Over 60 major UK business leaders have signed an open letter which demands action now for #blacklivesmatter with agreed actions for clear and positive change.

Andy Briggs, Group CEO of the Phoenix Group, is among those to have signed the letter which has been instigated by diversity and inclusion in business campaigners Audeliss and INvolve, led by Suki Sandhu, OBE.

In signing the letter, business leaders commit to reporting on the sustainable and long-term actions they are taking to address Black inclusion in the workplace. These actions, which will be documented in an annual report from signatories, include;

• Diversifying the face of our organisations: Setting targets for diverse candidate slates for every position and holding recruiters accountable for presenting diverse shortlists. More specifically, setting targets on Black talent in our candidate slates.
• Measuring: Investigating the specific challenges and barriers faced by Black talent in our organisations, starting to track ethnicity data and conduct focus groups or listening sessions to properly understand the experiences of our Black and minority colleagues.
• Joining in our journey of learning: Educating ourselves on the experiences of Black people in the workplace and in society at large.
• Starting the conversation: Being vulnerable with our people. Admitting we haven’t done enough and that the work is just beginning.
• Elevating Black voices: People know discrimination and racism are a lived, everyday reality now – but do they know what forms it takes every day in the workplace? We must start these conversations. We will also do more to celebrate Black leaders and talent in our organisations and the wider business community.
• Committing to specific actions: We’ve posted on our corporate Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, but now we must show what our organisations look like truthfully and what more we are doing to change it.

Suki Sandhu OBE, Founder & CEO of Audeliss and INvolve, said

“We must do more when it comes to driving Black inclusion in business. Organisations must step up and hold themselves accountable when it comes to turning well-intentioned aspirations into clear, concrete actions for change. It’s fantastic to see more and more signatories going beyond solidarity with #blacklivesmatter and committing to creating a workplace where Black and other ethnic minority individuals have an equal opportunity to thrive.”

Andy Briggs, Group CEO of Phoenix Group comments:

“We all have much more to do if we are to break down the barriers and succeed in greater Black inclusion, and it won’t be done without commitment and effort. If we want our communities and our businesses to thrive, then we need to make that commitment, set targets and put in that effort to achieve what we are setting out to do. We are committing to this action, and I encourage other business leaders to show their support by becoming signatories too, and driving forward a positive change.”

The full letter of commitment and list of signatories can be read here.

Enquiries

Shellie Wells
Head of Corporate Communications
Phoenix Group
020 3735 0922 / 07872 414 137
shellie.wells@thephoenixgroup.com

Rachel Esland
PR and Public Affairs Manager
Phoenix Group
07892 705093
Rachel.esland@thephoenixgroup.com

Notes to editors

About INvolve

INvolve is a global membership organisation and consultancy championing diversity and inclusion in business. Through the delivery of events, programmes, thought leadership and advisory services, INvolve helps firms drive cultural change and create inclusive workplaces where any individual can succeed. INvolve also publishes EMpower, HERoes and OUTstanding role model lists annually, recognising and celebrating business leaders and future leaders who are breaking down barriers at work and inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.

About Audeliss

Audeliss Executive Search level the playing field for diverse leaders in executive and board appointments. They believe diversity of thought is one of the biggest competitive advantages to any leadership team, so engage with their unique global networks to find exceptional talent who can bring a new perspective to an organisation.