Cross Organisational Mentoring Circle Closing Ceremony
2025-04-02 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | London
Join mentors and mentees of the 13th Cohort to celebrate success together.

This is an invite only and in-person event
Audience
Open to all Business in the Community (BITC) members and non-members who have participated in the 13th Cohort of the Cross Organisational Mentorting Circle (COMC) programme.

Background
Cross-Organisational Mentoring Circles (COMC) creates a supportive space to connect Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and other ethnically diverse employees across our Responsible Business Network.
Participants are matched with professionals from different organisations to share experiences, challenges, and aspirations while working in mentoring circles. These circles are led by senior leaders from participating organisations, who facilitate conversations and learning over a six-month period.
Through this programme, your organisation can offer mentoring opportunities—either in addition to or in place of setting up your own programme—demonstrating your commitment to race equality, inclusion, and workplace diversity.

About the event
This in-person event brings mentors and mentees together as the programme draws to a close, to celebrate success, share experiences, and network across all circles.
Attendees will engage, reflect, and share with peers, while also thanking those who have supported them on this journey. They will hear from fellow mentors and mentees about their experiences in the mentoring circle programme. Our programme’s strategic lead will also share her reflections and summary of the programme, as well as guidance on the next steps for career progression following this initiative.

Agenda
14:00 – Arrival and networking
14:30 – Welcome and introduction
14:40 – Fireside chat with mentor and mentee speakers
15:10 – Interactive session
15:25 – Reflections
15:30 – Closing remarks
15:35 – Networking and refreshments
16:00 – Event close
Speakers
Mentor: Debola Ojo, Berkeley Group (Circle C)
Mentee: Sydney Alexander, London Borough of Lambeth (Circle C)
Mentee: Naheed Farooq, Royal Mail (Circle C)
Mentor: Serena Simon, Westminster City Council (Circle K)
Mentee: Amela Karamehmedovic, HSBC (Circle K)
Mentee: Savinder Kahlon, Royal Mail (Circle K)

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

Race at Work Charter Surgery April 2025
2025-04-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Online event
Join this event to learn more about insights from the Race at Work Charter survey, as well as the Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chain.

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 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 advisory support at BITC.
These surgeries benefit anyone wishing to sign or build on their organisation’s commitment to the Race at Work Charter.
This year our surgeries will touch on how to effectively integrate the Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chain Insights and calls to action into your existing frameworks to enhance your commitment to fairness and equality.

About the webinar
This surgery will offer attendees a chance for discussion around the Race at Work Charter including leadership and executive sponsorship and engaging employees within organisations. Additionally, we will touch upon the importance of a Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chain (DISC) and how it can enhance your organisation’s commitment to race equality.
This webinar will provide employers with a space to ask questions about the feedback available from the Race at Work Charter 2023 survey and the commitment to action that we ask of employers who have signed the Charter. We will also highlight the exciting opportunities with phase two of the Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chains project to advance the impact of inclusivity across your supply chain and organisational culture.

About the Race at Work Charter
The Race at Work Charter is seven calls to action to ensure fairness and equality so 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 30 years, BITC has been campaigning and helping organisations to ensure Black, Asian, Mixed Race and 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 to the UK economy of £24bn annually by tackling racial disparities in the workplace and labour market . These findings and the insights from our Race at Work surveys led BITC to create the Race at Work Charter, with 85 founding signatory organisations committed to improving equality of opportunity in the workplace. This charter now has more than 1100 signatories.
Find out more about BITC’s work on race equality.

Booking, contact details and further information

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

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

Let's Care Together - Programme Introduction (for Employers)
2025-04-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-07 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.

Staff Networks Get Together: building an inclusive workplace
2025-04-23 11:00 - 13:30 | Glasgow
An exciting chance for Staff Network members focused on inclusion to connect with members from other businesses’ networks.

This is an in-person event
Audience
This event is open to all Business in the Community (BITC) members. It would be of interest to Employee Network Chairs/Co-Chairs, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Human Resources (HR) Practitioners, Business Leaders, and Employee Network Sponsors and liaisons. It is designed for anyone leading, involved in, working with, and/or supporting the work of Employee Networks.

Background
It was fed back by the audience at our Race events in June 2024 that there was currently no opportunity for staff networks to socialise with staff networks from other businesses and BITC had a unique opportunity to create such an event.

