The concrete actions we've taken so far

Three weeks after the findings from the independent Fox Williams investigation, and two weeks into my tenure as Director General, I want to assure you that we are resolutely committed, and moving at pace, to reform our culture, refine our purpose, and build a new and better CBI. So that we can once again merit the trust of our members, the business community, and the country.

To that end, I would like to lay out the concrete actions we have already taken, and the far-reaching further change you can expect.

We’re implementing change

Where the Fox Williams report found that our systems of culture management, and of harm prevention and eradication were insufficient, it made 34 recommendations to resolve these failings, which we are implementing in full and are making strong progress.

We have also taken further decisive action: first, We have cemented high standards of conduct, including the dismissal of several people who failed to meet these standards. All staff and board members will have completed compulsory training covering diversity, equity and inclusion and bullying and harassment by the end of May. Further mandatory training is planned on employee relations best practice, mental health awareness and employment law.

We’re ensuring our people will be heard

Second, we have put in place a permanent, independent and confidential whistleblowing channel outside the CBI for people to come forward with past and future concerns about misconduct. We have also engaged an HR consultancy that will independently examine any further complaints of misconduct made by colleagues while we are reforming our internal processes.

We’re getting experts in to help

Third, we have now hired an Interim Chief People Officer, Elizabeth Wallace, who is part of our Executive Team, and reports directly into the board. We have also kicked off a comprehensive governance review that is looking at everything from board makeup to our governance structures and processes.

Fourth, we have launched a root-and-branch review of our culture, supported by CBI board member Jill Ader, Senior Advisor and former Chair at Egon Zehnder. After reviewing a number of submissions, we have appointed Principia Advisory to lead the review. They are experts in building ethical organisations, and will work with us to identify the root causes of past failure, and recommend the changes necessary for cultural renewal and rebuilding trust.

A summary of the findings and roadmap for cultural transformation will be presented ahead of the Extraordinary General Meeting on 6 June as part of our longer running work on cultural renewal.

We’re refocusing what we do, and how we do it

Fifth, we are also reviewing the purpose of the CBI, and working rapidly to gather ideas from our staff and our members and the basis of our mandate, about what you think this organisation should be. We’ve held listening sessions with firms across the UK that will form a crucial part of that, and inform our prospectus for an improved, refocused CBI, which will also be presented to members ahead of the EGM.

I believe, and am dedicated to ensuring, that through this work we can once again earn your trust, serve alongside you, and be the voice of business in tackling the challenges that I know are still facing your firms and the communities you work in across the UK.