Peer Learning Forum: Driving Impact with Financial Literacy
2024-08-20 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/London) | 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

Let's Care Together - Programme Introduction (for Employers)
2024-09-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-01 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

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

Supplier Diversity and Inclusive Supply Chain Launch
2024-10-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join to find out the key actions to take to foster diverse and inclusive supply chains.

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 survey.

Background
BITC has a commitment to race equality. As part of the Race at Work Charter, we launched a first of its kind survey in collaboration with YouGov on 21 March 2024.
The Leadership, Employee, and Procurement survey aimed to gather insights and perspectives from leaders and uncover new and definitive evidence that identified the levers for change to supply chains in businesses.
The inclusion of Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse-led enterprise and business owners is commitment seven of our Race at Work Charter.
Benefits include:

According to research by McKinsey & Company, businesses with more diverse teams have 39% better financial returns.
Research from Aston University, Birmingham suggests that Ethnic Minority Businesses (EMBs) contribution to GDP could increase fourfold to £100 billion with the right kind of business support.
Economic growth and job creation in underrepresented communities, as diverse suppliers often operate in these areas.
Increased innovation and creativity, as diverse perspectives and experiences bring fresh ideas to the table.
Provides a better understanding and connection with customers, tapping into a wider range of cultural and demographic insights.

About the event
This event is an opportunity for attendees to hear the trends across the Leadership, Employees and procurement survey and find out the key actions to take to foster diverse and inclusive supply chains in business and drive social impact.

Speakers

Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director, BITC.
Richard Iferenta, Partner and Vice Chair, KPMG, Chair of BITC Race Leadership Team and member of the BITC Leadership Council.
Patricia Mensah, Inclusive Procurement Manager, Sky.

Samantha Murray, VP Procurement – Refining and Production Operations, bp

Leigh Lafever-Ayer, HR Director UK & Ireland, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and BITC’s Gender Equality Leadership Team.

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

BITC Scotland’s Wellbeing Leadership Roundtable
2024-10-09 08:30 - 10:30 | Glasgow City Centre
Join us to drive positive change and cultivate workplaces that enhance employees wellbeing.

This is an in-person event. The roundtable will take place between 8.40-10am, followed by half an hour of refreshments and networking.
Audience
This event is open to Business in the Community (BITC) members and non-members. The event has been designed to benefit senior leaders in particular (for example CEO, HR/Talent Directors, H&S Directors or Executive sponsors for wellbeing).

“Our employees are our greatest asset.” This statement is often repeated, but are companies truly putting their people first? Only 36% of managers currently utilise data to evaluate the wellbeing of their employees, highlighting a critical gap. To address this, we need data-driven strategies for assessing and improving employee health and wellbeing programmes.

About the event
This Leadership roundtable on Wellbeing will be a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and develop actionable strategies to enhance employee wellbeing.
As part of this roundtable, we will explore the key findings of our “Prioritise People: The Next Step report” developed in collaboration with the McKinsey Health Institute. Additionally, we’ll present the inaugural results of our Work well Self-Assessment Tool, designed to help you measure and improve your organisation’s wellbeing initiatives.

Discover the latest research and data-driven strategies to prioritise employee health and wellbeing.

Connect with fellow senior leaders who are equally committed to creating thriving workplaces.
Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to create a culture that empowers all employees to succeed.

Together, we can drive positive change and cultivate workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and empower all individuals to thrive. We do hope you can join this important conversation.

Refreshments
A light breakfast will be served at the roundtable.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Jessica Hart 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 - October 2024
2024-10-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Online webinar, United Kingdom
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

Responsible AI Series: AI and Gender Equity
2024-10-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Creating a more equal future: harnessing new technology, The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality Masterclass.

This is an online event.

Audience
This masterclass is only open to members of Business in the Community (BITC) and The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality applicants. This event has been designed for Diversity and Inclusion practitioners/managers, HR/People/Talent management practitioners/managers, Heads of HR/People/Talent management and anybody working with AI.

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.

About the masterclass
Join us to celebrate the release of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 for a session of learning and collaboration at a Times Top 50 Masterclass.
Themed around creating a more equal future, this session will help shape future focus and thinking around gender equity in the UK by considering some of the greatest challenges and opportunities employers currently face.
Join for:

Access insights from this year’s cohort

Hear from industry experts on how they are shaping their future agendas

Discuss challenges and co-create solutions with peers

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.
About the event
Join the fourth event in our Responsible AI series and the second The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 Masterclass to learn about the impact of AI and automation on Gender Equity, led by Declan O’Gorman, Head of Enterprise Engineering at NatWest Group. We will explore the early actions organisations can take to mitigate the impact of AI on equality and consider the upskilling and retraining employees will need going into the future.
Themes to be discussed include:

How can businesses ensure growing use of automation and AI helps, rather than hinders, progress towards a more equal future?
What should organisations do in response to warnings that women and other marginalised genders are at greater risk of job losses?

