The Bristol networking organisation for young professionals has welcomed George Hooton of Hootons Commercial as its first Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The role has been created to support Bristol Junior Chamber (BJC)’s Council of Management and wider membership in championing its commitment to being an open and inclusive organisation, where all members feel welcome and valued.
George, a Commercial Property Surveyor at Hootons, will join a team of 16 nominated volunteers on the 2023-2024 Council of Management who build and deliver the organisation’s diverse and full calendar of events and activities.
The BJC, which is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary, was founded in 1948 to promote trade, commerce and industry in the city, support the agenda of Business West and Bristol Chamber of Commerce, and to provide its members with professional networking and skills-development opportunities.
The organisation has been involved in a number of significant projects in Bristol, including founding the world-renowned Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in 1978 and the Bristol Heritage Walk in 1984. It also supports social and charitable initiatives within the Bristol community, working with a range of organisations to raise funds, promote campaigns and raise awareness.
Today, the BJC has a membership of over 130 young professionals spanning a wide range of industries and sectors, including financial services, law, charity, and marketing and communications. Every month, at its member meetings, the organisation welcomes guest speakers to share insights and experiences with a focus on the South West. Its wider calendar of events offers a range of varied networking opportunities, knowledge-sharing and skills-development workshops, sporting activities, cultural events and more.
BJC President Georgia Corp, who is an Account Director at content and copywriting agency Stratton Craig, has worked alongside the organisation’s Council to establish the new role. Georgia Corp said: “I’m so excited to welcome George to this year’s Council of Management as the Bristol Junior Chamber’s first Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I).
“George and I, along with the rest of our wonderful team and the wider membership, will be working together to shape this new role over the coming months. We want to make sure the role supports our current and future members and becomes integral to the running of the organisation, as well as providing a valuable learning and skills-development opportunity for those who take up the role each year.”
On his appointment, George Hooton said: “I am very proud to join such a well-regarded organisation and play a key role in shaping its efforts towards a more diverse and inclusive BJC. As a wheelchair user myself I am aware of the various social and physical barriers in place to minority groups. I look forward to working with the Council and supporting our members.”
Related
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post.
