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Standard Chartered Bank reaffirms its commitment to racial equality by signing up to the Race at Work Charter

on 21 Jul 2020

London – Standard Chartered has today announced that it has signed up to Business in the Community’s (BITC) Race at Work Charter, an initiative, in partnership with the government, designed to improve outcomes for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) employees in the UK.

The Charter builds on the work of the 2017 McGregor-Smith Review, ‘Race in the workplace’, which found that people from BAME backgrounds were still underemployed, underpromoted and under-represented at senior levels.

The Race at Work Charter is designed to foster a public commitment to improving outcomes of BAME employees in the workplace. It consists of five principles to ensure organisations address the barriers to BAME recruitment and progression:

  • Appointing an Executive Sponsor for race
  • Capturing data and publicising progress
  • Ensuring zero tolerance of harassment and bullying
  • Making equality in the workplace the responsibility of all leaders and managers
  • Taking action that supports ethnic minority career progression

The Bank’s Executive Sponsor for race, Tracy Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, Europe and Americas, Standard Chartered Bank, said: “Signing up to the Race at Work Charter was a natural progression for us at Standard Chartered. We view diversity, inclusion and respect for all colleagues as critical to our future success. Our diversity is what sets us apart and is integral to our brand promise of Here for good.”

Sandra Kerr CBE, race equality director at Business in the Community, said: “We would like to thank Standard Chartered for setting out their commitment to being an inclusive and responsible employer. By signing up to the charter they are showing that they aspire to have one of the most inclusive workplaces in the country. Together we can break down barriers in the workplace, raise the aspirations and achievements of talented individuals, and deliver an enormous boost to the long-term economic position of the UK.”

– ENDS –

For further information please contact:

Simon Kutner

Regional Head of Communications, Europe (Interim)

simon.kutner@sc.com

+44 (0)7880 296 947

Notes to Editors

View the current Race at Work signatories

About Business in the Community 

Business in the Community, part of the Prince’s Responsible Business Network, is a business-led membership organisation made up of progressive businesses of all sizes who understand that the prosperity of business and society are mutually dependent. We exist to build healthy communities with successful businesses at their heart.

We use our Responsible Business Map to guide members on a journey of continuous improvement, working across the whole responsible business agenda. From community engagement to employment, diversity and the circular economy, we offer expert advice and specialist resources, driving best practice by convening, sharing learning and recognising great performance across our influential network. www.bitc.org.uk

Notes to Editors

View the current Race at Work signatories

About Business in the Community 

Business in the Community, part of the Prince’s Responsible Business Network, is a business-led membership organisation made up of progressive businesses of all sizes who understand that the prosperity of business and society are mutually dependent. We exist to build healthy communities with successful businesses at their heart.

We use our Responsible Business Map to guide members on a journey of continuous improvement, working across the whole responsible business agenda. From community engagement to employment, diversity and the circular economy, we offer expert advice and specialist resources, driving best practice by convening, sharing learning and recognising great performance across our influential network. www.bitc.org.uk

Standard Chartered

We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 60 of the world’s most dynamic markets, and serving clients in a further 85. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, Here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges.

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