Join us to explore the early action organisations can take to mitigate the impact of AI on equality and consider the upskilling and retraining employees will need going into the future.

Expert Speakers

Declan O’Gorman, Head of Enterprise Engineering at NatWest Group.
Charlotte Woodworth, Gender Equality Campaign Director, BITC.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Florence Hughes, Event 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

CEO Leadership Forum Breakfast
2024-10-15 08:00 - 09:30 | London EC2Y, United Kingdom
This event provides the opportunity to share your experiences, successes and ideas regarding the key challenges facing the world and society.

This is an in person event.

Audience

This event is by invitation only and for CEOs.

Background

As part of Business in the Community’s work in supporting businesses to drive transformation at pace and scale in our communities, we are holding a series of CEO Leadership Forum Breakfast events.

About the event

These informal, private discussions over breakfast will form a key part of the national conversation initiated by BITC’s Lifting up the UK: State of the Nation 2024 report, which detailed the thoughts of the leaders of some of the UK’s largest businesses on what has been done and what is still needed to change the world around us. As such, they provide CEOs with the opportunity to share their experiences, successes and ideas regarding key challenges in the world and society today, as well as the action that can collectively be taken to make a positive difference and change the world around us.

If you are unable to join this date we are also holding more breakfasts in the coming months, to join another date instead, click here.

We are currently finalising dates for our 2025 CEO Leadership Forum Breakfasts and look forward to sharing details with you shortly.

To join us at a CEO Leadership Forum Dinner instead, click here.

Refreshments

Breakfast will be served.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Fiona Macleod, Head of Events 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

Scope 3 Supplier Workshop
2024-10-23 10:00 - 12:00 | One Centenary Way, Birmingham, B3 3AY
Workshop focused on Scope 3 emissions, the requirements from SMEs and the support needed from large corporates.

About the event
Join us for an insightful workshop focused on Scope 3 emissions, the requirements from SMEs and the support needed from large corporates, hosted by Business in the Community and its Regional Board Members, in partnership with Sustainability West Midlands. This event is designed for suppliers and businesses aiming to understand and manage Scope 3 emissions effectively.

Agenda
10:00-10:10: Welcome and Introduction
10:10-10:30: Understanding Scope 3 Emissions Regulations
10:30-10:50: Support Needed from Large Businesses
10:50-11:20: Breakout Exercise – Small group discussions on challenges and solutions
11:20-11:30: Preparing your Business for Regulatory Changes
11:30-11:45: Q&A Session with industry specialists
11:45-12:00: Closing Remarks and Networking

Speakers to be confirmed.

Audience
This workshop is ideal for suppliers, sustainability officers, and business leaders looking to enhance their understanding of Scope 3 emissions and collaborate on sustainable practices.

Sustainable Travel: We encourage all attendees to consider sustainable travel options to the venue. Public transportation is available, and we are also offering a car-sharing option. If you are interested in car sharing, please provide us with your postcode, and we will match you with a willing party.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Andreea Tudor, Regional Lead, West Midlands at BITC for more information.
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

Championing Responsible Business across Scotland
2024-11-05 09:30 - 15:00 | Queen Elizabeth House, 1 Sibbald Walk, Edinburgh, EH8 8FT
Network and connect with fellow senior leaders, share insights, and amplify our collective influence to create a greater impact together.

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

Background
Business in the Community and the Scotland Leadership Board are delighted to invite you to join our second member-only event for senior leaders across Scotland.
The aim of the day is to bring you together to build on the work and events that we will have collaborated on this year and discuss how we can continue to champion Responsible Business across Scotland.

Event Highlights:

Promote social mobility, learn how by investing in your workforce and communities can drive positive change.
Meaningful connections in Places and learn how BITC is bridging businesses, communities, and local councils to reset social impact ambitions and how your organisation can benefit from getting involved.
Prioritise people to help employers transform wellbeing in the workplace and enable people to thrive.

Why Attend:
We are delighted that Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes MSP will be a speaker and other names will be announced soon.

To network and connect with fellow senior leaders, share insights, and amplify our collective influence to create a greater impact together.
Take part in discussions facilitated by BITC Scotland Leadership Board members.
Learn from success stories and achievements highlighting our collective impact.
Seize opportunities for collaboration to drive responsible business practices.

Refreshments
Refreshements and a light lunch will be served.

Guest Speaker

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes MSP.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact at 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

CEO Leadership Forum Breakfast
2024-11-06 08:00 - 09:30 | London
This event provides the opportunity to share your experiences, successes and ideas regarding the key challenges facing the world and society.

This is an in person event.

Audience

This event is by invitation only and for CEOs.

