Business Cohesion Network

The business sector has a vital role to play in the development of community cohesion. The workplace can help bring people together. Business has a unique opportunity to work with partners and customers to positively impact cohesion at a local and national level.

The Business Cohesion Network provides an opportunity for businesses to develop an agenda for cohesion across the corporate world. The Network will bridge the gap between diversity and cohesion and offer solutions to workplace inequalities.

This initiative comes at the right time - many businesses are already engaged in this agenda and are developing innovative schemes; but we must gather and share our best practice and it must be led by business, for business.

What's in it for business?

Cohesion is not just about helping the community - business also benefits directly. iCoCo believes that the benefits of a cohesive workforce can be shown to produce:

• Higher productivity and quality
• Lower sickness and absence levels
• Lower staff turnover
• Better community relations and greater understanding between communities
• Improved cooperation between different sections and teams across the business

"Did you know that businesses without strong equality policies and practices were 20% more likely than average to have recorded a financial loss in the past year"  view source

Role of the Business Cohesion Network

• To debate, discuss and help shape new policies on community cohesion and integration issues within the workplace, whilst recognising the impact that cohesive workplaces have on relationships in the wider community
• To develop new ideas and approaches to community cohesion and integration which can be shared and implemented locally, nationally and internationally
• To share and disseminate good practice and policy and offer solutions
• To act as champions for community cohesion within the business sector and promote the socio-economic and business benefits of a cohesive workforce
• To guide and advise other businesses in implementing community cohesion principles - generally and specifically during the economic downturn
• To influence wider policies and other agencies in respect of community cohesion

Members' benefits

In addition to the wide range of resources available to iCoCo Network members, benefits for members of the Business Cohesion Network include:

• Advocacy - regular meetings with Government and officials to promote the business sector voice on cohesion
• Opportunities to showcase and profile good practice and policy through the iCoCo website, journal and events
• A dedicated advice and helpline on any aspect of community cohesion
• Regular Network meetings and secretariat services for the above Network activities
• In-house 'taster days' to develop action learning set meetings, presentations and facilitated debate with peers and cohesion experts