Time Out Group, the global media and hospitality business, has joined the pledge If Not Now, When?, which demands action for #blacklivesmatter with agreed actions for clear and positive change. Time Out Group, alongside over 70 business leaders, have already signed the Open Letter for action.
The If Not Now When? Campaign has been instigated by ‘diversity and inclusion in business’ campaigners Audeliss and INvolve, led by Suki Sandhu OBE. Originally conceived as an open letter for action on Black inclusion in business, the new campaign takes the movement to the next level, working with those at the very top of UK businesses to provide a way forward in creating meaningful and long term change.
The campaign provides organisations with the practical help, data, knowledge, tools, and confidence to have the difficult conversations and implement the actions necessary to change the real-life experiences of Black and other ethnically diverse individuals within their organisations.
In signing, Time Out Group commits to reporting on the sustainable and long-term actions implemented to address Black inclusion in the workplace. These actions, which will be documented in an annual report from signatories, include;
Diversifying the face of our organisations: Setting targets for diverse candidate slates for every position and holding recruiters accountable for presenting diverse shortlists. More specifically, setting targets on Black talent in our candidate slates
Measuring: Investigating the specific challenges and barriers faced by Black talent in our organisations, starting to track ethnicity data and conduct focus groups or listening sessions to properly understand the experiences of our Black and minority colleagues.
Joining a journey of learning: Educating ourselves on the experiences of Black people in the workplace and in society at large.
Starting the conversation: Being vulnerable with our people. Admitting we haven’t done enough and that the work is just beginning.
Elevating Black voices: People know discrimination and racism are a lived, everyday reality now – but do they know what forms it takes every day in the workplace? We must start these conversations. We will also do more to celebrateBlack leaders and talent in our organisations and the wider business community.
Committing to specific actions: We’ve posted on our corporate Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, but now we must show what our organisations look like truthfully and what more we are doing to change it.
It is time to work together to create lasting, positive change for the Black community across the world and leverage our influence as businesses to make the world a fair, equitable and safe place forBlack people.
The full details for the If Not Now When? Campaign and full list of signatories can be found here. All of these signatories are calling on other business leaders to commit to reporting on the actions they have taken to respond to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Julio Bruno, CEO of Time Out Group said: “We are more than proud to join the pledge If Not Now, When? where together we stand united for action for #blacklivesmatter. What makes our cities so great? It is the wonderful melting pot of urban cultures, welcoming diversity and inclusion of every person, every shape, size, colour, religion or sexual preference. Supporting and celebrating diversity and equality is in our DNA and is something our late founder, Tony Elliott was very passionate about. We are looking forward to working with Audeliss, Involve and other business leaders to talk about and implement the necessary actions to change attitudes within our organisation.”
Suki Sandhu OBE, Founder & CEOof Audeliss and INvolve, said: "The call to action signalled by the Black Lives Matter movement is one that businesses can no longer ignore. Our Open Letter was a commitment for action and accountability. The If Not Now Campaign aims to ensure that these actions are taken and surpassed, and this urgent call for change in business remains a priority and goes well beyond just well meaning promises and conversations. We must do more when it comes to driving Black inclusion in business. Organisations must step up and hold themselves accountable for turning well-intentioned aspirations into clear, concrete actions for change. It’s fantastic to see more and more signatories going beyond solidarity with #blacklivesmatter and committing to creating a workplace where Black and other ethnic minority individuals have an equal opportunity to thrive."