Background

As part of Business in the Community’s work in supporting businesses to drive transformation at pace and scale in our communities, we are holding a series of CEO Leadership Forum Breakfast events.

About the event

These informal, private discussions over breakfast will form a key part of the national conversation initiated by BITC’s Lifting up the UK: State of the Nation 2024 report, which detailed the thoughts of the leaders of some of the UK’s largest businesses on what has been done and what is still needed to change the world around us. As such, they provide CEOs with the opportunity to share their experiences, successes and ideas regarding key challenges in the world and society today, as well as the action that can collectively be taken to make a positive difference and change the world around us.

If you are unable to join this date we are also holding more breakfasts in the coming months, to join another date instead, click here.

To join us at a CEO Leadership Forum Dinner instead, click here.

Refreshments

Breakfast will be served.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Fiona Macleod, Head of Events 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

The King’s Seeing is Believing Visit, Brent, London
2024-11-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Brent, London
The visit is led by Richard Iferenta, Partner, Head of Financial Services Indirect Tax Practice, KPMG.

This is an in person event.
Audience
C-Suite – attendance by invitation only.

Background
The King’s Seeing is Believing programme of visits is one of the most well-established and widely respected experiential leadership programmes in the UK.
Over the past thirty years, its profound influence and extensive reach has engaged more than 25,000 leaders. It is a unique immersive experience which provides senior leadership from businesses of all shapes and sizes with opportunities to view their business from the ‘outside in’. It also allows them to meet and better understand those who are really struggling in life and to consider actions that can be taken to address some of the key issues facing our communities today – and in turn transform millions of lives.

About the event
In partnership with the Youth Future Foundation this Seeing is Believing visit that will take place in Brent on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for ethnically minoritised young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). This visit, co-led by young people and Richard Iferenta, aims to provide senior business leaders and practitioners involved in recruitment and retention with firsthand insight into the barriers these young individuals face. Participants will collaborate to drive change and create inclusive employment opportunities to support NEET young people from ethnically minoritised backgrounds.

Refreshments
Light refreshments and a lunch break.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Diana Abad 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

Workforce Wellbeing: drop-in sessions
2024-11-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join our drop-in session to learn more about the Workwell Self-Assessment Tool, Workwell Charter, and ask questions on workforce wellbeing.

This is an online event.
Audience
This event is open to both BITC member organisations and non-members, who have completed the Workwell Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), signed our Workwell Commitment or anyone interested in improving their approach to employee wellbeing.

Background
The monthly Workforce Wellbeing drop-in sessions will offer insights on best practices and challenges in developing wellbeing strategies. Get the latest sector updates from our subject matter experts including Kate Hinder and Marwan Patrick.
They are both Wellbeing Issue Leads at BITC, and between them have substantial experience in workforce wellbeing, psychological safety and mental health.

About the event
This drop-in session will also give further information on our Workwell Self-Assessment Tool, the Workwell Charter and the opportunity to ask any questions about the tools, or workforce wellbeing generally.
BITC’s work on Health and Wellbeing
At BITC, we are committed to transforming health and wellbeing at work. Our initiatives aim to unlock the full value of employee wellbeing.
This includes encouraging businesses to sign up for our Workwell Commitment, which sets out three steps as a roadmap for action on employee wellbeing.
Our Workwell Self-Assessment Tool measures your organisational wellbeing journey. The assessment is free and open to organisations and businesses of all sizes and sectors.
Find out more about our Health and Wellbeing campaign.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Annette Ettarh, 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

Peer Learning Forum: Develop a Responsible Business Strategy
2024-11-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join us to explore the essential steps to embedding responsibility at the core of your business strategy.

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
Many businesses struggle to prioritise responsibility in the face of competing demands, fast-changing markets and short-term financial pressures. Building a responsible core strategy is not just a moral imperative, it’s a key driver of sustainable growth, reduced risks, and long-term success.
Join us for a dynamic Peer Learning Forum where we explore the essential steps to embedding responsibility at the core of your business strategy. We will uncover ‘why’ responsible strategy is crucial to your business, ‘what’ it should include, and ‘how’ to effectively implement it. By attending, you’ll gain insights on how to ensure responsibility is embedded into your business priorities, leading to sustainable growth, reduced risk, and enhanced impact.
During this Peer Learning Forum, you’ll have the opportunity to join breakout sessions, each focusing on a key aspect of responsible business strategy—‘Why’, ‘What’, or ‘How’. These sessions will be peer discussions, providing a space to learn from each other’s experiences, share insights, and explore best practices together. You will select your breakout group when you register.
‘Why’ Breakout Group
Explore the importance of embedding purpose and stakeholder collaboration in your business strategy. This group will discuss the role of materiality assessments and why they are essential for developing a strategy that prioritises long-term responsibility and for reporting requirements.
‘What’ Breakout Group
Dive into the core elements of a responsible strategy. This group covers the alignment between business and strategic objectives, identifying key material issues, and understanding the positive and negative impacts of your strategic priorities on these issues.
‘How’ Breakout Group
Learn practical steps for implementing a responsible business strategy. This group will discuss governance, strategic planning across departments, developing action plans for material issues, and evaluating and transparency of the effectiveness of your strategy.
Guest Speakers
– Rachel Feilden, Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Adviser, Stone King LLP
Rachel has recently completed BITC’s responsible business management training and is now working with our Strategy & Purpose advisory team to consider how to embed responsible business across Stone King’s strategic approach. She will be sharing some thoughts on her approach to get the conversation started.

