CBI hires ethics consultancy ahead of members meeting

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has appointed business ethics consultancy Principia Advisory to assist in a review of its culture, according to a report from Sky News.

It comes four weeks ahead of a meeting of members to determine the organisation's future.

New CBI director-general Rain Newton-Smith signed off on the appointment after the departure of a number of corporate members two weeks ago.

The CBI, Britain's largest business lobbying group, was facing a crisis over its very existence due to its handling of allegations of rape and other sexual misconduct.

Most of its operations remained suspended amid a comprehensive review, after several longtime members including the John Lewis Partnership and Aviva quit the organisation.

Last month, the CBI sacked its director-general Tony Danker after an inquiry into his behaviour, although Danker had since accused the organisation of "throwing me under a bus."

Sky News said that in a memo to members sent on Friday, Newton-Smith said an extraordinary general meeting would take place on 6 June to determine the way forward for the CBI.

It said Principia Advisory would collaborate with the group to identify the root causes of past failures, recommend changes for cultural renewal, and rebuild trust.

Newton-Smith added that the CBI required "concrete actions and transparency about what we're doing so that everyone feels empowered to share their stories and knows they will be supported."

She also said that the CBI staff were "already doing what they do best, coming together with brilliant ideas and dedication," but added that members needed to be at the heart of the initiative.

Newton-Smith expressed hope that the CBI would be able to rebuild its culture, redefine its purpose, and regain the trust of members so that it could play a part in the recovery of the UK economy.

Sky said a CBI spokesperson had confirmed the contents of Newton-Smith's memo.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.