What membership offers

Opportunity Now and Race for Opportunity are the gender and race campaigns within Business in the Community, a registered charity.  

We know that creating diverse and inclusive workplaces is a business imperative, not a just a nice to do. Organisations benefit when they create workplaces which tap into a diverse range of skills and talents. 

We work with more than 200 (350 including NI) of the UK’s most significant employers to help them do just that and to create workplaces which really work for all.
We do this by providing practical and pragmatic advice, cutting edge tools and research, and we share the latest best practice to help organisations benefit from gender and race diversity. 
As well as all of this expertise, knowledge and support, we also campaign on the issues which will make the most beneficial difference to individuals, society and our economy.

Organisations can join one or both campaigns (Opportunity Now and Race for Opportunity) and benefit from a huge range of expertise and support.  Two different  levels of membership are available Core and Corporate Champion.

Here is a  brief overview of some of the  benefits of membership -  or follow this link to the at a glance guide . These pages  will help you decide what level of membership is appropriate for your organisation.

1.    Access to knowledge and expertise: Our employers have access to the latest gender and/or race best practice, research, case studies, statistics and news.

2.    Personal support:  Every employer is allocated a named account manager who will offer specialist support and challenge your work in gender and/ or race diversity.

3.    Celebrate your achievements: For many years our prestigious annual awards have celebrated outstanding practice in equality and diversity work. The high profile awards are the ideal opportunity to demonstrate and publicise your organisation’s best practice, innovation and dedication to equality.
Please note:  the Opportunity Now Awards are open to all UK employers.  It is however necessary to be a member of Race for Opportunity to be eligible to enter these awards. 
If you require further clarification please contact  the events manager.  

4.    Thought leadership: Participate in shared research to explore current issues on diversity and inclusion.  We are continually investing in research to benefit our employers and we ensure they are kept abreast of new thinking by regular external news bulletins and research reports.

5.    Benchmark your progress: Included in the membership fee are the UK’s most extensive surveys on gender and race diversity in the workplace. These allow employers to clearly chart their progress on mainstreaming diversity and to compare their progress with other employers. Employers receive a detailed analysis of their performance and are given one -to-one advice and guidance on how to improve.

6.    Inspiring and informative events:  We organise a wide range of events to inspire and inform. Events include round-table discussion forums, best practice networking meetings and most are included free in your membership. Events occur across the UK, and have a particular emphasis on identifying and sharing best practice.

7.    Peer support and learning: Our network of diversity practitioners and leaders is a great source of support, inspiration and learning.  Joining Opportunity Now or Race for Opportunity allows you to network with peers from a wide range of organisations and sectors, share ideas, experiences and challenges.

8.    Organisational reputation: Demonstrate to your colleagues, your stakeholders, and customers/clients that as an organisation you take diversity seriously.  Be part of a movement which together is making a difference and making diversity a reality in UK workplaces.

The cost of membership is as follows:

•  £3,125 for a single Core Membership of Race for Opportunity or Opportunity Now
•  £2,500 for Core Membership for those organisations who have 2 or 3 memberships with: Race for Opportunity, Opportunity Now and Business in the Community
•  £10,000 Champion Membership of either Opportunity Now or Race for Opportunity