Race
Race at Work: Driving Race Equality for 30 Years
From leadership and recruitment to workplace culture and supply chains, we provide the insights, tools, and partnerships needed to create truly inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.
For three decades, Business in the Community has been at the forefront of driving race equality in business. We work with our network of private and public sector partners to offer tailored practical advice and share new insights to drive long-term change.
As we mark 30 years of the Race Equality Campaign, we reflect on the past, assess the present, and drive action for the future.
Did you know…
39%
better financial returns for organisations with gender and ethnicity diversity in senior teams.
£24B
Race equality could boost the UK economy by £24 billion a year – that’s 1.3% of GDP or £481 million every week.
1 in 16
people at senior levels in the private
and public sector are from an ethnic minority background.
Make race equality a priority
The Race at Work Charter is a public commitment by businesses to advance workplace equality. Launched in response to the McGregor-Smith Review (2017) and BITC’s Race at Work Scorecard Report (2018), the Charter initially set out five key actions to drive race inclusion. In 2021, it expanded to seven commitments, adding allyship and inclusive supply chains to help organisations unlock diverse talent.
Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles
A programme to connect Black, Asian, and other ethnically diverse mentees through mentoring circles over a six-month period. Since its launch over ten years ago, it has provided vital personal development opportunities, helped professional networking, and supported shared learning with peers and leaders from other participating organisations.
Then, Now, Next
Celebrating 30 years of our Race campaign. Decades of progress, et the fight for race equality continues. Let’s celebrate the milestones so far and focus on a future where everyone can thrive.
Latest resources
From recruitment and career progression to supply chain inclusivity and effective allyship, our Race at Work resources can equip your organisation to accelerate change. View our latest resources below and discover practical guidance, inspiring case studies, and best practices tailored to the seven commitments of the Race at Work Charter in our Race at Work resource hub.
Then, Now, Next: New Resources for Race Equality
Explore four new resources for UK employers on key actions to drive equality, including a 10-year trend report and guides on mentorship, leadership, and goal-setting.
Diverse and inclusive supply chain insights report
Provides key insights on small business needs within large supply chains, and offers a deeper understanding of the procurement sector’s expertise.
Voices from the race at work surveys
Highlights the lived experiences of ethnically diverse employees, revealing useful takeaways to help drive workplace equality.
The Race Equality Leadership Team
The purpose of Business in the Community’s (BITC) Race Equality Leadership Team is to support employers to help break down the barriers that prevent the progression of ethnic minorities in their workplaces. They act as leaders showing how an inclusive organisation better serves its customers, clients and communities.
Race At Work Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We encourage you to proudly showcase your commitment to the Race at Work Charter. Share it on your website, social media, and marketing materials to highlight your dedication to workplace equality.
No, the Race at Work Charter signing is open to all organisations irrespective of membership or size.
BITC offers expert advisory support to help organisations embed meaningful diversity and inclusion practices. Our Inclusion Advisers take an intersectional approach, providing strategic guidance, policy reviews, data analysis, and tailored training. We also offer workshops, leadership sessions, and best practice insights to drive lasting change.
Get in touch to explore how we can support your organisation.
Getting involved is simple—sign up and take action! Here’s how:
- Sign the Charter – Make a public commitment to workplace race equality.
- Embed the Seven Key Actions – Implement policies on leadership, recruitment, progression, and inclusion.
- Use BITC’s Resources – Access toolkits, case studies, and reports to guide your progress.
- Engage Your Employees – Foster an inclusive culture through training, networks, and allyship.
- Measure and Share Your Progress – Track improvements and celebrate successes.
Signing the Race at Work Charter is free of charge.
The Race at Work Charter asks businesses to make a public commitment to improving equality of opportunity in the workplace.  In 2017 The government-sponsored Race in the Workplace: The McGregor-Smith Review found that Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and other ethnically diverse people staff still encounter significant disparities in employment and progression and that greater progress and positive outcomes are needed to ensure all organisations benefit from the wealth of diverse talent on offer.Â
Becoming a Race at Work Charter signatory means:
- Taking a stand for workplace equality and embedding inclusive practices.
- Accessing expert guidance to drive real change.
- Enhancing employer reputation and attracting diverse talent.
- Joining a powerful network of organisations leading on race inclusion.