Agenda item

9.1

The report sought to update the Committee on the focus and progress of Business Sheffield towards supporting the delivery of the Race Equality Commission (REC) report recommendations and to approve a specific action for the development of a diverse and inclusive Sheffield Business Board for the city. 

In doing the above, the report outlined:

• The background to the Race Equality Commission (REC)
• An overview of Business Sheffield’s response to the REC Commission
• An update of the progress made to date towards recommendations of the REC Final Report

·       A key action for a diverse and representative Business Board

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee Policy Committee:-

1.    Notes progress of Business Sheffield in meeting the recommendations and actions from the Race Equality Commission Final Report dated July 2022;

2.    Endorses a proposal to develop a new Sheffield Business Board which is representative of the city’s diverse business base. The board will be developed with other business facing services of the Council and in collaboration with the Sheffield Chamber; and 

3.    Instructs that once developed, the proposed terms of reference for the new Sheffield Business Board be brought back to the Committee for consideration and further recommendations as appropriate.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

To note the work undertaken so far by Business Sheffield in becoming anti racist and reaching and diverse business base in its provision

9.3.2

To ask Members to endorse and agree the proposal for a new Business Board and to note that the draft terms of reference for the Board will be brought back to Committee for consideration and further recommendations as appropriate.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

The Do Nothing option is discounted developing a more diverse Business Board is essential in meeting the recommendation for an equal and enterprising city.  To not follow through on the work already undertaken by supporting this part of the Commissions feedback and recommendations would pose a reputational risk for Business Sheffield and for the Council more generally in meeting the specific recommendation and its contribution to the wider overarching theme of becoming an antiracist city. 

9.1

The report sought to update the Committee on the focus and progress of Business Sheffield towards supporting the delivery of the Race Equality Commission (REC) report recommendations and to approve a specific action for the development of a diverse and inclusive Sheffield Business Board for the city. 

In doing the above, the report outlined:

• The background to the Race Equality Commission (REC)
• An overview of Business Sheffield’s response to the REC Commission
• An update of the progress made to date towards recommendations of the REC Final Report

·       A key action for a diverse and representative Business Board

The Business Growth Manager gave a presentation which provided the Committee with an update on the work carried out so far on the REC recommendations. Tracy Viner, Executive Manager, Sheffield Chamber attended the meeting to answer questions from the Committee.

Members asked questions regarding developing businesses, ownership of the board and the need to diversify.  Officers responded a new board would be created with business representatives consulted on the terms of reference.  The Council would work with Sheffield Chamber to create the board and ensure the diversity of the members.

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee Policy Committee:-

1.    Notes progress of Business Sheffield in meeting the recommendations and actions from the Race Equality Commission Final Report dated July 2022;

2.    Endorses a proposal to develop a new Sheffield Business Board which is representative of the city’s diverse business base. The board will be developed with other business facing services of the Council and in collaboration with the Sheffield Chamber; and 

3.    Instructs that once developed, the proposed terms of reference for the new Sheffield Business Board be brought back to the Committee for consideration and further recommendations as appropriate.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

To note the work undertaken so far by Business Sheffield in becoming anti racist and reaching and diverse business base in its provision

9.3.2

To ask Members to endorse and agree the proposal for a new Business Board and to note that the draft terms of reference for the Board will be brought back to Committee for consideration and further recommendations as appropriate.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

The Do Nothing option is discounted developing a more diverse Business Board is essential in meeting the recommendation for an equal and enterprising city.  To not follow through on the work already undertaken by supporting this part of the Commissions feedback and recommendations would pose a reputational risk for Business Sheffield and for the Council more generally in meeting the specific recommendation and its contribution to the wider overarching theme of becoming an antiracist city.