Sandra Kerr (diversity adviser)

'The publication of this report comes at a critical moment. the new government is grappling with an extremely challenging political agenda in the face of the toughest economic times for a generation. the task is to put the country back on a path of sustainable growth. this makes it an ideal opportunity to ensure that the workforce of tomorrow reflects the population of today – and especially in the professions and industries that will become so important to the UK in the 21st century and beyond.' - Sandra Kerr

'This report, a comprehensive review of ethnic minorities in higher education today, will, I hope, be of interest to Government policy makers, university boards and UK industry, all of whom will want to see how the current ethnically diverse generation will slot into tomorrow’s workforce.' - Sandra Kerr

'Having reviewed the findings of our latest research, ‘Race and Recruitment: Exposing the Barriers’ I am compelled to ask recruitment agencies and recruitment professionals to scrutinize their current processes to check for fairness and transparency when dealing with job seekers from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The BAME candidates interviewed in this research were more likely to be qualified to degree level than white respondents, but less likely to get a job through a recruitment agency.' - Sandra Kerr

'By 2051, one in five people in the UK will be from an ethnic minority background, representing a scale of consumer spending and political voting power that business and government alike cannot afford to ignore. The gap must not be allowed to widen further, but without action, little will change. I am calling on government for a ‘Lord Davies’ review to amplify understanding around the barriers BAME employees face in reaching management positions, and for two simple words – “and race” – to be added to the UK Corporate Governance Code. We urgently need these to happen if we are to ensure that we don’t pass the point of no return.' - Sandra Kerr

'This Race at Work report is a top line view of key trends and insights from the data collected. Several of the findings reiterate our existing knowledge about race inequality at work; some are surprising, others are concerning. More than 2,000 comments in relation to discrimination were submitted and a further 3,000 about leadership. Of course, we cannot do these comments full justice in this report. Our intention is to stream them by work issue and undertake further analysis to support future guidance for employers.' - Sandra Kerr