About the event
Join other Staff Network members, leads and executive sponsors focused on building an inclusive workplace from across BITC’s membership in Scotland, to share their experience of best practice and challenges.
Be inspired by our speakers who will discuss latest trends and themes and provide guidance on how to have greater impact with the activity your network deliver.
Engage with and learn from BITC issue experts on how to implement best practice in your business through interactive breakout discussions.

Refreshments
Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Annette Ettarh, 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

Peer Learning Forum: Responsible Business Case
2025-04-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Online webinar, United Kingdom
In this interactive peer-learning forum, we’ll explore how to build a compelling business case for responsibility.

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 is especially suited to managers and practitioners working in Responsible Business/ ESG.

Background
In today’s fast-changing world, responsibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic advantage. A strong business case helps companies secure investment, drive innovation, and build long-term resilience.
Companies that integrate responsibility into their strategy see higher financial returns, stronger stakeholder trust, and a lasting competitive edge. Customers, investors, and employees are demanding it—are you ready?
We’re excited to welcome Wendy Carter, Responsible Business Lead at Leeds Building Society, who will share expert insights on embedding responsibility into business strategy and driving measurable impact.

About the event
In this interactive peer-learning forum, we’ll explore how to build a compelling business case for responsibility. Through real-world insights, success stories, and breakout discussions, you’ll connect with like-minded professionals and gain the tools to turn responsibility into a driver of growth, impact, and resilience.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Annette.Ettarh@bitc.org.uk to inquire about event registration
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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

Employee Networks Forum
2025-04-30 10:00 - 13:30 | London
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS NOW SOLD OUT.
Join us to celebrate and elevate the work of Employee Networks from across the UK and come together to discuss the impact they are making.

This is an in-person event
Audience
This event is open to Employee Network Chairs/Co-Chairs, DEI and HR Practitioners, Leaders, and Executive Network Sponsors. It is designed for everyone leading, involved in, working with, and/or supporting the work of Employee Networks

Background
Employee networks play a crucial role in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and have become vital to organisation’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ambitions. They provide a platform for diverse voices and drive organizational change.
The Employee Networks Forum 2025 aims to empower those involved in these networks, offering insights, strategies, and connections to enhance their effectiveness.
ERGs serve as important catalysts for community building within organizations. According to a McKinsey report (1) from 2022 on employee networks, 66% of employees believe that their ERG is effective at fostering a sense of community.
BITC has been training, supporting, and working with hundreds of employee networks. This summit has come about based on a need of bringing together network leads and creating a space for exchange, collaboration, peer support, and best practice insights.
(1) Mckinsey report (2022)

About This event
From fostering inclusivity, advancing diversity to driving innovation, advocacy and action, many organisations in the UK would not be where they are today if it wasn’t for the relentless and passionate work of employee networks.
The Employee Networks Forum 2025 is the premier gathering for professionals leading and supporting employee networks. It’s a celebration of the impact employee networks have had on workplaces from across the country.
Attendees will gain actionable insights from industry leaders, access the latest best practice, and network with peers. This summit will provide the space, tools and guidance to harness the full potential of employee networks.
Agenda
9.30am: Arrive from this time
10.00: Keynote Session
10.45: Breakout Session 1
11.15: Break
11.30: Breakout Session 2
12.15pm: Insights session
12.45 -1.30: Networking Lunch

Booking and contact details and further information

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS NOW SOLD OUT
Contact Jessica.hart@bitc.org.uk, 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

Nature and Resilience Insight Series
2025-05-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
This series will help businesses act on nature stewardship, connecting the dots with carbon, biodiversity, and resilience.

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

About the event
Session One- Introduction to adaptation and TNFD
This introductory session will examine the relationship between climate and nature, with a focus on the role of international frameworks such as the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).
The guest speakers include Ella Thomson, Sustainability Manager at OVO and Oliver Robinson, Director at Fola, who will share their learnings on how a leading energy company secured organisational buy-in to become an early adopter of the TNFD and the practical steps they have taken since.
The interactive session will include polls, a peer-learning Q&A and breakouts to maximise collaboration on business nature stewardship strategies.

Booking and 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

Business Response Roundtable: Navigating Challenges of EDI
2025-05-07 08:30 - 10:00 | London
Join us for an in-person, confidential, roundtable discussion for senior leaders to explore the increasing pushback on EDI policies.

This is an in-person event.
Audience
This event by invitation only and for HR Directors and Chief People Officers. If you would like to attend this event, please email Jenny.McLaren@bitc.org.uk.

