Igniting change: every action counts

Elijah, DEI representative on our Youth Advisory Board, shares his reflections on Race Equality Week, how the EY Foundation’s work intersects, and guidance for how to support race equality beyond this week.

What is Race Equality Week?

Race Equality Week is an annual UK-wide initiative that takes place in the first week of February to promote race equality in the workplace and wider society. Organised by Race Equality Matters , it brings together organisations, businesses, and individuals to engage in discussions, events, and activities aimed at tackling racial inequality. The week encourages action through practical solutions, awareness campaigns, and shared best practices, helping organisations move beyond conversations to implement meaningful change.

How is EYF connected to it?

As a member of the EY Foundation Youth Advisory Board (YAB), I support the Foundation to reach its ambition to secure equitable access to employment for young people from low-income backgrounds. We provide reflections, identify opportunities, and review work through the lens of youth voice across a variety of topics and projects. As the DEI Representative, I work closely with the team to ensure that our work is inclusive of all people, and that we celebrate and embrace difference in the workplace.

During Race Equality Week, the EY Foundation spotlights the inequity of career support and progression many young people from ethnic minority backgrounds often face. Their work supports the week’s goal of moving from awareness to action by helping to break down barriers for young people from diverse backgrounds entering the workforce.

Every Action Counts

So, as the YAB DEI Representative for the Foundation, here are my top 10 tips to firms considering how to support Race Equality beyond this one week.

1. Inclusive Recruitment – Use diverse hiring panels, blind recruitment, and outreach to underrepresented groups to ensure fair hiring processes.
2. Leadership Accountability – Set measurable diversity and inclusion (D&I) targets, ensuring senior leaders champion racial equity.
3. Equity in Career Progression and Retention – Address barriers to promotion through mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development for ethnic minority employees.
4. Training & Awareness – Provide anti-racism, unconscious bias, and cultural competency training for all employees.
5. Safe Spaces & Employee Networks – Support employee resource groups (ERGs) and forums where staff can discuss race-related issues openly.
6. Zero-Tolerance Policies – Enforce strong policies against discrimination, microaggressions, and racial bias, with clear reporting mechanisms.
7. Supplier Diversity – Work with diverse suppliers and invest in minority-led businesses to extend impact beyond the organisation.
8. Data Transparency – Collect and publish diversity data, regularly reviewing progress on racial equality initiatives.
9. Inclusive Culture – Celebrate different cultures, ensure representation in marketing materials, and encourage allyship at all levels.
10. Partnerships & Community Engagement – Collaborate with organisations like the EY Foundation or Race Equality Matters to drive broader change.

To end, I take inspiration from world-renowned artist and Founder of the Clara Lionel Foundation, Rihanna:

“How many of us in this room have colleagues and partners and friends from other races, sexes, religions? Show of hands? They want to break bread with you, right? They like you. Well then, this is their problem too.”

Let us collectively work together to make this world a fairer place.