A vote on reforms in response to allegations of sexual misconduct is expected to have a "nerve-wracking time," according to the new CBI boss.
A crucial moment for the lobby group's future is probably the vote on a "programme of change.".
It has been struggling to survive since membership losses, including those of John Lewis and BMW, were caused by allegations of rape and sexual assault against staff.
The CBI should survive, according to Rain Newton-Smith, "without a doubt.".
The CBI director general responded that it was a "really nerve-wracking time" when asked if the organization would fold if it lost the vote.
But Ms. Newton-Smith insisted that she was "absolutely determined" that the CBI would "lead this programme of change" and serve as "a collective voice for business.".
"Reading about some of these instances has been utterly heartbreaking, and I think, I hope, we are emerging from what has been a really deep and painful crisis for us," she continued.
Confederation of British Industry, or CBI, is one of the most well-known lobbying organizations in the UK. Its function is to communicate with the government on behalf of about 190,000 companies that employ millions of people.
However, allegations of sexual assault and harassment surfaced in April, which caused some well-known figures to resign from the organization's membership.
Two allegations of rape—one at a group summer party in 2019 and the other at one of its overseas offices—as well as claims of harassment and sexual assault are included in the allegations.
The alleged rape is being looked into by the City of London Police.
The government has also halted its activities with the CBI, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt stating there was "no point" working with the organization when its own members had abandoned it. Some members, including Tesco and Sainsbury's, have ceased their engagement with the group.
The CBI announced a "programme of change" last week in response to an investigation by the law firm Fox Williams, which has been submitted for voting by the remaining members.
The CBI board will be updated as part of the reforms, which aim to rebuild trust in the organization. A new committee devoted to issues pertaining to people and human resources will also be formed. Additionally, staff will be reduced.
Due to the allegations, the CBI has put an end to its own regular business and will only resume operations if members support its change proposals.
When asked if she would be taking a pay cut in light of the CBI's staff reductions, Ms. Newton-Smith responded, "We are looking at all the options. ".
She continued, "My pay is already below what my predecessors received. The most crucial thing is to preserve as many jobs as we can through this. I don't want to lose any of my coworkers. ".
Tony Danker, a former director-general of the CBI, was fired after facing separate allegations of workplace misconduct unrelated to the sexual assault and rape claims for which he has since apologized.
According to The Sunday Times, he was "preparing" to sue the organization. Earlier, Mr. Danker told the BBC that while he was thinking about suing, he did not actually want to do so.