About the event
In response to recent member enquiries, BITC is hosting an in-person, confidential, roundtable discussion for senior leaders to explore the shifting landscape of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and the increasing pushback on EDI policies, particularly in the US.
Breakfast will be available from 8:30am before the roundtable discussion takes place from 9 – 10am.
The session will be introduced by Sandra Kerr CBE, BITC’s Race Equality Director and Kirstene Hair, BITC’s Inclusion and Wellbeing Issue Director, before members participate in a facilitated discussion designed to enable peer-to-peer learning and deeper conversation. To foster an open and candid exchange, the discussion will follow Chatham House rules.
This event offers a valuable opportunity for members to:

Share insights on how businesses are responding to these challenges
Discuss adaptations to EDI strategies, language, and positioning
Learn from peers about best practices and evolving approaches

We hope you can join us for this important conversation.

Agenda
8:30 – Arrival, breakfast and networking
9:00 – Roundtable discussion
10:00 – Event close

Refreshments
Light refreshments will be served.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Jenny.McLaren@bitc.org.uk, 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

Peer Learning Forum: Carbon Reduction or a Just Transition
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join us to discuss practical strategies for making this transition not only possible but just for all.

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
As the world grapples with the urgent need for climate action, the conversation must go beyond simply reducing emissions. A Just Transition ensures that the shift towards a sustainable future is inclusive, fair, and considers the needs of workers and communities, as well as considering those who have been previously excluded from the labour market.
This Peer Learning Forum will explore how we can move from a mindset of mere reduction to a holistic transition—one that prioritises social equity, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.
This event is part of a two-part series, with the second Peer Learning Forum taking place on 19th June, ‘Ensuring a Just Transition.’

About Business in the Community’s Peer Learning Forums
BITC’s Peer Learning Forums provide a confidential environment to discuss common issues, solutions, and good practice. There will be an emphasis on discussion and sharing experiences. All contributions from businesses will be confidential within the group and won’t be shared externally by BITC.
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

Opening Doors Forum: Supporting Young People Into Work
2025-05-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join other Opening Doors signatories to share challenges, learnings, experience and best practice on opening doors to diverse talent.

This is an online event.
Audience
Open to both members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC). This event would be of interest to employers seeking to support young people of diverse backgrounds into work.

Background
Inclusive recruitment is more than a moral imperative, it’s becoming a business imperative. Businesses that succeed will benefit from a larger, more diverse talent pool, increased innovation, and improved employee retention. Research from the Boston Consulting Group found that organisations with above-average diversity levels generate 19% points more revenue from innovation (BCG, 2018).
Compared to other forms of discrimination, ethnic discrimination presents the biggest barrier for young people entering work, with three in ten ethnically diverse NEET young people citing discrimination as their biggest barrier to work (YFF). With recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing almost 1 million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and significant disparities in NEET levels by racial group (Black Caribbean young people are twice as likely as White young people to be NEET, YFF), this session will explore insights on why and how businesses can support young ethnic minority people in their transition into the workforce, ensuring that recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible for all.

About the event
In this year’s Black Inclusion Week, join us for an insightful webinar designed for talent acquisition leads, hiring managers and business leaders committed to building inclusive workplaces. Participants will share challenges, learnings, and best practices on supporting young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) into the workforce. The session will provide the chance to:

Gain best practice insights from businesses leading on effective strategies for reaching, attracting and recruiting young ethnic minority people into your workforce.
Learn from leading businesses about how they create inclusive opportunities for young talent.
Engage in discussions on the challenges and opportunities of recruiting and retaining young, diverse talent.

Guest speaker
Karima Khandker, Director of Resourcing, Skills, Learning and Development, Thames Water

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact events@bitc.org.uk 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

Business Response Forum: The UK Supreme Court Ruling
2025-05-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
This event is now fully booked, please email events@bitc.org.uk to join the waiting list.

This is an online event.

In response to the recent UK Supreme Court ruling, Business in the Community (BITC) is hosting a one-hour, confidential, online listening forum for member businesses.

Audience
This event is open to all BITC member organisations and has been designed for HR Leads and EDI Leads. Registrations are limited to two places per organisation.

