing best practice from applicant organisations and highlight areas in need of further development.
BITC’s gender equality campaign exists to accelerate progress towards a truly equal working world, where someone’s gender doesn’t determine their chance of fair pay, equal influence, or shape how included and safe they are at work.
Find out more about how we ensure everyone achieves their full potential at work.

About the event
This event will:

Reveal the areas in which organisations are meeting their gender equality ambitions.

Uncover where progress has slowed, and the action that needs to be taken to overcome this.

Provide best practice approaches and case studies from The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality

Guest speakers

Vicky Gallagher Brown, HR Partner at Deloitte
Helen Hodgkinson, Chief People Officer, TLT
Rick Lee, Chief People Officer at Willmott Dixon
Toib Olomowewe, Head of Employee Relations and Industrial Relations at Shell
Charlotte Woodworth, Gender Equality Director, Business in the Community

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Florence Hughes, Events Manager, 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

Peer Learning Forum: Regulations or Responsible Business
2024-09-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join us to explore how responsible businesses stay ahead of regulations and thrive with purpose.

This is an online event.
Audience
Business in the Community (BITC) members who have advisory in their membership package. Our Peer Learning Forums (PLF) are now open to all members who have advisory in their membership package – hosted by our issue experts, there are 20 forums a year, covering a range of responsible business areas and enabling our members to discuss challenges, solutions and ideas.
Agenda
10:00- Welcome and Introduction
10.15- What do we mean by Responsible Business?
10.25- What part has regulation played in Responsible Business to date?
10.35- What regulation do we need to consider going forward?
10.45- Breakout discussions
11.10- Feedback and Group Discussion
11.30- Close

Background
CSR, Sustainability, ESG, Responsible Business – it doesn’t matter what you call it. At BITC we talk about ‘Responsible Business’ because we’re talking about a core business approach, not an add-on. Businesses with a purpose and a responsible business ethos, have long considered the changing global context and considered how they can continue to thrive and survive into the future. Taking care of the environment and your community, has always been a must for business survival, but responsible businesses have really been investing to ensure success all round. Interface has been working towards net zero since 1994, the Co-op has been investing in Fair Trade for over 30 years and Mott Macdonald has been employee owned since the 1980s. These are responsible businesses, and no doubt they were considered mad by many when they began their endeavours.
Regulation and legislation have always played a role in encouraging businesses to be more responsible. Worker’s rights, anti-discrimination, pollution and health & safety have all been legislated for and regulated to ensure better work environments. Net Zero legislation, gender pay gap reporting – these again forced companies to take strides in addressing serious societal issues. We also now have the TCFD, CSRD, ISSB, SDS…no this isn’t acronym bingo, it’s a flurry of regulation that requires businesses to think more about the environment and society that they work within.
About the event
So, with regulation and legislation related to responsible business on the rise, how do businesses respond and make sure that they continue to be ahead of the responsible game, rather than just compliant? Join us at this peer learning forum for BITC member companies to discuss this and more.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Jessica Hart, Event Coordinator, BITC 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

Peer Learning Forum: Reducing Pension Funds' Emissions Impact
2024-09-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join us to explore the impact of pensions on emissions and discover strategies for engaging employees in reducing their carbon footprint.

This is an online event.
Audience
Business in the Community (BITC) members who have advisory in their membership package. Our Peer Learning Forums (PLF) are now open to all members who have advisory in their membership package – hosted by our issue experts, there are 20 forums a year, covering a range of responsible business areas and enabling our members to discuss challenges, solutions and ideas.

About the event
Although pensions are included as part of the Greenhouse Gas Protocols list of Scope 3 emissions categories, there is largely inconsistent reporting from most businesses. However, at a time when businesses are starting to encourage sustainable behaviours at work but research has already shown that “greening your pension” is 21 times more effective at reducing one’s personal carbon footprint than giving up flying, becoming a vegetarian and changing an energy provider combined, isn’t it time businesses address the issue?
In this Peer Learning Forum you will hear from guest speakers about:
– The impact of pensions
– Pensions activism vs exiting fossil fuels
– What other companies have done to engage staff and pension providers
You will leave the session with:

An understanding of the impact that pensions have on emissions
Clarity on how to have these conversations with employees
Knowledge of how to measure and report pensions related to emissions (in line with GHG Protocol)

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Jessica Hart, Event Coordinator, BITC 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

Preventing Greenwashing and Unpacking Greenhushing
2024-10-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join this session to understand what greenwashing and greenhushing mean for your Responsible Business agenda.

