Chamber calls on region’s businesses to shape national policy
Date published:
The North East Chamber of Commerce is calling on the region’s businesses to contribute to a national commission which will shape policy recommendations for government.
The British Chambers of Commerce’s flagship Workplace Equity Commission has opened a call for evidence into equality, diversity, and inclusion best practice in business, as well as any challenges firms are facing, and where support is needed.
The findings will shape recommendations to help businesses adapt their workplace practices to make it easier for people from diverse talent pools to access jobs and progress in their careers.
John McCabe, North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “We are encouraging our members to give their thoughts and experiences to ensure that the North East is represented in this commission and to help shape government recommendations.
“It’s so important for businesses to recognise the value of diverse workplaces. More inclusive business practices will help to break down gender disparity and ensure everyone can unlock their potential.”
The BCC’s Workplace Equity Commission defines workplace equity as creating a level playing field for individuals, recognising that people do not all start from the same place and that adjustments may be required to provide fair access to opportunity. It will examine workplace equity from several angles including age, disability, race, gender and LGBTQ+.
Commissioners include national experts, business leaders and representatives from the UK and international Chamber networks, including Stonewall chair Iain Anderson, Ayesha Hazarika MBE, Women of the World founder and CEO Jude Kelly CBE, and Scope CEO Mark Hodgkinson.
Gill Hunter, managing partner of Square One Law and co-chair of the commission, said: “We are delighted to launch our inquiry into workplace equity. The commissioners all bring unique insight from their different personal and professional backgrounds.
“We want to hear from anyone who has experience or views on how SMEs can create workplaces that truly create a level playing field for everyone. Personal testimony will help us fully understand how diverse workforces can be recruited and retained.”
The UK-wide commission is looking to agree practical measures and guidance for SMEs, and aims to produce practical recommendations for employers and Chambers. There will also be policy recommendations for government.
Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, said: “To grow our economy, we need to nurture and support the ambition, skills and potential of people in every part of our community.
“Everyone’s ideas, skills and experience are important to business and the economy, and must not be wasted. We want to help businesses ensure a level playing field in our workplaces where everyone can achieve their potential.”
She added: “We know companies are facing real economic challenges – but embedding equity into workplaces is good for business and the workforce, and can improve productivity and growth.
“We’re excited to be opening up the debate to anyone with a story to tell on this important issue. Sharing best practice will be particularly important. By listening and learning over the coming months, our commissioners plan to come up with practical recommendations for SMEs that can make a lasting difference.”
The commission, which is the first body of work of its kind from the BCC, 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 run for 12 months, with findings due to be published in 2024. The North East Chamber of Commerce will be hosting roundtables and is encouraging members to get in touch.
The Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Forum plays a key role in shaping the Chamber’s approach to an inclusive economy as part of its new policy plan, which aims to build a stronger and fairer North East.
The strategy includes practical actions leaders and businesses can take in partnership to deliver fair and inclusive growth for the North East and the UK.
Evidence for the Workplace Equity Commission should be submitted to: [email protected]