About the event
In the absence of statutory guidance, this Business Response Forum fosters a space for members to listen, reflect and share emerging concerns about the UK Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers.
Businesses navigating uncertainty about upholding their equitable and inclusive practice are encouraged to come together in this vital, trusted space to explore potential implications. This forum reflects BITC’s commitment to stand alongside our members as we work through this change, utilising member insight to shape our guidance going forward.
While we await the release of finalised statutory guidance, this session welcomes discussion of member concern which will be used to inform BITC’s subsequent guidance and support. To foster an open and candid exchange, the discussion will not be recorded and follow Chatham House rules.
This forum offers a vital opportunity for our members to:

Share insight on how businesses are considering the UK Supreme Court ruling

Discuss potential implications in upholding inclusive intent and equality

Connect with peers on co-creating best practice response and evolving approaches

We hope you can join us for this important conversation.

Background
The UK Supreme Court ruling on the 16th of April has created confusion for responsible businesses committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in their organisation. Amidst the complexity of legal interpretations, there is some risk of stalling the progression towards inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive authentically.
We know our members are committed to doing the right thing, even when the landscape shifts. Legal uncertainty and public debate can undermine the psychological safety of marginalised groups. This Forum is an opportunity to share emerging thinking, hear member concerns, and begin shaping the support and guidance we will provide going forward.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact events@BITC.org.uk 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 May 2025
2025-05-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Online event

Peer Learning Forum: Social Value - Are We There Yet?
2025-05-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join us to discuss current risks, opportunities and trends as we continue on a journey to deliver Social Value.

This is an online event that will take place on Microsoft Teams.
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
Social Value has been shaping public procurement since the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, evolving through frameworks like the National TOMs (2016), created to increase consistency and understanding for Local Authorities, and the Social Value Model released in 2020. Now, with the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) 2023 aligning with the Procurement Act 2023, we ask: Are we there yet?
Whilst there can be no doubt that getting more for our tax pounds is a win for everyone and Social Value presents a good and useful way, beyond cost, of comparing tenders, challenges remain—fragmented approaches, inconsistent measurement, and businesses grappling to evidence social impact through a system that rewards quick wins. But what if, through consistency and collaboration, we could drive meaningful change—lifting communities out of poverty while delivering public services that truly work?
In this Peer Learning Forum we will explore current risks, opportunities, and trends. We will discuss engaging colleagues across the business, engaging with suppliers and clients through partnership working, being proactive as well as responsive, and investing to create change.

About Business in the Community’s Peer Learning Forums
BITC’s Peer Learning Forums provide a confidential environment to discuss common issues, solutions, and good practice. There will be an emphasis on discussion and sharing experiences. All contributions from businesses will be confidential within the group and won’t be shared externally by BITC.
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

Senior Leaders Breakfast
2025-05-20 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 senior leaders.

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 Senior Leaders 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 senior leaders 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.

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

Resilient Business Networks Webinar
2025-05-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Online
Join our launch to hear about the critical role of business networks in strengthening community resilience and the next steps.

This is an online event.
Background
Through our partnership with Greater London Authority’s Resilience Unit, Business in the Community (BITC) is pleased to launch an insightful report into the critical role of business networks in strengthening community resilience and the opportunity for deeper engagement with Local Resilience Forums (LRF’s).
While businesses are essential in emergency preparedness and response, their involvement has been hindered by low awareness, resource limitations and competing priorities. This study identifies key opportunities to integrate businesses into resilience planning and equip them with the tools needed to be proactive contributors to the ‘whole of society’ approach to resilience set out in the UK Government resilience framework.

About the event
BITC, alongside Greater London Authority’s Resilience Unit, will be presenting the findings and recmomendations from the report. The five focus areas will be sharing their next steps for their localities.
Event 10:30-11:30am
There will be also be a Q&A at the end

Contact details

Contact programmes@bitc.org.uk for further information and questions.
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

Let's Care Together - Programme Introduction (for Employers)
2025-05-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Online event
This webinar is for employers and wellbeing leads to introduce our new virtual befriending initiative to support carer’s wellbeing.

Audience
This virtual event is 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
Please hold the date in your diary
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.

Pride of Place Summit
2025-05-22 10:00 - 16:30 | Manchester
Join our inaugural Pride of Place Summit to explore the potential of place-based regeneration in transforming and revitalising communities.

This is an in person event.
Audience
This event is open to members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC). Suitable for both senior leaders and practitioners from across sectors and those involved in place-based regeneration.

