Chamber CEO joins new workplace equity commission

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey is among a group of experts to join the British Chambers of Commerce's new Workplace Equity Commission.

Convening national experts, business leaders and representatives from the UK and international Chamber networks, the group will produce recommendations for Government and business to progress the ED&I agenda in the workplace.

The Commission will examine workplace equity from several angles including age, disability, race, gender and LGBTQ+, while also considering the intersectionality of these factors. It will also look at how employers can be supported to unlock the talent and potential of all individuals in the workforce.

This is the first of its kind body of work from the BCC as the organisation takes a leading role in furthering equality, diversity and inclusion across the UK economy.

The Commission is part of the organisation's three-year workplace equity campaign, the inspiration for which came from the findings of the BCC International Women's Day research, published last March, that surveyed 4,000 people.

The Commission will hold its first meeting on 19 September, and the inquiry will run over 12 months.

Ms Brealey (pictured), who is also the executive lead for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging on the GBCC board, said: “At its heart, workplace equity is about creating an environment where people are engaged and empowered to bring their best to work, regardless of their background or demographics.

“That's good for individuals and that's very good for business. While the majority of firms recognise this, they often struggle with what really works in practice and how best to focus their efforts.

“I look forward to supporting and sharing best practice as part of the Commission's work.”

Other members of the Commission include Stonewall chair Iain Anderson, Ayesha Hazarika MBE, Women of the World founder and CEO Jude Kelly CBE, and Scope CEO Mark Hodgkinson.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, said: “True equity across our workplaces is not only important for our society, it is also imperative to the functioning of a healthy economy.

“This Commission will look at how employers are currently addressing ED&I issues in the workplace, and the impact this has on the recruitment, retention and progression of a skilled workforce - an issue of particular relevance given today's incredibly tight labour market.

“We are delighted to have renowned national figures, such as Iain Anderson and Jude Kelly CBE, joining us to bring their expertise and lived experiences to the group.

“Together with industry and Chamber leaders, our aim is to deliver a pragmatic and ambitious ED&I roadmap for businesses and Government that will leave a lasting and meaningful impact on workplaces across the UK.”

Sarah Howard MBE, chair of the BCC, said: “The motivation to develop this Commission was born out of the stark findings from our International Women's Day 2023 research which highlighted the work that remains to be done to enshrine full gender equality across our economy.

“However, the need to create a truly equitable economy goes far beyond International Women's Day; we cannot solely limit our ED&I focus to the issue of gender equity.

“With the help of top-class experts and business leaders, this Commission will be examining a range of issues requiring attention, in a bid to truly embed equity into our workplaces.”