Last updated: 11 Nov 2022 02:00 Posted in: AIA
Why boards should be a safe space for all – Ranjana Bell MBE discusses the importance of conversations around diversity and inclusion in business with the AIA Council.
Today the AIA Council welcomed Ranjana Bell MBE to discuss creating a safe space for difficult and courageous conversations around diversity and inclusion. The dialogue formed part of the ongoing training programme for AIA’s governing body and our commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment throughout our organisation.
Ranjana has worked in the field of equality and diversity for over 40 years. She currently chairs the Strategic Independent Advisory Group for Northumbria Police and is an independent member of Northumbria Police Misconduct Panels. She has been co-chair of the Scrutiny Panel for Race and Religious Hate Crime for the Crown Prosecution Service (Northeast England) and a Steering Group member for Asian Business Connexions, as well as a government appointed Commissioner for the Women's National Commission, and chair of the North East Equality and Diversity Partnership.
AIA President, Shahram Moallemi, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Ranjana to speak with us today. She facilitated a discussion around key diversity and inclusion topics such as what is unconscious bias and what does being inclusive actually require me to do in my business? The Council is made up of people from a huge variety of backgrounds and we value the advantages of having a range of perspectives contributing to our decision-making. Ranjana’s presentation highlighted the importance of keeping equality and diversity front and centre and the need for a committed leadership where dignity and respect are core to the business philosophy.”
AIA Secretary to the Council, Doreen Bland, said: ”Equality and Diversity is a key part of our corporate governance training programme and should be top of the agenda for all boards.”
AIA Chief Executive, Philip Turnbull, said: “AIA believes that regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, everyone deserves the opportunity to develop their talents and skills to their full potential, to work in a safe, inclusive environment, be rewarded fairly and be recognised for their work, and have a voice on matters affecting them.”
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“It was a pleasure to welcome Ranjana to speak with us today. She facilitated a discussion around key diversity and inclusion topics such as what is unconscious bias and what does being inclusive actually require me to do in my business? The Council is made up of people from a huge variety of backgrounds and we value the advantages of having a range of perspectives contributing to our decision-making. Ranjana’s presentation highlighted the importance of keeping equality and diversity front and centre and the need for a committed leadership where dignity and respect are core to the business philosophy.”