This is an online event
Audience
This event is open to all Business in the Community (BITC) members. It is aimed at senior practitioners in Sustainability, Marketing and Communications as well as colleagues found in CEO Offices.

About the event
Research shows that the growing cultural and regulatory pressure to avoid greenwashing has led to the rise of its opposite, greenhushing, when businesses intentionally understate their environmental achievements to avoid greenwashing allegations.
This webinar is designed to help professionals in business understand the difference between greenwashing and greenhushing, why they matter and how you can navigate the unique challenges they present. Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses to meet evolving expectations and communicate their sustainability efforts honestly and authentically.
This webinar will empower you to:

Use language effectively to avoid both greenwashing and greenhushing
Identify and mitigate the risk of greenhushing on your business
Learn from best practice examples and gain practical tips on how to strengthen your sustainability strategy

Speakers
We will be joined by guest speakers Tom Fern, Director, Burson and Robyn Swan, Associate Director, Burson. Both are members of Burson’s Sustainability and Social Impact team and have worked with leading global brands on the issues surrounding greenwashing and greenhushing.
Agenda

10:00 Welcome and introduction from BITC10:05 Preventing greenwashing: Tom Fern,Burson10:35 Unpacking greenhushing: Robyn Swan, Burson11:00 Facilitated breakout discussions11:25 Close -key takeaways and recommendations

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Jessica Hart, Event Coordinator, BITC 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

Gender Equality in Wales
2024-10-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Cardiff University Exhibition Space, Bute Building, Cardiff, CF10 3AT
Join us to discuss and promote gender equality in Wales.

This is an in person event.
Audience
This event is open to both members and non members of Business in the Community (BITC) and has been designed for:
• HR/People/Talent management practitioners/managers
• Heads of HR/People/Talent management
It will be of particular interest to those who have signed up to The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality.

Background
The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality is the UK’s most highly profiled and well-established listing of employers taking action to create workplaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
BITC’s gender campaign exists to accelerate progress towards a truly equal working world and a gender-balanced workforce. While recent years have seen women’s employment in the UK reach record highs, women’s ability to prosper is undermined by persistent levels of unequal pay and power or discrimination and harassment at work.
Some groups face bigger hurdles – black women, for example, experience a larger pay gap than white women – and while the impact of COVID 19 is still being understood, emerging data suggests women have borne the brunt of many of the economic measures. Failing to fully embrace the talents women, over half the population, have to offer is detrimental to individuals and impacts businesses’ ability to thrive.
Research has shown that organisations with more diverse leadership are more profitable. The world bank has estimated that the global economy could grow by $160 trillion if we pay men and women equally and create a more gender-balanced workforce.

About the event
Join us on 2 October to:• Connect with representatives from companies recognised within the Times Top 50 list.• Hear best practice across sector and issue areas.• Share your views on ‘where next’ for this agenda – shaping our new campaign Equal Futures.• Reflect upon, and share your hard work to date.

Refreshments
Light refreshments will be served.

Speakers

Charlotte Woodworth, Gender Equality Director, BITC
Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director, Network Rail

More to be added soon!

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact jonathan.paget@bitc.org.uk BITC 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

Cross Organisational Mentoring Circles 13th Cohort launch
2024-10-03 10:00 - 12:30 | Online
An opportunity for participants of the Cross Organisational Circles 13th Cohort to meet their circles and learn more about the programme.

This is an online event.
Audience
Mentors and mentees participating in the 13th Cohort of Business in the Community (BITC)’s Cross Organisational Mentoring Circles.

Background
BITC’s Race at Work Cross Organisational Mentoring Circle (COMC) programme connects Black, Asian, and ethnic minority mentees with mentors from other organisations. The programme provides personal development opportunities, facilitates the expansion of professional networks and encourages shared learning with peers and leaders from other participating organisations.
The six-month programme comprises monthly meetings with a regular mentor. In addition, there is access to BITC’s network of guest mentors who can provide masterclasses on topics ranging from networking and relationship management to public speaking and personal branding.

About the event
This webinar will introduce the programme to participants, who will hear from some of our alumni, and have the opportunity to connect to their mentoring circle for the first session.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Florence Hughes, Event Manager, BITC with 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
