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Black History Month starts tomorrow - are you ready? Tomorrow is the beginning of Black History Month so there’s no better time to prepare for a meaningful and reflective celebration. As we look forward to honouring the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history, this is also a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done in achieving true equality in our communities and workplaces. Here are 5 impactful things you can do to be ready for Black History Month: 1. Educate Yourself: Dive into the rich tapestry of Black history and culture. Whether through reading books, watching documentaries, or engaging with online resources, self-education is the foundation of meaningful participation. 2. Amplify Black Voices: Support and elevate Black authors, artists, and leaders. Share their work, attend talks or events, and bring attention to the invaluable contributions Black people have made and continue to make in every field. l 3. Challenge Biases: This is a good time to reflect on your own beliefs and behaviours. Commit to recognising and addressing unconscious bias, whether in your personal or professional life. Understanding these biases is key to creating more inclusive spaces. 4. Support Black-Owned Businesses: A practical way to show solidarity is by supporting Black-owned businesses. From retail to services, there are countless ways to contribute to economic empowerment within Black communities. 5. Engage with Your Workplace: Start a conversation about Black History Month with your colleagues. Encourage your organisation to mark the occasion with meaningful activities – from awareness campaigns to discussions on diversity and inclusion. This month is a powerful reminder that change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes effort, dedication, and a willingness to engage. Let’s use this opportunity to not only celebrate but also to build momentum towards a more equitable future. #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #BlackExcellence #Equity Jo Taylor Mildred Johnson Valentina Ideh Evelyn Bateta Evelyn Mensah Evonne Hunt Alexandra Bode-Tunji - FCIPD Prof. Bola Owolabi, MRCGP MFPH(Hon), FRSPH Abi Adamson “The DEIB Ajagun”🪬 Bernadette T. Lanre Atijosan Laura Lewis Samantha Ming Miss (Dr) Samantha Tross Michael Pichamuthu Norman Blissett Mark Preston Mike Farrar Dr T.Ayodele Ajayi FRCPsych Aggie Yemurai Mutuma FRSA Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) Black Inclusion Week

It’s Black History Month in the UK! This year’s theme is *Reclaiming Narratives* and is a crucial reminder to celebrate the heritage, history and the vibrant cultures of the UK’s Black communities while also confronting the urgent work that still needs to be done for change. At Audeliss, The Black British Business Awards and INvolve - The Inclusion People we work with global businesses to make sure that Black inclusion in business goes beyond platitudes to tackle the systemic inequalities that Black employees still face. Some sobering facts: • According to the 2023 Parker Review, Black people make up just 1.5% of board positions across the UK’s top companies, and only 3.2% of senior leadership roles. • Extensive research shows that Black women face a “double glass ceiling” where they are held to higher standards yet rewarded far less. They report having to work twice as hard to get half as far, and the pay gap, promotions, and sponsorship opportunities for Black women continue to lag far behind. • Microaggressions, bias, and systemic discrimination continue to make the workplace a hostile environment for many Black employees, which both limits their career progression and is a serious safety and wellbeing issue. These barriers are deeply ingrained and must be addressed if we’re to foster workplaces where Black employees can truly thrive. This Black History Month, businesses need to take an honest look at their own practices and establish ambitious plans for change. What systemic barriers exist that stop Black talent from progressing through your organisation? What are your policies for dealing with racism, and how are these enforced? Do you have tangible talent development programs and data-driven solutions in place that enable your Black employees to thrive safely, with confidence and with career progress at the centre? If you’re not sure where to start or you want to refine your approach – get in touch with me and we can make that happen. Let’s ensure your business goes into another year with the policies and strategies it needs to ensure that your Black employees can achieve success. 🤎 #BlackHistoryMonth

