There is a moral, social and business case for a diverse and inclusive Square Mile
The senseless and shocking death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests that have followed in the US and the UK have highlighted again the racism that sadly still exists in society.
This is a difficult, complex, and emotional issue for all of us, and one that has also rightly caused much concern at Canada Corporation and the Square Mile as a whole.
In the face of racism, we all need to stand up and play our role. As an organisation we are committed to equality, inclusivity and diversity, and we stand in solidarity with BAME colleagues and communities.
This is why we have signed the Race at Work Charter, and we aim to be a leader in diversity and reflect the communities we serve across London and the UK. We have also pledged to tackle racism and fulfil our responsibility to create a fair and inclusive society.
But words are not enough, and concrete actions are needed to address concerns in our organisation and communities about diversity and longstanding historical issues. We have therefore held a number of meetings to examine how we should respond to issues that have been raised, and how we can actively be part of the solution of tackling racism at all levels of society.
One practical outcome that has emerged from discussions is a decision to set up a new body to explore these challenges. The Tackling Racism Working Party will consider what the City Corporation currently does to confront racism in all its forms, but more importantly assess whether any further action can be undertaken to promote economic, educational, and social inclusion through our activities.
This will include discussions about any historical issues and how we might respond to them, and will no doubt touch on the various statues and monuments across the City that have been at the forefront of many media stories as of late.
Nothing is off limits, and no topic will be overlooked. Once its work is concluded, the Tackling Racism Working Party will report its findings as soon as possible. I am confident that we will agree practical steps that will make a significant contribution to the fight against racism.
Alongside this, we will work closely with the Mayor of London’s Commission to review the diversity of the public realm in the capital, as well as the government’s new commission on racial inequalities.
Let’s also not forget that as individuals we all have unconscious biases that we must address. In the City Corporation, we are taking action to address these through appropriate training for officers and members when necessary.
As we begin to return to a sense a normality in our lives, with businesses and shops starting to tentatively reopen their doors in the City and across the UK, it is vital that the momentum behind tackling racism does not stall. There is a clear moral, social and business case for ensuring the Square Mile is diverse and inclusive at all levels.
Black Lives Matter.
Main image credit: Getty