Preparing Students to Make Positive Contributions in the Workplace

On Tuesday 28th June, Leighton Park hosted the launch of ‘Ethics in Business’, a partnership between our students and local not-for-profit social enterprise, Ethical Reading.

As a pilot, A Level Business students have already carried out ethical appraisals of NatWest and Grant Thornton’s company policies. In future, the School plans to hold an annual Ethics in Business Fair with its partners, where GCSE, BTEC and IB students can discuss ethical issues with representatives of various companies.

Leading the initiative with Brad Hooker of Ethical Reading, Head of Business & Economics, Michael Liggins, aims to connect local organisations with our students and beyond, so that they better understand the importance of ethical values in business.

Following the event Michael commented, “Today, we welcomed Ethical Reading back to the School to develop our working partnership, which has given so many opportunities for our students to engage with business ethics and reach out to local businesses to investigate the way in which their ethical behaviour plays out in practice. We were also very fortunate to receive a presentation on the ethics of the fast fashion industry from two of our current Lower Sixth Business students. This really brought the student voice alive in the event and was very much appreciated by the participants.”

Michael continued “Our next step is to develop a network of local schools interested in collaborating around the issue of business ethics in education. We are planning to run an Ethical Fair in 2023 where we will be able to attract local businesses and schools, and their students to engage around practical business ethics and really deepen their understanding of ethics. For me, something that is very important is that, in reaching these students, we are influencing the way in which future business leaders will act and think about the ethical dimensions of the business decision they will no doubt take in the future.”

Ethical Reading director Brad Hooker commented, “We have found the process of devising the programme alongside Leighton Park School enlightening and inspiring. We look forward to many more young people’s benefiting in future, enabling them to enter the world of work with a solid understanding of the ethical issues businesses face and how to tackle them.”

Attendees at the launch of the Ethics in Business partnership included, Deputy Mayor of Reading Debs Edwards, Director at Natwest, Mike Waddelove and representatives from local schools.