Black History Month UK begins today! How are you using this month to celebrate, uplift and commit to action for change for the UK's Black communities? Businesses play a critical role in driving real, tangible change and the work that we do to enable employees far extends an office's four walls. It's important to embed initiatives, strategies and hold ourselves accountable to ambitious goals to foster real inclusion this month. Here are just some things your organization can do: 1. *Embed talent development programs for your Black employees.* Do your Black employees have access to equitable and effective talent development programs to support their career development? It's not about providing special treatment it's about acknowledging that Black employees face systemic barriers in their career development that need to be dismantled. Talent development programs are one way to do that: https://lnkd.in/dFnNW_a8 2. *Are your allies equipped to advocate for Black communities?* Can your allies talk about race confidently? Do they know what to say and what not to, and how to drive conversations for change? Rather than force the burden of change on your Black employees, empower your allies to use their platform, influence and privilege to foster change. https://lnkd.in/eZzJtYph 3. *Is your organization primed for your Black employees to succeed?* We know that systemic racism and barriers exist. This Black History Month, take an in-depth look at your business' systems and processes and identify where there are biases or areas for much-needed improvement. https://lnkd.in/eJBq8bZZ We'd love to hear how you are using Black History Month this year to create year-round change. Let us know in the comments. Get in touch with us at info@involvepeople.org to learn more about how we can support your organization. #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #BlackHistoryMonthUK #BHM2024 #DEI #Diversityandinclusion #Blackemployees #Equity #Diversityequityandinclusion #Businessinsights #TalentDevelopment #Advisoryservices

As part of Black History Month, LinkedIn asked me, “How can businesses and colleagues be effective allies to Black employees year-round—not just in October?" Here’s my perspective: It’s important to recognise that for many Black employees, the workplace can sometimes feel unwelcoming because they are treated differently or held to higher standards, often without the same support. This can lead to heavier workloads, fewer opportunities for advancement, and performance evaluations shaped by unconscious biases. Black professionals often lack the high-level connections that can accelerate a career, and their contributions are sometimes overlooked or undervalued, prompting them to seek opportunities elsewhere to advance. Being an ally means more than observing Black History Month or short-term diversity initiatives. It’s about consistently advocating for Black employees—speaking up when you witness unfair treatment, championing Black high performers, and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making spaces where they’re often absent. Support Black women in particular, as they frequently endure unique challenges and often feel under-represented. True allyship involves actively dismantling systemic barriers, promoting equity, and enabling a workplace environment where everyone is treated fairly every day of the year. Let’s continue working towards creating inclusive spaces where Black talent not only survive, but thrive. #BlackHistoryMonth #LinkedInNewsUK

October marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of black people, recognise the ongoing struggle for racial justice, and reflect on how we can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world. We believe that this work is crucial for our industry as a representation of society. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we're taking a moment to appreciate the contributions of our black colleagues, members, and partners who make our industry stronger, more vibrant, and more innovative. We acknowledge that our journey toward a truly equitable and diverse recruitment sector is ongoing, and we remain committed to driving meaningful change. Here are some ways we're working toward these goals: 👉🏿 Diverse representation: We strive to ensure that our boards, committees, and staff represent the diverse communities we serve, bringing a range of perspectives and experiences to the table. 👉🏾 Education and resources: We provide ongoing training and resources to our members, staff and partners, helping them create more inclusive workplaces and understand the benefits of diverse teams. 👉🏽 Advocacy and allyship: We advocate for policies and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the recruitment industry and foster a culture of allyship among our members and partners. As we celebrate Black History Month, let's also remember that the work of equity, diversity, and inclusion is a continuous effort. We must listen, learn, and take action to create meaningful change, not just this month but throughout the year. Together, we can build a recruitment industry that truly reflects and celebrates the diverse talent and communities we serve. Please share your stories, experiences, and ideas with us as we continue to champion #equity, #diversity, and #inclusion. 🔗To learn more about our available #EDI resources, please visit our EDI hub: https://bit.ly/4eDE33A

How can businesses and colleagues be effective allies to Black employees year-round? As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to recognise that allyship is a year-round commitment, not just something observed for one month. True allyship in the corporate world means taking consistent action to create inclusive, equitable environments for Black employees. Here are some key strategies: Listen and Learn: Provide platforms for Black employees to share their experiences and perspectives. Listen with the intent to understand, rather than just respond. Mentorship and Sponsorship: Actively support Black talent through mentorship, offering opportunities for growth, and advocating for their progression within the workplace. Review Policies: Regularly assess company policies and practices to ensure they are anti-racist, equitable, and supportive of diversity in all its forms. Training: Deliver regular anti-racism and unconscious bias training, embedding these conversations into your company culture. Representation: Commit to diverse recruitment at all levels, from entry roles to leadership, ensuring Black employees have a voice in decision-making processes. Allyship requires sustained effort, accountability, and action. Let’s make sure Black history and excellence are recognised and celebrated all year round, not just in October. #BlackHistoryMonth #Allyship #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity#LinkedInNewsUK

