Today, the British Retail Consortium and The MBS Group are very pleased to launch the second UK Retail Diversity & Inclusion report.

The second edition of the research provides unique insight into the current state of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the UK retail industry. The report is based on dozens of interviews with CEOs, HRDs, and Chairs across the industry. It provides an update on the diversity of leadership teams as well as progress on D&I strategies and initiatives since the first report in 2021.

The report also builds on the progress of the D&I Charter, the change program led by the BRC in partnership with MBS and our law firm Partner RPC, which provides signatories with exclusive access to tailored roundtables covering a diverse range of topics to help members with their D&I strategies.

Framed around 6 commitments (CEO accountability, recruitment, social mobility, data gathering, respect and inclusiveness, and line manager accountability), the Charter is also a forum for members to collaborate and share best practices. If you want to hear more about the charter and how to join, please contact Luiza at Luiza.gomes@brc.org.uk

The findings of the report and the growth of the Charter are a testament to the widespread focus on D&I which is now much higher than was even the case only a year ago. The percentage of those with a D&I strategy in The MBS Group’s research has increased to 91%.

However, there is still a lot to work on, with little or no progress in some metrics, including only marginal shifts in ethnicity and gender at senior levels. The collection of meaningful data, particularly on more sensitive areas like ethnicity, sexuality and disability remains the exception rather than the rule.

BRC remains optimistic that through collaboration, businesses engaging and involving their employees, change can be delivered, and we look forward to working with you on that journey.

Download a copy of the report below, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with Luiza Paludo Gomes (Luiza.gomes@brc.org.uk) to share your views or to hear more about the Charter.