The Equity, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Committee met to discuss progress on the Barbican's EDI strategy and the City Corporation's broader EDI strategic framework. The committee was also scheduled to review the upcoming Member Learning & Development programme's focus on EDI.

Barbican Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Update

A report was scheduled for information regarding the Barbican's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. The report indicated that the Barbican aimed to meet 29 out of 35 EDI competencies in 2025 but had achieved 26. Progress on areas such as general learning and development, recruitment practices, and wellbeing was noted as slower than predicted, largely due to resourcing within the People and Culture (PCI) team. It was forecast that 31 out of 35 competencies could be met by the end of 2026, with the remainder by the end of 2027, assuming timely delivery of other City of London Corporation projects. Key achievements highlighted included anti-racism line management training, an online learning module, the development of Barbican Workplace Adjustments Guidance, and the first-time reporting of gender, disability, and ethnicity pay gaps for Barbican staff. The report also detailed progress against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to equitable outcomes, audience diversity, and inclusive culture.

Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Framework: Delivery Roadmap

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a report on the Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) Strategic Framework's Delivery Roadmap for 2026-2029. This framework, approved in principle in September 2025, aims to embed EEDI across all functions of the City Corporation. The report detailed the two final components for consideration: the Delivery Roadmap itself and the Staff Network Approach. The Delivery Roadmap outlines priority workstreams and sequencing to achieve the City of London Corporation's EEDI ambitions, aligning with the Corporate Plan and statutory duties. The Staff Network Approach aims to strengthen staff networks as drivers of EEDI by refreshing their purpose, governance, and resources. The report recommended agreeing the proposed Delivery Roadmap, annual progress reporting from 2027/28, and feedback on potential outcome and impact progress metrics.

Member Learning & Development: Discussion of Equity, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Quarterly Training Theme

A report was scheduled for discussion regarding the proposed Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) quarterly theme within the Member Learning and Development Programme for 2026-27. The Member Development & Standards Sub-Committee had previously approved a refreshed strategy and a rolling programme of training events, confirming EEDI as a dedicated quarterly focus. The report sought input from the EEDI Sub-Committee to inform the development of this training, considering areas where Members might benefit from additional learning, perceived gaps in knowledge, confidence, or consistency, and suggestions for topics or approaches. Options for training included statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010, practical application of EEDI principles, and strategic briefings on relevant City policies. The Sub-Committee was also asked to consider a potential training needs analysis survey for Members.

City Belonging Project

A verbal report was scheduled to be heard from the Representative for Campaigns and Community Engagement regarding the City Belonging Project.

Annual Equalities Report Update

A verbal report was scheduled to be heard from a Representative from Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on the Annual Equalities Report update.

Transatlantic Traffic of Enslaved African People

A report from the Deputy Town Clerk was scheduled for discussion concerning the Transatlantic Traffic of Enslaved African People.

Minutes

The public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 20 November 2025 were scheduled for approval.

Exclusion of the Public

A motion was scheduled to be considered for the exclusion of the public from the meeting for specific items, citing the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Non-Public Items

The agenda also included non-public minutes for approval, a non-public appendix to the Barbican EDI Strategy update, and non-public questions.

Confidential Items

Confidential minutes from a previous session were scheduled for agreement, and a verbal report on the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of sex was to be heard.