Event details
Business and the Community and Aviva are delighted to invite you to our inaugural Pride of Place Summit. The Pride of Place Summit brings together leaders to tackle the issues of inequalities in places that matter across the UK. Through convening leaders in this space from across sectors to share knowledge and experience, we can build our understanding of what the most challenging issues that our communities are facing and discuss how we can work together to overcome these challenges and drive action as a collective.
This interactive day including powerful key note speakers, panels and a variety of different breakout sessions will provide you with an opportunity to network, share your knowledge and experience and drive action towards transforming place-based regeneration across the UK.
Confirmed Speakers Include:

Mayor Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council

Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

BITC Place Board Chairs, from Blackpool, Newport, Bradford and Norwich

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Dame Julia Cleverdon, DCVO CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund

Sarah Owen MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee

Background
BITC are currently on a mission to help places across the UK take ownership of their futures and tackle their most pressing challenges. Working across sectors and in partnership with other organisations, we want to achieve an ambition of transformative and sustainable change in 50 places across the UK by 2032.
We can’t do this alone, which is why we are convening leaders in this space from across sectors to share their knowledge and experience and drive action as a collective

Refreshments
Tea, coffee and a light lunch will be served.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact Events@BITC.org.uk 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

Nature and Resilience Insight Series
2025-06-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
This series will help businesses act on nature stewardship, connecting the dots with carbon, biodiversity, and resilience.

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

About the event
Session Two- Links to social value and activities
In this session participants will explore the connections between ecosystems and social value obligations, gaining an understanding of the benefits they bring to businesses, communities, and customers.They will also begin evaluating current activities and researching new interventions with a range of stakeholders.

Booking and 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: Mastering Stakeholder Engagement
2025-06-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Online event
Join us to explore how to actively engage stakeholders to ensure lasting, sustainable impact.

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 is especially suited to managers and practitioners working in Responsible Business/ ESG.

About the event
In this engaging peer-learning forum, we’ll dive into stakeholder mapping and engagement, exploring why it’s essential and how to actively involve stakeholders for lasting, sustainable impact. Through real-world examples, success stories, and interactive breakout sessions, you’ll connect with like-minded professionals and gain practical tools to transform responsibility into a powerful driver of growth, impact, and resilience.
Event speaker: Sophia Goring, Head of ESG, Business Stream
Background
In today’s business landscape, ongoing stakeholder engagement is crucial for building a resilient strategy. With 40% of Gen Z and Millennial consumers switching brands because their usual brand wasn’t as environmentally and socially responsible, 1 the question is: Are we doing enough to engage our stakeholders?
The CSRD now mandates that businesses in all industries engage stakeholders continuously on material issues, from setting targets to shaping policies. Are you ready to meet these growing expectations and stay ahead of the curve?

About Business in the Community’s Peer Learning Forums
BITC’s Peer Learning Forums provide a confidential environment to discuss common issues, solutions, and good practice. There will be an emphasis on discussion and sharing experiences. All contributions from businesses will be confidential within the group and won’t be shared externally by BITC.
Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Jessica.hart@bitc.org.uk , 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

Aberdeen Responsible Business Network - Cost of Living, Financial Wellbeing
2025-06-10 12:30 - 14:00 | Aberdeen AB10
Addressing the cost of living, improving financial wellbeing

This is an in person event.
Audience
The Aberdeen Responsible Business Network is open to both BITC members and non-members and is free to join. It is open to all job levels too, if you are passionate about Responsible Business in Aberdeen you are welcome to join us.

Background
BITC set up the Aberdeen Responsible Business Network in 2019, it was born out of a need for professionals who were tasked with driving Responsible Business activity across their businesses, often off the side of their desks, to have a better connection to individuals who were trying to achieve the same impact.

About the Event:
Learn what is available to enable employers, people in the community, entrepreneurs and young people to address today’s economic environment.
The event topic:

Recognises the challenges faced by the most vulnerable in our communities, those in work, responsible for their own business and those yet to enter the workforce and,
Offers practical insights and examples for you and your business to consider, support, implement and/or highlight to others for their benefit
Putting resources in place, sign posting related help and supporting programmes all help mitigate the negative consequences associated with the cost of living crisis and strengthen employee and community wellbeing

Refreshments
Tea/coffee and a light lunch will be served

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Evelyn.Rorie@bitc.org.uk 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

Agenda:
1230 Networking – light lunch provided
1300 Welcome

Business in the Community, Scotland Director, Louisa Macdonell

1305 Resources for Entrepreneurs

Barclays, Ecosystem Manager, Nick Bansal

1312 Financial wellbeing for community groups and young people

Speaker to be announced, Barclays

1320 Support for those moving on from homelessness to make sure it is rare, brief and non-recurring

Royal Foundation, Homewards Local Delivery Lead, Anu Kasim
Seonaidh Baker, Development & Public Relations Manager, Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen

