‘Fear of getting it wrong’, free speech and what to include within policy were among challenges and opportunities explored by business representatives at an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) round table discussion on 4th July.
Held by East Midlands Chamber and strategic partner emh Group, which provides affordable homes, care and support, at its head office in Leicester, the discussion followed the publication of research findings into how the region’s firms approach EDI.
The round table event sought to address what businesses can do, government support and recommendations to national, regional and local stakeholders. The outcome of best practice shared by businesses at the round table will help shape future policy asks, research and identify initiatives that could support the region’s firms with EDI engagement.
The latest EDI report, published in January, concluded that 2025 should be a ‘year of action’ and identified that while 7 out of 10 East Midlands businesses have a policy for EDI, a third of businesses described having concern about ‘getting it wrong’.
Summary of key findings highlighted in the latest EDI report:
- 7 out of 10 East Midlands businesses have an EDI policy
- The top benefit of an EDI policy was reported as ‘an inclusive environment’
- 34% reported a ‘fear of getting it wrong’ as the main barrier to an EDI policy
- 16% believe an EDI policy has ‘no benefits’
East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “Sharing best practice examples from so many sectors across the East Midlands business community is so important in how we approach Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. While the research the Chamber conducted, in conjunction with emh Group, has some really encouraging data, showing 7 out of 10 firms have a policy in place for EDI, for example, it also shows we’re nowhere near where we could be. If businesses report worries over ‘getting it wrong’ then it’s right to unpick that, go under the surface and engage with businesses.
“Getting businesses together at the round table drew on actual experience and there were some really well-thought suggestions for how the East Midlands can better drive EDI forward and for policies that benefit business growth and we can now build on those recommendations.”
emh Group CEO Chan Kataria OBE said: “Diversity is not just about ethnic minorities. It’s about people from other minority groups, such as transgender communities. And whenever there’s disadvantage because of any of the nine protected characteristics, it’s important that we as businesses do everything possible to address those.
“EDI initiatives have a very strong role to play in our business and other businesses, and my view is that if there are businesses that are exemplars here in the East Midlands, they can share with other businesses because then collectively we raise the productivity of the region.”
Wellbeing and Leadership Mental Health Consultant Gary Parsons said: “From my own lived experience of living with a facial difference, I felt being at the round table was important from that perspective, but also just listening to other businesses was a huge part, hearing where firms are at with EDI.
“I’ve seen people go ‘we’ve got no idea about this whatsoever’ so getting people in a room and exchanging ideas is really helpful as well. It’s a really positive thing to be doing.”
To view the 2025 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report click here.
