Facts about the CBI
Business voices
Founded over 50 years ago
Regional and subject based policy standing committees and councils
Over 300+ government officials and politicians engaged since the election
OUR MANDATE COMES FROM OUR MEMBERS
How do we know what to ask the government to do? Because business tells us. Our mandate comes from our members. Our councils and committees meet every quarter, engaging 700 senior business leaders from over 400 of our members. And members can get involved in a variety of other ways too, feeding into reports, calls for evidence, consultations and more. They have a direct say in what we do and how we do it – our mandate comes from their concerns, their feedback and their ideas. It comes by the week, by the day and - at times - by the hour.
To properly speak for UK business both to government and on the world stage, we have to represent you in your area – on the ground. That’s why we have offices in 13 UK regions; in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales; and internationally.
We’re a group of experts from all walks of life, passionate about building a better future for UK business. Learn more about the people taking your voice to government and bringing business together to learn from one another.
We're driven by our shared purpose, mission and values. Our values were co-created by our people, and our members shape our purpose. The valuable work we do must always be within the context of these core and guiding principles.
How we're governed
The CBI is a Royal Charter organisation and we are governed by our members through the CBI Council. The Council has delegated its authority to the Chairs’ Committee for policy matters and to the CBI Board for financial and governance matters but is still consulted regularly on our work, policy, messaging and outputs. These groups are member lead and core to our mission and purpose.
- CBI Council:
The formation of all the CBI Standing Committees and Regional Councils representing over 600 senior business leaders from over 400 CBI members across all parts of the UK economy. These groups are consulted quarterly on what we do and how we do it. - CBI Chairs’ Committee:
The top policy committee and most senior membership body at the CBI, responsible for setting and steering CBI policy decisions. This committee is comprised of all the Chairs from the 12 CBI Regional and National Councils and the sector focused Standing Committees. - CBI Board:
Responsible for the operational, financial and strategic decisions at the CBI.
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“Business is an incredible driving force for social progress, working in the service of the nation to deliver a fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable UK.”
John Foster, CBI Chief Policy and Campaigns OfficerDoing our bit for society and the planet
Supporting the wider community
Representing UK business goes beyond just speaking to government: we also do what great businesses do – support people and communities. For example, we’ve worked with the Greggs Breakfast Clubs in Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber, funding clubs that provide 58,500 breakfasts to children. The CBI has worked with the Social Mobility Foundation and Mencap to provide opportunities and work experience for people from a range of backgrounds. The CBI is also a founding member of Change the Race Ratio: accelerating racial diversity in business by campaigning for change and taking real action.
Environmental impact
The CBI has worked to reduce the footprint of our activities where possible. This includes monitoring our emissions, boosting our recycling capabilities and looking at how technology can reduce our impact on the environment. You can find more details in our Annual Report.
Accreditations and partnerships
As of December 2021 we are members of Change the Race Ratio, FSQS signed up to the Valuable 500, 10,000 Black Interns Programme, 10,000 Able Interns Programme and the Menopause Workplace Pledge. The CBI was also instrumental working in partnership with the TUC in the creation of the Good Business Charter, founded by retailer Julian Richer
Governance and compliance
For further information on how the CBI is run, managed and how it secures its mandate to speak as the voice of business, please download the relevant PDF.
Governance and complianceAnnual Report and AGM
Our Annual Report contains more information on our governance arrangements, key highlights from the year’s activities and details on our financial information. And every year our members are invited to attend our Annual General Meeting.
Annual Report and AGMGender and ethnicity pay gap
The CBI is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation, attracting and retaining diverse talent which reflects the members and communities we serve.
Gender and Ethnicity Pay GapCBI Membership is for all UK businesses - large or small.
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