1340 Community funding for Anti-poverty and Inequality measures to mitigate the cost of living crisis –

Community Planning Aberdeen, Strategic Lead, Prevention and Community Empowerment, Michelle Crombie

1350 An update on BITC’s programme to reducing poverty for those in work

BITC Scotland Director, Louisa Macdonell

1400 Close

Volunteer Befrienders - Lunch & Learn
2025-06-10 13:00 - 13:30 | Online event
Let’s Care Together- Supporting those who look after others
A Lunch and Learn session about the volunteer Befriender role in the Let’s Care Together programme.
Business in the Community (BITC) and leading healthcare provider Simplyhealth, have come together to co-create the Let’s Care Together programme to support the wellbeing of carers through a series of virtual befriending sessions.
1 in 7 people in the workplace are juggling a caring responsibility and over 5 million people in England and Wales have a caring responsibility. Caring can impact on someone’s mental, physical and financial health as they deal with a lot emotionally and have multiple responsibilities to juggle.

How does the programme support?
Employees volunteers are trained to become befrienders.

Businesses support the programme by offering employee volunteers the opportunity to become befrienders.
Employee volunteers receive comprehensive training on being a befriender and are provided with all the required tools and resources*.
Befrienders and carers join the programme and create a profile.
The carer then chooses a befriender and sends a match request.
Befrienders and their partnered carer meet virtually for six sessions of 60 minutes over two to four months.

*Guidance and support will be provided throughout the programme.

This Lunch and Learn session will tell you about the role of a Befriender and how to get involved.

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact john.riddell@bitc.org.uk if you have any questions about this session.

Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

Find out more about BITC’s Let’s Care Together programme.

Westminster Roundtable: Creating a Just Transition in the UK
2025-06-11 08:30 - 10:30 | London
Join Business in the Community and Royal London for an exclusive roundtable on achieving lasting prosperity through a just transition.

This is an-in person event
Audience
This event is by invitation only and is for senior policymakers, business leaders, and influential stakeholders committed to driving meaningful action towards a just transition.

About the event
This invitation-only event will convene senior leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss the imperative, opportunities and challenges of integrating economic growth strategies with efforts to deliver a just transition to a net zero and resilient UK. Participants will hear initial insights from our academic partners at the University of Exeter and discuss how to maximse the opportunities of a just transition to promote lasting prosperity in the UK.
During this roundtable we will:

– Explore the benefits and risks of a just transition focussed economic policy.
– Identify the barriers that need to be unlocked to mobilise widespread private investment.
– Shape recommendations for business and government, in order to find innovative ways to invest in collaborations that accelerate the UK’s journey to a net zero, resilient prosperity that works for all.

Background
This roundtable is part of BITC’s research exploring how positioning a just transition to a net zero, resilient future, at the heart of UK economic policy could promote lasting social, economic, and environmental prosperity. The research findings will be launched at a parliamentary reception in Autumn 2025 and we would value your insights as part of this Chatham House style event.
Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Annette.Ettarh@bitc.org.uk, 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

Norwich Vision Dinner - Shaping the Future Together
2025-06-11 18:30 - 21:30 | Norwich, NR4 7TJ
Join business, public and voluntary sector leaders in painting a picture of Norwich today and your hopes for its future.

This is an in-person event.

Audience
Attendance is by invitation only. Number of places is limited.

About the event
This dinner will bring together Norwich’s key stakeholders and community leaders for an opportunity to hear about and share their views on the vision and the future of the city.
Our work in Norwich harnesses the power of the Business in the Community (BITC) network, combining our expertise in creating opportunities and driving place-based regeneration with the skills and resources of our members to make a meaningful impact on local communities.
Attendees will be joined by a group of senior business leaders participating in The King’s Seeing is Believing Visit, led by Jason Storah, Chief Executive Officer, UK&I, General Insurance, Aviva.
The visit will explore the interconnected challenges faced by Norwich’s communities and examine how businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive growth and opportunity for all.

