London, Palace of Westminster in London: A significant gathering took place on the 5th of March, convened by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). This event was orchestrated in collaboration with the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, with a central theme of ‘Faith at Work’. The focus was to explore and discuss strategies for cultivating an environment within organizations that not only accommodates but actively supports diverse religious beliefs and practices. The aim was to highlight the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where employees can freely express and practice their faith.
The panel of speakers was composed of distinguished individuals who are advocates for religious freedom and diversity in the workplace. Ruth Jones, MP, emphased the role of policy in shaping faith-friendly work environments. Oliver Pawle, Chairman of Korn Ferry Board Services Practice based in London, shared insights from the corporate sector, discussing how executive leadership can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of inclusivity. Sukie Singh, the vice president of Faithforce at Salesforce, provided a practical viewpoint on implementing faith-oriented initiatives within a global corporation. Brian Grim, the founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, offered an overview of the foundation’s mission and its efforts to promote religious freedom as a fundamental human right. Baroness Verma contributed her extensive experience in addressing issues of equality and diversity, while Jim Shannon, MP, who chaired the event, guided the conversation, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities associated with faith in the workplace.
The event served as a platform for sharing best practices, experiences, and innovative approaches to integrating faith into organizational policies and culture. It underscored the value of religious diversity as a component of broader diversity and inclusion strategies, which can enhance employee satisfaction, foster mutual respect, and contribute to the overall success of an organization. The dialogue initiated at this event is expected to inspire further action and commitment towards the development of faith-friendly workplaces across various sectors.