Words from our Founder
Tough Market, Tighter Community
From Black Tech Fest and Black Business Show to our community channels and my inbox, so many of you have shared your struggles with this job market. I hear you. Whether you're a graduate or a seasoned professional, what you're feeling is valid, and you're not alone.
We've always found strength in each other, especially when things get hard. But support looks different for everyone, and we don't want to assume what you need right now.
So we're asking you: How can we, as a community, better support you?
Maybe it's CV reviews, mock interviews, introductions, or accountability partners. Maybe it's a space to talk honestly about what you're going through. Maybe it's something we haven't thought of yet.
Email us at [email protected] and let the BRN team know what would help you right now
This season won't last forever, but how we show up will define us. 🧡
“From Promise to Progress”
DEI Council Report Launch
A few weeks ago, we had the chance to attend the launch of the DEI Council’s new report, “From Promise to Progress,” created by Chika Aji (Global Head of DEI at Britvic) and Razan Abdelgadir (Senior Global DEI Manager at Chanel); two incredible women driving real accountability in this space.
The report looks at what’s changed in UK workplaces since 2020, when so many organisations made big promises about race equity.
Five years later, the question is: have those promises translated into progress?
The answer - as the data shows - is mixed.
Here are a few things that stood out for us:
Fairness doesn’t always mean belonging. Nearly 70% of people from ethnic minority backgrounds say they’re treated fairly, but less than half feel safe to be their authentic selves at work.
There’s plenty of data, but not enough action. Almost every company now tracks ethnicity data, but only a small number actually use it to build real pipelines for diverse leaders.
Microaggressions are still far too common. One in three respondents still experiences them, with Black women reporting the highest rates.
Representation really matters. Having visible leaders of colour makes a tangible difference, increasing trust and authenticity for everyone in the organisation.
Accountability is where things fall apart. Fewer than 40% of companies link DEI goals to leadership performance, but those that do are twice as likely to make real progress.
As Chika and Razan write, “Targets alone don’t change culture; accountability does.”
💬 What We Took Away
From where we sit, in the world of recruitment and talent, this report hit home.
We talk every day with candidates who are trying to break in, move up, or simply find workplaces where they don’t have to shrink themselves to fit in.
It’s clear that representation isn’t just about who gets hired. It’s about who stays, who grows, and who leads.
We see too many organisations focused on entry-level diversity, hiring more “diverse talent”, but not enough focused on the middle and senior layers where careers often stall. That “frozen middle” is real.
So, what can we do?
Keep asking the right questions. Who’s in the room and who isn’t? Who’s being sponsored, mentored, promoted?
Push for transparency. Let’s normalise talking about representation, pay equity, and progression data.
Challenge tokenism with truth. Inclusion can’t just live in glossy campaigns; it has to show up in interview panels, promotion decisions, and leadership accountability.
Build bridges, not just networks. We all have a part to play, referring talent, sharing knowledge, mentoring, or opening doors where we can.
As recruiters, we’re gatekeepers and change agents. Every hiring conversation is a chance to shift something, even in small ways, toward equity.
The DEI Council’s report reminds us that while some progress has been made, it’s fragile.
Real change still depends on courage, consistency, and community.
And that’s exactly what BRN was built for.
Black History Month Events
🎟️ Exclusive Community Partner Discounts!
📣We’re excited to announce our partnership with Coding Black Females for CBF Fest 2025 📣
🛜 24th October 2025: Online
📍 25th October 2025: In-person at Good Hotel, Royal Victoria Dock, London
🎉 This festival showcases innovation, creativity, and the latest in technology.
As a partner, we’re proud to support opportunities for professional growth, expertise, networking, and collaboration across the tech industry.
Use *BRN_FREE* for a FREE ticket to the online tickets
Use *BRN_Community* for 15% OFF in-person tickets
Find out more and grab your tickets: https://cbf.zohobackstage.eu/fest#/
Recruitment & TA Events
What’s coming up?
London & Partners: Grow London - Why Talent Chooses You. How do you attract the best talent when candidates haven’t heard of your company?
Wednesday 22nd Oct, 6-8pm, London, UK
Metaview x hyperexponential: The London kickoff event for Metaview's 10x Recruiting community to learn from and connect with some of the sharpest recruiting minds.
Tuesday 11th Nov, 6-9pm, London, UK
BIMA: Gen Z Unfiltered | AI Competition & The Future of Work: As AI rapidly reshapes the workplace, what does the new face of competition look like for Gen Z? Join recruiters, talent leaders, and Gen Z professionals to explore how AI is impacting everything from internships to long-term careers.
Thu, 30 Oct 2025 6.30-9.30pm, London, UK
That’s it for this week.
Thanks for being part of the BRN community; we’re growing, learning, and making an impact together. Stay visible. Stay inspired. Stay connected.
Got something you’d love to see in future editions? Reach out: we’d love to hear from you!
-The Black Recruiters Network Team 🧡