The RISE of BRGs - Ctrl Alt Lead podcast

How business resource groups turn inclusion into action

With the right support, business resource groups (BRGs) can drive meaningful change in an organisation.

In the latest episode of Ctrl Alt Lead, Tom sits down with Karen Byer, lead project manager at global innovation and transformation company PA Consulting, to talk about how these informal groups can help you find – and keep – more staff.

Karen, who won Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader of the Year at the UK IT Industry Awards 2023, is the chair of UK RISE (Racial Inclusion and Social Equity), a BRG that has grown to 800 members in just four years.

Key to that growth is Karen’s commitment to helping people take part without taking over their day-to-day work. Involvement can range from advocating for an absent colleague to organising company-wide events.

Karen highlights key initiatives UK RISE has supported or achieved and their results, as well as discussing whether BRGs are appropriate for every organisation.

For organisations without formal BRGs, Karen recommends starting by identifying existing informal groups and amplifying their efforts.

With the right leadership and organisational support, BRGs are more than "just" a safe space – they can drive meaningful change.

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