Business in the Community

What seemingly small acts have led to real changes in peoples' lives? We’ll be sharing some short anecdotes from senior leaders across our network as they tell us, first-hand, of the small initiatives that have made a real difference⎯ a true demonstration of #ResponsibleBusiness in action. 📺 First up is Steven Cooper CBE, CEO of Aldermore Bank and a passionate advocate for #SocialMobility. Feeling inspired? Find out how we can work together to make a bigger impact: https://lnkd.in/e8meVbWG

⚖️ Applications are now open for The Times Top 50 Employers for #GenderEquality 2025! This is your chance to amplify your public profile, show your commitment to gender equity, and receive expert advice on your policies. Since 2011, the annual award has celebrated organisations championing gender equality in the workplace. 💡Could your organisation lead the way in 2025? Elevate your organisation’s reputation and position yourself as a trailblazer in creating workplaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. Learn more and apply before 7 February 2025: https://lnkd.in/eByXzveF #TT50 #TimesTop50 The Times

Our latest #ResponsibleBusiness digest is out! This month, we dive into a diverse range of vital topics - from the crucial role of #biodiversity in #ESG; the transformative power of job coaching; the urgent need for upskilling; driving social mobility; and supporting unpaid carers in the workforce. You'll also find out about our upcoming events and learn how we can shape a more responsible business landscape together! Catch up with all you need to know ⬇️ Phoenix Group, Lewis Silkin, Simplyhealth, Gudrun Cartwright, Sam Pennington, Farhath Choudhury

With 10.9 million over 50s in work - equivalent to one third of the UK workforce - and projections that by the mid-2030s half of the adult population will be over 50, it is essential to take action now and create a workplace where everyone can thrive, regardless of age. Our new guide, "Becoming an Age-Friendly Employer," provides practical steps to build an inclusive and age-diverse workforce. Discover why taking action matters, the business case for becoming an age-friendly employer, as well as helpful tips and a framework that your organisation can foster. Find out more. 👉https://lnkd.in/exhyRvmu #NOWW2024 #AgeAtWork #OlderWorkers

It’s #CarersRightsDay today, marking 10 years since the Care Act 2014 came into force to protect the wellbeing of unpaid carers. ⚠️However, Carers UK reports that over 600 working carers resign each year due to the challenges of balancing work and care. This ongoing issue is further underscored by a recent Carers Trust study, supported by Simplyhealth and BITC, which found that 84% of carers believe that workplaces and the government are not doing enough to support them in maintaining their employment. 💡This highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to help carers. Are you an unpaid carer in work? Our Let's Care Together programme with Simplyhealth offers virtual one-to-one befriending to enhance your #wellbeing and work-life balance. Find out more and sign up today: https://lnkd.in/eGDPENYA Please contact care@bitc.org.uk for additional information. #Carers #ResponsibleBusiness

📺 Discover the latest insights from COP29 Azerbaijan. Our #ClimateAction Director, Gudrun Cartwright, reflects on the progress made so far, highlighting key discussions around the just transition to #NetZero, empowering individuals, and the vital role of skills development and financing. As these important conversations unfold, learn how we can support your organisation on its climate journey, no matter what stage you’re at: https://lnkd.in/eJBj5eY5 #ClimateChange #ResponsibleBusiness #COP29

👏🏻 We are delighted to welcome our newest members: Centrepoint, abrdn, and Tandem Bank! 💡 Are you interested in working together to transform lives and help our planet and communities thrive? Join the UK's leading #ResponsibleBusiness network today: https://lnkd.in/eJKmhpFM

📅 Don't miss our exclusive members-only conference, "Shaping Solutions for Responsible Business," on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, in London. Join us for a dynamic day of impactful discussions featuring esteemed speakers who will share their insights on pressing business challenges: ⭐ Baroness Jones of Whitchurch will explore Digital Futures and Inclusion, addressing the opportunities and challenges of a tech-enabled future and how we can ensure left-behind communities benefit equally from new opportunities. ⭐ Claire Camara (She/Her) FCIPD (Chartered Fellow), an accomplished Global Chief People Officer and seasoned C-suite HR executive on our Race Leadership team, will discuss strategies for closing the talent gap and ensuring that young people have the opportunity to thrive. ⭐ Claudine Blamey, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aviva and Chair of our #ClimateAction Leadership team, examines the concept of a just transition to #NetZero and why it matters. This is a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and influence the future of #ResponsibleBusiness - connecting, learning, collaborating, and being part of the change that creates a better future. ⌛Spaces are limited, so register today to secure your place: https://lnkd.in/eASCawNr Verizon, Verizon Business, Sky, PwC, Linklaters, Encirc

⚠️ Around 6 million people in the UK provide unpaid care, often struggling to balance their responsibilities with work. A Carers Trust study, supported by Simplyhealth and BITC, revealed that four-fifths of unpaid carers considered quitting their jobs due to these challenges, with nine in ten contemplating reducing their hours and two-thirds considering a switch to more flexible companies. By not identifying carers, employers risk losing valuable talent with essential skills like time management and problem-solving. However, fostering a supportive, flexible culture can help working carers thrive. Uncover the latest insights in the new blog from our Head of Community Programmes, Ellie Socha, including access to a free employee toolkit and information on our Let's Care Together programme. https://lnkd.in/ekEfEzbf #FlexibleWorking #ResponsibleBusiness #wellbeing

In #Brent, six in 10 ethnically diverse young people have never been informed about employment support during their education. With three in 10 ethnically diverse young people who are not in education, employment, or training seeing racial discrimination as their biggest barrier to work, it’s up to employers to give young people the work experience and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential. To highlight the importance of early interventions in improving social mobility, we brought in C-suite business leaders, in partnership with Youth Futures Foundation and under the leadership of Richard Iferenta, Partner and Vice Chair of KPMG UK, to Brent as part of our #SeeingIsBelieving programme, supported by Salesforce and Linklaters. Business leaders visited Newman Catholic College and Young Brent Foundation. They had the opportunity to speak to those who have experienced barriers leading to low #SocialMobility and heard about the importance of business interventions and partnerships in supporting education providers and community organisations to continue the important work that they do. Find out more about the visit here: https://lnkd.in/eGA6m3w9 Pool Re, VVB Engineering, Verizon Connect UK & Ireland, SNG (Sovereign Network Group), bp, Grant Thornton UK LLP, JCDecaux, Pertemps Network Group, Tesco, Worldline UK&I, Royal Mail, Costain Group PLC. Barry Fletcher / Mary Macleod