GEM Board Members: Are We Setting Them Up to Fail?

difficult conversations | 9th February 2023 | 14:00 – 16:30

Difficult conversations
1st December 2022 | 15:00 – 17:00

Representation of Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) groups on UK boards has increased in recent years. However, despite this increase in representation, a study by Green Park has found that GEM board members are twice as likely as their white counterparts to resign within the first year in their role. Are GEM board members face greater levels of implicit bias and discrimination in their roles, which can make it difficult for them to succeed? Could it be that GEM board members are likely to be in full-time executive roles and not, like their white counterparts, able to dedicate time and energy to the board?

In the last three years, UK boards have seen a considerable increase in Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) representation. Nevertheless, there have been reports that some GEM board members may face unconscious bias and discrimination due to certain factors. These include a greater probability of occupying full-time executive roles, leaving them with fewer resources to dedicate to their board role in comparison to white counterparts; a lack of diversity and minority presence in the boardroom can lead to exclusionary behaviour; and those in their first NED role may not receive sufficient support. All of these issues create an environment of unconscious bias and discrimination against GEM board members.

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Meena Anand Founder and CEO of the Careers Company

Meena is a former FTSE 100 HR Director and now holds several NED roles. Meena specialises in supporting the careers of diverse organisational groups - women, ethnically diverse, older workers and those that are neuro-divergent.She is a passionate disruptor often sought to write, speak and comment upon next-gen HR. Her articles have recently been published in several magazines.

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Chyrel Brown Chief Operating Officer
One Housing

Chyrel Brown is the Chief Operating Officer at One Housing, now part of The Riverside housing Group. Since joining in July 2019, Chyrel has made some important changes to the teams to improve responsiveness and the services provided and ensure that teams deliver excellent customer service.

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Caroline Pillay Senior Partner, Chair of Councils
Building Homes

Caroline Pillay is a Senior Partner at Airey Miller Partnership and Chair of the Airey Miller’s Councils’ Councils Building Homes Forum, Caroline is also a Non-Executive Director of Social and Sustainable Capital and an ambassador for Women in Social Housing.

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Ben Laryea Chief Executive Officer
Ekaya Housing Association

Ben has worked in the sector for over 30 years. He is Chief Executive of Ekaya Housing Association, which provides housing and support services primarily to black and ethnic minority women, their families and groups with similar needs.

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Date: 9th February 2023

Time: 14:00 – 16:30

Venue: Central London

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