Lloyd’s Register Joins Over 1,100 Companies in Pledge for Fairer Workplaces
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has joined more than 1,100 companies in signing the Race at Work Charter, a program created by Business in the Community (BITC). This program encourages businesses to make sure that all employees, no matter their background, have the same opportunities to succeed. The focus is on improving chances for Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and other ethnically diverse employees in the UK.
What is the Race at Work Charter?
The Race at Work Charter is based on BITC’s 2021 survey. The survey showed that, while 76% of employers said making workplaces more diverse was important, only 46% of them had set clear goals to make their leadership teams more inclusive. The survey also revealed that although almost all companies (99%) had a strict policy against racism, Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and other ethnically diverse employees were still twice as likely to face or see racist treatment compared to White employees. This unfair treatment often came from managers, customers, clients, or other colleagues.
What Are Businesses Expected to Do?
The Race at Work Charter asks companies to follow seven main principles:
- Appoint a Leader for Race Issues: Choose an executive who will take charge of racial equality efforts.
- Track Data and Share Progress: Collect information on diversity and show how it’s improving.
- Enforce Zero Tolerance: Make sure the workplace does not allow any harassment or bullying.
- Involve Leaders: Make equality a key responsibility for all managers and leaders.
- Help Ethnic Minority Career Growth: Support the career paths of ethnically diverse staff.
- Support Race Allies: Encourage those who stand up for racial fairness in the workplace.
- Work with Diverse Suppliers: Include businesses owned by Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and other ethnically diverse groups in supply chains.
These steps aim to create a fair and welcoming workplace for everyone. While the Race at Work Charter is a UK-based program, its goals can be applied worldwide.
Background of the Charter
The Race at Work Charter started in 2018. It builds on a 2017 report called the McGregor-Smith Review, which highlighted that people from diverse backgrounds are still underrepresented in high-level jobs, often face slower career growth, and are less likely to be hired. The Charter aims to change this by encouraging businesses to take action.
LR’s Commitment to Inclusion
Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, expressed his pride in signing the Charter. He said, “Today we officially signed the Race at Work Charter and I am proud to be our Executive Sponsor. By signing the Charter, we are reaffirming our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where every voice is heard and valued. Together, let’s continue to champion diversity and create an environment where everyone can thrive.”
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Support from Business in the Community
Sandra Kerr CBE, the Race Director at BITC, thanked LR for their public commitment to being a fair and inclusive employer. She noted, “By signing up to the charter, they are joining over 1,000 businesses who are working together so that the UK can have one of the most inclusive workplaces in the world. By taking collective action, we can break down workplace barriers, raise the aspirations and achievements of talented individuals regardless of their ethnicity, and deliver an enormous boost to the long-term economic position of the UK.”
Why This Matters
The Race at Work Charter is a step towards making sure everyone has equal opportunities, no matter their race or ethnicity. It’s about creating a workplace where diversity is seen as a strength, and everyone has a chance to succeed. LR’s involvement shows their dedication to making the workplace a better and fairer environment for all.
