The CBI (Confederation of British Industry) has suspended all policy and membership activity until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in June as dozens of companies, including Rolls Royce, are leaving the organisation or pausing their memberships following allegations of rape and sexual assault.
It follows reports in the Guardian that a second woman had made a rape allegation against two CBI workers, and comes after a series of historic misconduct claims over recent weeks.
A statement from the CBI board said that it “shares the shock and revulsion at the events that have taken place in [the] organisation, and at past failures that allowed these events to happen,” with the organisation planning to put forward proposals for a refocused CBI at the June EGM for its membership to decide on its future role and purpose.
The CBI said: “We are deeply sorry and express our profound regret to the women who have endured these horrific experiences.
“We have listened carefully to what our colleagues, members and stakeholders have said over recent days and weeks. We have heard loud and clear a demand for far reaching change.
“We want to properly understand from our colleagues, members, experts and stakeholders how they envisage our future role and purpose. As a result, we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend all policy and membership activity until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in June.
“At the EGM we will put forward proposals for a refocused CBI to our membership for them to decide on the future role and purpose of the organisation. This work and the cultural reform will be the entire and urgent focus of the organisation over the coming weeks.
“Our members have told us in recent days and weeks that they believe in the importance of a collective voice to inform national policy and the unique role that an organisation like the CBI can play in public life. But much needs to change if we are to win back their trust so we may continue to represent business at this critical time for the country.
“We are taking steps to address our failings but recognise these are not yet sufficient to sustain the confidence of our colleagues, members and of the broader business community. We know it will take time to rebuild trust in our purpose and culture. And to give our team and former colleagues the space to heal.”
Some business leaders have called for the CBI to disband.
