Inclusion and Diversity: our approach

Inclusion and Diversity: our approach

London’s unparalleled diversity is a vital driving force behind the capital’s position as one of the best cities in the world to do business, and inclusion is central to keeping it that way.

Like many organisations, we have been reflecting on our approach to Inclusion and Diversity (I&D), recognising the need to ensure this runs through everything we do internally and externally. We want to make sure that BusinessLDN advocates for inclusion, showcasing the capital’s diversity through our work programme and events.

We have a number of actions we are taking, such as increasing the diversity of our board and signing up to the Charter for Black Talent, as well as a longer-term programme of work to develop a cohesive plan to make a difference.

We recognise that there is more to do and that we are on a journey. We can’t do this on our own, so we are leveraging our partnerships to improve the inclusion and diversity in London’s workforce. Keep checking back here as we keep you updated with our progress.

Happy businesspeople smiling cheerfully during a meeting in a creative office. Group of successful business professionals working as a team in a multicultural workplace

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, which is one of its key strengths. As part our commitment to make it the best city in the world to live, work and play, we will do more to reflect that internally and in the work we do externally via our members, policy work and advocacy. We will use our convening power to make a difference, encouraging our members to share best practice, acting as a hub for their thinking on inclusion and championing the importance of an inclusive and diverse capital. We know we have more to do, and we committed to driving forward a more inclusive vision of doing business in London.

- John Dickie, Chief Executive, BusinessLDN

We are aiming to:

  • Drive change on business inclusion for London, using our platform and convening powers, in a meaningful, visible, and measurable way.
  • Set the terms for a more inclusive London business environment through our policy and advocacy interventions.
  • Support members to share and amplify learning and best practice, so that together we are driving change.
  • Have a diverse board and workforce that better represents the capital.
  • Provide speakers, event audiences and working group participants that are more representative of London.
  • Organise quarterly events and networking opportunities to bring together and showcase some of the ways our members are making their workforce more inclusive and diverse.

Sharing insights on I&D

Why inclusive design matters

James Manning, London Estate Strategy and Performance Lead at Grosvenor talks impactful built environments, lived experiences and the Inclusive Spaces and Places report.

Business benefits of inclusivity

Journi and BusinessLDN’s partnership aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices within their organisations. Sharla-Jayne Duncan, CEO at Journi tells us more.

Cheerful young businesspeople with laptop working in office, social inclusion and cooperation concept.

Inclusive Leaders Programme

BusinessLDN and Journi give their backing to the new Government’s plans to introduce mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting for firms with 250 staff or more. 

Discussion Talking Sharing Ideas at work in group

Leading with diversity

BusinessLDN continues to work with Change the Race Ratio to transform London’s senior business leadership landscape.

Laura Durrant headshot

Reporting on representation

Laura Durrant, CEO of the Black Talent Charter shares how financial and professional services are falling behind on Black representation.
 

Diverse team talking office business inclusive people

Forging alliances to boost diversity 

BusinessLDN has joined forces with Change the Race Ratio, to drive racial and ethnic minority representation on boards and in leadership. 

Jane Lewis headshot

Employment gap awareness

Jane Lewis shares the London Metropolitan University’s research into the gap between people with and without disabilities in employment.

Two young female specialists in sewing clothes working together in workshop one amputee

Supporting disabled people

BusinessLDN recently held a roundtable to discuss what businesses can do to assist disabled people in the workplace.

Sasha Langeveldt headshot

Improving safety for LGBTQ+ people

Sasha Langeveldt, Campaign Officer, shares London TravelWatch’s research ​‘Out in London’, exploring LGBTQ+ people’s experience on transport.

Cheerful businesswomen working together in office. Multiethnic female colleagues sitting around table with laptops and discussing work in office

Creating safe equal spaces

Turley’s Gender Mainstreaming Group is working on tackling unconscious bias and influencing policy change within the built environment.

Engaging young people

Nichols’ have delivered an award winning project, designed to improve the participation of young people in public consultations.

Karima Khandker headshot

Improving diversity

Community partnerships are helping Thames Water improve the diversity of its workforce. Karima Khandker, Director of Resourcing, tells us more.

Our related activity

UK’S LARGEST JOBS AND CAREERS FAIR

Skills London offers thousands of live jobs, training and apprenticeships under one roof for 14 — 24 year olds.

LSIP Report front cover landscape

CHAMPIONING LOCAL SKILLS

BusinessLDN is proud to be leading the Greater London LSIP to help employers meet their skills gaps, fill vacancies, prioritise inclusion and diversity and ultimately get more Londoners into jobs.