CBI extraordinary general meeting outcome

In response to the confidence vote by CBI’s members, trade bodies including the ABPI have released the following joint statement. 

“Our associations benefit from an overarching business organisation representing our collective views, so we welcome today’s members vote in favour of the CBI’s programme for change.

“We welcome, too, the CBI’s recognition that it must change, following serious allegations about its culture and the behaviour of some staff, which prompted police investigations. We believe that the prospectus they put to the EGM sets out a credible way forward, which we are prepared to support.

“However, that journey of change has only just begun, and we will hold the CBI and its Board to account and tighter scrutiny, to ensure that all members - including the many sector trade associations in membership - can be confident that the CBI's culture, role and purpose are refreshed and responsive to our needs.

“Our associations drive both the UK's employment and economy, so it's critical that the CBI ensures that trade associations are at the heart of its work. That includes incorporating trade bodies in the CBI's governance, and a plan to ensure it enables and amplifies sectoral advocacy, rather than duplicates it.

“The coming weeks and months must see the CBI put words into action and deliver the far-reaching changes it has promised, then it will be able to win back everyone's trust and confidence.”