As we celebrate Black History Month in the UK this October, it’s an important time to reflect on the rich contributions of Black communities and how we can foster inclusion in the workplace. This year's theme "Reclaiming Narratives", invites the Black community to tell their own stories bringing greater attention to overlooked histories, celebrating untold successes and actively addressing past inaccuracies. Here are a few ways to raise awareness in the workplace: - Educate others by hosting workshops and inviting employees to share their history, culture, and experiences of being Black individuals in the UK. - Conduct surveys to gain an accurate understanding of the workplace culture. - Review company policies to ensure they support equity, diversity and inclusion. Raising awareness isn’t just about a single month—it’s about creating an ongoing culture of respect, representation, and education. For more information about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, have a read of our blog: https://lnkd.in/eEbgHs4t #reclaimingnarrativesbhm #inclusiveworkplace

This month we celebrate Black History Month in the UK—a time to honour the incredible individuals who have paved the way for equality and justice. From the Windrush generation to contemporary leaders, the contributions of Black people to British society are profound and far-reaching. Why Black History Month Matters Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 1987, inspired by the efforts of Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who sought to challenge racism and celebrate the rich history of Black people. This month is dedicated to recognising the achievements and contributions of Black individuals, whose stories have often been overlooked or misrepresented. How Businesses Can Support While October is a focal point, the commitment to equality and support for minorities should be a year-round endeavour. Here are some ways businesses can make a meaningful impact: Education and Awareness: Host workshops and seminars to educate employees about Black history and the importance of diversity and inclusion. Support Black-Owned Businesses: Partner with and promote Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs to support the career development of Black employees. Inclusive Policies: Review and implement policies that promote diversity and prevent discrimination in the workplace. Celebrate Achievements: Regularly highlight the achievements of Black employees and leaders within your organisation. A Call to Action As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s ask ourselves: What are we doing to uplift and support minorities not just this month, but all year round? Let’s commit to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. For those needing support or guidance, D&A Services International Ltd is here to help. Together, we can make a difference. #BlackHistoryMonth #DEI #EqualityForAll #Celebration #Diversity #Inclusion

This month, we proudly honour the rich heritage, contributions, and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. It's a crucial time not only for reflection but also for action and education. Understanding the past helps us shape a better future, and acknowledge the struggles and TRIUMPHS of Black communities. In the workplace, celebrating Black History Month highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion. It encourages us to embrace different perspectives, which fuels innovation and creativity. By supporting Black voices, you can deepen your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. As we celebrate, let’s also focus on creating tangible opportunities for growth and development for Black professionals. This can also be done through mentorship programmes, training, and open dialogues that challenge assumptions and expands understanding. Together, let’s build a workplace culture that not only recognises but ACTIVELY champions equity and justice, every month of the year. By doing so, we contribute to a more equitable future for all. Asé #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #CelebrateBlackVoices #EquityInTheWorkplace #InclusiveCulture

How can businesses and colleagues be effective allies to Black employees year-round? #BlackHistoryMonth #LinkedInNewsUK To be strong allies to Black employees year-round, businesses and colleagues can: 1. Commit to Learning: Provide ongoing education on racism, bias, and equity. 2. Create Safe Spaces: Offer open, judgment-free environments for Black employees to share experiences. 3. Support Growth: Provide mentorship and fair access to opportunities and promotions. 4. Elevate Voices: Value Black employees' contributions and ensure meaningful representation. 5. Hold Leadership Accountable: Set clear diversity goals and ensure leaders actively support them. Consistent actions create lasting support and inclusion for Black employees. Leaders should be active in promoting diversity and inclusion. Set clear goals around diversity and make sure leadership follows through on them. 6. Celebrate Year-Round: Recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black employees throughout the year, not just during Black History Month. Highlight their achievements regularly. 7. Engage with the Community: Support Black-owned businesses and local organizations working toward racial equity. Encourage employees to get involved in community service that promotes equality. Effective allyship is about consistent action, not one-time gestures. When businesses and colleagues are committed to learning, fairness, and support, Black employees can feel truly valued and supported year-round.