Refreshments
Light refreshments followed by dinner

About The King’s Seeing is Believing Programme
The King’s Seeing is Believing programme, established in 1990 with His Majesty King Charles III as our Royal Founding Patron, was born from a simple but powerful belief that the best way to close the gap between the boardroom and the community was to take business leaders out into the communities themselves. He understood that the power of the visits was not just in seeing and believing but also in how to turn that experience into ‘doing’.
Over 25,000 business leaders have taken part in visits, each designed to show the unique contribution business can make when working in partnership with others on an issue or in a community. By thinking strategically about the implications for their business, the visit gives a different understanding of the long-term impact and benefit that can be delivered for both business and communities.
L earn more about The King’s Seeing in Believing Programme

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Diana Abad, Engagement Manger, 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

Roundtable: Creating a Just Transition Scotland
2025-06-17 08:30 - 10:30 | Edinburgh, EH8 8AE
Join Business in the Community (BITC) and Royal London for an exclusive roundtable on achieving lasting prosperity through a just transition

This is an-in person event

Audience
Attendance is by invitation only and will be senior policymakers, business leaders, and key stakeholders in Scotland who are actively engaged in shaping a fairer, greener future for Scotland and the wider UK.

About the event
This invitation-only event will convene senior leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss the imperative, opportunities and challenges of integrating economic growth strategies with efforts to deliver a just transition to a net zero and resilient Scotland.
Participants will hear initial insights from our academic partners at the University of Exeter and discuss how to maximse the opportunities of a just transition to promote lasting prosperity in Scotland.
During this roundtable we will:

Explore the benefits and risks of a just transition focussed economic policy.
Identify the barriers that need to be unlocked to mobilise widespread private investment.
Shape recommendations for business and government, in order to find innovative ways to invest in collaborations that accelerate Scotland’s journey to a net zero, resilient prosperity that works for all.

Background
This roundtable is part of BITC’s research exploring how positioning a just transition to a net zero, resilient future, at the heart of UK economic policy could promote lasting social, economic, and environmental prosperity. The research findings will be launched at a parliamentary reception in Autumn 2025 and we would value your insights as part of this Chatham House style event.

Refreshments
Tea, coffee and a light breakfast selection will be available.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Evelyn.Rorie@bitc.org.uk
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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

BITC Race Campaign 30th Anniversary Employee Progression
2025-06-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join us to learn the key actions for UK employers to promote fairness and equality to create truly inclusive workplaces ready for the future.

This is an online event.
Audience
This is event is open to both members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC). It would be of interest to anyone who has signed the Race at Work Charter. Particularly leaders and Executive Sponsors for Race and those who want to hear first hand from senior leaders about the actions they are taking within their organisations.

Background
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the BITC Race Equality campaign. We will be sharing some fresh insights and updated evidence on trends linked to the Race at Work Charter captured within our most recent Leadership, Employees, and Procurement survey, with YouGov in June 2024. This new data fed into our Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chains Insights report and builds on the evidence gathered in our Race at Work Survey series (2015–2021), providing a deeper understanding of racial disparities, fairness and access to opportunities in UK workplaces.

About the event
This is the second of three insight events in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the BITC Race Equality campaign.
We will explore what the data has shown us since we first began capturing evidence in our Race to the Top report in 2009, Aspiration and Frustration in 2010, Race to Progress 2011, Race at the Top 2014 and since the Race at Work series in 2015. The evidence that we have gathered has fed into our Race at Work Charter founded in 2018 with 85 employers. Charter commitments four and five which are directly related to managers and employee fair access to opportunities and progression in the workplace.
We will be sharing trends on race at work from most recent YouGov 2024 findings and include fresh insights from employees. For example, what is the experience of microaggressions in the workplace? What about bias and AI?
What actions must employers take collectively now and, in the future, to ensure:

Fair access to opportunities to progress in the workplace, good work allocation, stretch assignments and projects where there is an identified linked to ethnicity and socio-economic background
Data linked to recruitment, retention, and performance appraisal linked to employee progression is free from bias
Restructuring does not have a disproportionate impact on gender or ethnicity in the organisation

Are there simple things linked to accessing work, networks and opportunities when looking at the intersection of ethnicity and social background? These will be explored at this session.
We will also be releasing a new Progression 10-Year trend paper, looking at the future and share updated tools and materials to help employers to make the case for action in their organisations.