Booking, 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

Community Engagement in Climate Action
2024-11-11 09:30 - 11:00 | ACT Head Office & Cardiff skills centre, Ocean Park House, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff CF24 5ET
Join Business in the Community (BITC) and ACT Training Wales’ Climate Week.
Audience
This event is open to BITC members and non-members.
About the event
Join BITC and ACT training at this free, in-person event where our panel of experts will discuss ways in which businesses can collaborate with local communities to drive sustainability initiatives and awareness.
Wales’ Climate Week is the perfect time for businesses to focus Climate responsibility and how they can achieve their economic and social goals.
The panel will discuss ways in which their organisations are striving to become greener, the obstacles faced and how they have overcome these challenges with the help of communities.
Register your place today!

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Sarah Hunter, Senior Support Assistant, BITC with any further questions.
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.

Attracting, Recruiting and Developing a Diverse Workforce
2024-11-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Principality House The Friary Cardiff CF10 3FA
Join us to learn how to find, hire, and nurture a diverse team.

This is an-in person event.
Audience
This event is open to members and non members and has been designed for:
• HR/People/Talent management practitioners/manager
• Heads of HR/People/Talent management
It will be of particular interest to those who have signed the Business in the Community (BITC) Race at Work Charter.

Background
You will hear from BITC’s Race at Work Director, Sandra Kerr CBE, on the insights from the Wales census factsheet and what more business can do to attract, recruit, retain and develop ethnically diverse employees.
These regional insights provide a fresh opportunity for your business to understand the changing representation of the ethnically diverse communities around you, championing the issue of race at work to ensure an inclusive environment to improve social mobility in Wales.

6.2% of the population of Wales is ethnically diverse, making it the least ethnically diverse amongst the nations and regions in England and Wales
Cardiff’s ethnically diverse population has increased from 15.3% in 2011 to 20.8% at census 2021.

The latest data from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows that 24% of people in Wales are living in poverty. This is the highest rate among the four UK nations.

Ethnically diverse households live in more than twice the poverty rate of people in White headed households.

The child poverty levels in Cardiff, the most ethnically diverse local authority in Wales, are one of the highest in the nation (36%)

The employment rate for ethnically diverse people aged 16-64 was 67.2%, compared to 73.6% for the overall Welsh population.

The unemployment rate for ethnically diverse people aged 16+ was 8.6%, compared to 4.9% for the overall Welsh population. There are huge disparities in the economic inactivity for ethnically diverse people in Wales.

You will hear from employers who are leading the way on attracting, recruiting and progressing diverse talent as well as the Chairs of company DEI networks.

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 two 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.
* Statistics taken from BITC’s Insights on Race factsheet (March 2023).

Refreshments
Light refreshments will be served.

Guest Speakers

Sandra Kerr CBE, Race at Work Campaign Director, BITC
More to be announced soon

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Amy Carroll at BITC 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: The Racial Bias in AI and What to Do?
2024-11-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Is there racial bias within AI? Yes. Are there actions that employers can take to reduce these risks? Yes.

This is an online 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 Diversity and Inclusion practitioners/managers, HR/People/Talent management practitioners/managers, Risk management practitioners/managers, Heads of HR/People/Talent management and anybody working with AI.

Background
Is there racial bias within AI? Yes. Are there actions that employers can take to reduce these risks? Yes.
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.

About the event
BITC are delighted to host Adrian Joseph OBE, with a career history which includes Google, Chief data and AI roles in EY and BT and former Chair of the BITC’s Race Leadership Team.
AI can be used as a force for good through its amazing capabilities. However, this must be considered with the risks that emerge alongside the opportunities. This event will reveal where and how racial bias manifests itself with AI and identifies what actions employers can take to harness the benefits, yet guard against potential negative impacts.

Expert Speakers

Adrian Joseph OBE, former Chief Data and AI Officer at BT and former Chair of BITC’s Race Leadership Team.
Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director, BITC.
Dr Neil Saunders, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, School of Science and Technology of City, University of London.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Jessica Hart, Events 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
