Competitive debaters will debate the following motion: “This House believes that corporate institutions can meaningfully improve workplace diversity and multi-cultural representation by implementing quotas”.

This debate will be delivered in partnership with Lord Michael Hastings, Global Head of Citizenship for KPMG International. Lord Hastings is a strong advocate for improving workplace diversity and is keen to spark a meaningful debate on the use of quotas. The audience will be comprised of young professionals from a wide variety of professional backgrounds; many attendees will be members of ‘Multicultural Networks’ or ‘Ethnicity Business Resource Groups’ within their respective firms.

The event will end with a buffet and networking opportunity for those attending.

Debate Background:

The lack of diversity in the UK Boardroom has not gone unnoticed by the Government, the public or business observers. In December 2014, speaking at a breakfast meeting held by the professional services firm EY, the then Secretary of State for Business, Sir Vince Cable, urged UK business to build on its successful drive to increase gender diversity in Board leadership by drawing attention to the absence of minority ethnic leaders in our largest companies.