Speakers
Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director, Business in the Community will be chairing the event, and we are delighted to have some speakers already secured:
Professor Nelarine Cornelius BSc, PhD, MBA, Professor of Organisation Studies; Associate Dean, People, Culture and Inclusion School of Business and Management, Queen Mary University
Martin Barnett, Global Head Technical Product Experts, Search Ads 360
Khalia Ismain, Black Entrepreneurs Programme Manager, Lloyds Banking Group
Dr Chidozie Umeh ACIPD, FHEA), Assistant Professor in Human Resource Management, Programme Leader MSc Human Resource Management, School for Business and Society University of York
Loraine Martins OBE FRSA, Global EDI Director, Arup

Booking, contact details and further information

Contact the Events Team 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: What’s Changing in the SBTi Net-Zero Standard?
2025-06-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Join us at this forum to learn about the latest updates to the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard – and what they mean for your organisation.

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
Join us for our latest Peer Learning Forum where we will be hearing directly from SBTi on the latest updates to the Corporate Net-Zero Standard – and what they mean for your organisation’s climate strategy. We are delighted to be joined by SBTi’s European Lead who will talk us through their evolving position on Scope 3 targets, carbon removals, and offsetting claims, break down key changes and provide practical insights for sustainability leads, ESG managers, and strategy teams.
Whether your company already has approved science-based targets, is planning to submit in 2025, or simply wishes to align their net zero approach to the SBTi methodology, this is your chance to stay ahead of the curve and ask questions directly to SBTi.
This event is part of a two-part series, with the preceding Peer Learning Forum taking place on 8 May, ‘Carbon Reduction or a Just Transition’.
Guest speakers

Kim Schoppink, European Lead, Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTI)

About Business in the Community’s Peer Learning Forums
BITC’s Peer Learning Forums provide a confidential environment to discuss common issues, solutions, and good practice. There will be an emphasis on discussion and sharing experiences. All contributions from businesses will be confidential within the group and won’t be shared externally by BITC.
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

Advancing Social Mobility in Scotland
2025-06-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Glasgow
Practical steps for businesses to take and make a difference to Social Mobility in Scotland.

This is an in-person event
Audience
This event is open to businesses in Scotland who have started or are considering their social mobility actions and its integration into their broader responsible business strategy for growth.

Background
BITC Scotland Leadership Board set up a Social Mobility Working Group to define the most effective way our business members can support and accelerate on Social Mobility work already existing in Scotland.
Aegon UK, City Facilities Management, CBRE, Enterprise Mobility, Equans, FWB Park Brown, HSBC, Purpose Coalition, PwC, Shoosmiths, Sodexo (Chair) and SQA collaborated to provide the guidance we are sharing in the report.

About the event
The BITC Scotland Social Mobility Working Group welcomes the opportunity to bring businesses together to create a fairer Scotland.

To enhance the way in which businesses understand, engage and elevate their social mobility activities
To highlight actions which move the dial on social mobility, helping to reduce inequality and create opportunities for those within our communities

We invite you to feel as inspired and engaged as the BITC member businesses are from reviewing the current social mobility landscape in Scotland and crystalising this into practical guidance to support a prosperous nation.
Why attend?

Explore how social mobility can strengthen your workforce by broadening access to talent.
Understand the link between inclusion and long-term business success.
Take away practical ideas and next steps to enhance your responsible business strategy.
Network with likeminded businesses.

Agenda
Join us from 11:00 to 14:00 on Friday 20 June in Glasgow for:
11:00 – Arrival and networking
11:30 – Welcome – Louisa Macdonell, Director, BITC Scotland
11:40 – Importance to Glasgow – Councillor Richard Bell, Deputy Leader, Glasgow City Council
11:50 – Keynote: Why Social Mobility is important – Roisin Currie, CEO, Greggs
12:05 – Advancing Social Mobility Report Launch – Angela Halliday, Chair of BITC Working Group and Social Impact Director, Sodexo UK&I
12:15 – Lived Experience
12:25 – Lunch
13:00 – Reflections and actions for Scotland from Social Mobility Working Group:

Mairi McInnes, Director Global Industries, PwC
Sheelagh Cooley, Partner & Head of Edinburgh Office, Shoosmiths
Steven Jolly, Deputy Head of Corporate Banking, Scotland & Northern Ireland, HSBC UK Bank plc

13:30 – Next steps – Angela Halliday, Chair of BITC working group and Social Impact Director, Sodexo UK&I
13:50 – Closing remarks and thanks – Louisa Macdonell, Director, BITC Scotland

Refreshments
Refreshments will be provided.

Booking and contact details and further information

Contact Jenny.McLaren@bitc.org.uk, Event Manager, with any questions.
Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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