Windrush 78th Year: Building Pathways for Progress

Audience

Open to all Business in the Community (BITC) members and non-members. This event is designed for HR and people management professionals, diversity and inclusion practitioners, senior leaders, executive sponsors, and Race at Work Charter signatories.

Background

Each year, BITC marks Windrush Day to honour the legacy and contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants. On 22 June 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks, carrying hundreds of passengers from across the Caribbean and the British Commonwealth who answered the UK Government’s call to help rebuild post-war Britain.

Seventy-eight years on, their legacy continues through the talent, leadership, and resilience of their descendants, yet many still face barriers to entry, retention, and progression in the workplace.

The Race at Work Charter Reset calls on employers to turn insight into action through Commitment 1: supporting young people’s pathways into good work and enterprise and Commitment 5: enabling fair progression for Black, Asian, Mixed Race and ethnically diverse employees.

About the event

This year’s Windrush 78th Year: Building Pathways for Progress event will spotlight experiences of entering, staying, and progressing in the workplace today.

Drawing on unpublished data from the Race at Work 2025 Survey, the session will explore:

· The ongoing NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) crisis and what the current data reveals and the challenges and opportunities.

· Real stories and lived experiences from young people working across key industries.

· Practical employer actions that can help break down barriers, create inclusive progression routes, and open opportunities for future generations.

We’ll also discuss how employers can align their actions to the Race at Work Charter Reset and play a role in building a fair and inclusive future of work.

Speakers

• Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director, Business in the Community
• Additional speakers to be announced

Booking, contact details and further information

• Contact Jessica Hart, Events Coordinator at BITC for any further questions.
• Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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