In November last year, we published a statement about our role in the world. We acknowledged that some members wanted us to do more in relation to global conflicts and geopolitical events, and we said the Council would discuss and agree on a position. We also asked for your thoughts on the matter. Thanks to everyone who responded and provided thoughtful and detailed insights and opinions.
Based on your feedback and other considerations, Council agreed how we would respond to future conflicts and geopolitical events.
- Our focus will be where we can make a real difference and that's in supporting members affected by such issues. It was felt this was a clear role for us as a professional body. We should consider what support for members would look like in practice, such as drop-ins, support groups, the Professional Advisory Service, trauma counselling and financial support.
- Council believes it's not our role to make political statements. Any comments that we make should be human and politically neutral but not passive, particularly on international matters.
Supporting our members
As part of our commitment to providing members support in difficult times, we've hosted three EDB Insight sessions to help promote understanding of different aspects of equity, diversity and belonging (EDB). The first session held in March was on allyship during a global conflict. This was followed by an Antisemitism session in May and an Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred session in July. Attendees at all sessions gave positive feedback.
We'll continue to enable and encourage further conversations that bring people together to build understanding, tolerance, and respect. One of the ways we'll do this is through EDB reflection sessions. These are safe space for members to come together to share, listen and reflect on their experiences and discuss how to protect their wellbeing and support each other in these times. The first session was held in August.
We've also responded to members who have contacted us and worked with them to support individually or as groups.