Run by business, for business, the Taskforce will ‘play an essential role in The Princess of Wales’ work to transform the way in which society prioritises and supports children and the ecosystems around them in their earliest years’.
The Taskforce will come together for its inaugural meeting today (21 March) at NatWest’s headquarters in the City of London. It is composed of:
- NatWest Group
- Unilever
- Aviva
- Deloitte
- IKEA UK and Ireland
- Co-op
- The LEGO Group
- Iceland
The creation of the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood follows the launch of Shaping Us, a long-term campaign spearheaded by The Princess of Wales. The aims of the campaign are to transform the issue of early childhood and highlight the role society plays in building a ‘supportive and nurturing world’ around children and those who care for them.
Amanda Berry, chief executive of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, said, ‘We all have a role to play in building a supportive and nurturing world around children and those who care for them, and it is fantastic to see business leaders placing the subject of early childhood at the heart of their organisations.
‘Businesses play a key role within society and with their huge reach to their employees, consumer and the wider community, their involvement can have a transformative impact on the health and happiness of generations to come.’
NatWest Group chief executive, Dame Alison Rose, added, ‘I am delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, and leaders from a wide range of sectors to our headquarters for the inaugural meeting of the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood. This is a critical issue for the future growth and success of our businesses, our economy and our society.
‘As business leaders, we have an important responsibility to the colleagues, customers and communities we serve. This Taskforce can deliver positive change by bringing together a wealth of experience across the private sector to help provide the support and resources that young children and their carers need to thrive.’
The NDNA said it is ‘encouraging to see businesses signing up to the Taskforce for Early Childhood.
Chief executive Purnima Tanuku commented, ‘Everyone in society has a part to play in supporting our next generation and it’s encouraging to see businesses signing up to the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood. There are immediate and long-term benefits from supporting families with young children in their earliest years. It’s good to see businesses being involved in supporting children to reach their full potential. Businesses have an important role to play as employers and to support families with young children.’
