Equality

Whilst we have worked with clients to develop their processes and behaviours for managing diversity for many years, we have now seen how the agenda has changed since the killing of George Floyd in the US in May 2020.

Therefore we have researched and developed a new Diversity and Inclusion Framework which supports the latest language and principles of proactively addressing black lives inequality.

This includes recognising what Diversity and Inclusion mean, understanding the latest terms and what is appropriate, exploring unconscious and conscious bias, reflecting on relevant black history, managing issues around recruiting, developing and promoting people and action planning to achieve positive change.

Please get in touch to find out how we can help you manage this sensitive priority which has moral and commercial implications.

(Pictured below is a painting by US2U Consulting team member Kerwin Blackburn - a Jackson Pollock inspired action painting of American civil rights activitist Martin Luther King, capturing the tone of the current discussion)

US2U Consulting's Rachel Blackburn was pleased to attend the ED&I Leaders Summit 2024 on 11 November in London. The amazing view of Tower Bridge set the scene for the inspirational afternoon of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies from a range of speakers representing successful businesses including EY and BT. The event was chaired by Race Equity Campaigner Richard DeNetto and featured Columnist and TV presenter Sir Trevor Phillips.

Sir Trevor Phillips highlighted the importance of making the business case for ED&I rather than doing it because it's a shield against risk or a flag to wave to make your business look good. An example given was the casting of the popular Netflix series Bridgerton; whilst the cast was diverse, ultimately it was about making a drama series a commercial success.

Other topics included the importance of mentoring people from disadvantaged groups so that your demographic does not become your destiny and creating psychological safety so people can believe that they will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes.

Rachel Blackburn, CEO and Founder of US2U Consulting said "ED&I runs as a theme through all our client projects whether explicit or implicit, so it was great to work with like-minded people and discuss some challenges and opportunities for 2025."

We would love to discuss your Equality, Diversity and Inclusion challenges - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an exploratory conversation.

Rachel Blackburn attended a CBI (Confederation of British Industry) meeting on Cannon Street in London on 23 February 2023 to discuss the Change The Race Ratio Campaign that US2U Consulting has been a key signatory of since 2021 (read more about this here).

The purpose of this movement is to campaign for race equity and encouraging diversity in leadership and senior management positions - which US2U Consulting has always been passionate about as one of our core values. We offer a variety of Diversity and Inclusion-focused services, with our Diversity and Inclusion language quiz being one of our activities on this topic. Read and have a go at this here - let us know how you get on!

Richard DeNetto (pictured with Rachel) was one of the key speakers at this meeting in his role as a Race Change Equity Agent.

Overall, this CBI meeting was helpful for members to discuss the topic of race equity within a variety of industries, and how an inclusive culture can help any type of business thrive.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how we can support your organisation's Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities strategies.

We are proud to share that our Director, Rachel Blackburn MBE, attended Norwich Pride 2025 on Saturday 27 July, showing her support for the LGBTQ+ community and reinforcing US2U Consulting's long-standing commitment to encouraging diversity in all its forms.

Norwich Pride is a vibrant celebration of love, equality and inclusion - values that sit at the heart of everything we do. As a consultancy dedicated to helping organisations thrive through people, we understand that diverse, inclusive workplaces are more innovative, more engaged, and more succesful.

Rachel's presence at the event reflects our belief that diversity isn't just something to talk about - it's something to live out, both inside and outside the boardroom or work environment. From delivering tailored diversity and inclusion training, to supporting clients in building equitable workplace cultures, we are passionate about creating spaces where everyone can be themselves and succeed.

"Attending Norwich Pride was an energising and inspiring experience" said Rachel. "It's so important to stand in solidarity with all communities and actively promote a culture of respect and inclusion. At US2U Consulting, we work with our clients to make sure these values are embedded in their everday practices."

We look forward to continuing our support of events and initiatives that promote equality and inclusion - because diversity drives progress, and progress benefits us all.