McLean, VA – January 10, 2023 – BBB National Programs today announced the 91 panel pool members of the 2023 National Advertising Review Board, the appellate body for the U.S. advertising industry’s system of self-regulation.
The National Advertising Review Board panel pool members, selected for their stature and experience in their fields, provide independent peer review to ensure truthfulness and accuracy in national advertising and help promote voluntary compliance with self-regulatory decisions.
Founded in 1971, the National Advertising Review Board provides appellate review of BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division and Children’s Advertising Review Unit decisions. In more than 90% of case decisions, companies voluntarily comply with any advertising recommendations made. In situations where an advertiser fails to make good-faith efforts to modify or discontinue advertising as recommended, cases are referred to the appropriate regulatory agency. These advertising programs are three of more than a dozen self-regulatory, accountability, and dispute resolution programs of the independent non-profit organization, BBB National Programs.
For 2023, panel pool members include 91 distinguished leaders from three different categories:
National Advertisers
Advertising Agencies
Public Members (academics and other members of the public sector)
A National Advertising Review Board appellate panel generally consists of five members from the pool, with three national advertising representatives, one agency representative, and one public sector representative on each panel.
Nominations for National Advertising Review Board panel pool members are made by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s), American Advertising Federation (AAF), Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), and BBB National Programs. The initial term is two years, and each member is eligible to be re-appointed for two additional two-year terms. This year 22 new members join 69 individuals returning to their distinguished roles.
“I am thankful to our industry association partners, which this year also includes the Interactive Advertising Bureau, for nominating our diverse and highly talented 2023 National Advertising Review Board panel pool members,” said Eric D. Reicin, President and CEO, BBB National Programs. “I am honored to welcome our new and returning distinguished panel pool members to their 2023 role of helping resolve truth-in-advertising disputes and enhance consumer trust.”
Following is the list of BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board panel pool members for 2023.
New Panel Pool Members
New Public Members
Jeffrey J. Maciejewski, PhD, Professor, Department of Computer Science, Design and Journalism, Creighton University
New Agency Members
Celeste Castle, EVP, Head of Research and Measurement, Amplifi USA
David Lane, Co-Founder, LevLane
Peggy Nordeen, CEO, Starmark
Andy Pray, Founder & CEO, Praytell
Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl, President & Chief Executive Officer, MHP/Team SI
New Advertising Members
Lynne Bartron, Vice President, Global Consumer Marketing, Gen Digital Inc.
Laura Brewick, SVP, Marketing, Serta Simmons Bedding
Stephen Cassell, Chief Marketing & Brand Officer, Point32Health
Matt Casselton, VP, Marketing and Consumer Engagement, Trinity Health
Jill Cress, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, H&R Block
Nicolle DuBose, Vice President and Head of Marketing for Schlotzsky’s, Focus Brands
Rebecca Duke, Head of Portfolio Marketing, Platforms and Partnerships, Mondelez International
Fernando Herrera, Vice President of Imaginarium & Marketing, Sun-Maid Growers of California
Ivonne Kinser, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation, Avocados from Mexico
David Lee, Global Senior Director of Licensing and Cultural Marketing, Kellogg
Linda Lee, Chief Marketing Officer, Meals & Beverages, Campbell Soup Company
Phil McWaters, Senior Vice President, Global Personal Health Care, Procter & Gamble
Kevin L. Miller, Chief Marketing Officer, The Fresh Market
Brad Moranchek, Head of Global Integrated Media, Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Dana Paris, Chief Marketing Officer, Canidae Pet Food
Chris Phillips, VP, Branded Content Sales & Strategy, Realtor.com
Returning Public Members
Jenny Buschhorn, Assistant Professor of Practice, Advertising Program Head, Texas State University
Margaret (Meg) C. Campbell, Professor of Marketing, Anderson Presidential Chair in Business Administration, School of Business, University of California, Riverside
Debra (Debbie) M. Desrochers, B.S., M.B.A., Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Management, Director of Studies MRes in Management, Marketing, Business & Society, Centre for Business, Organisations and Society (CBOS), University of Bath
Allen Garcie, Associate Professor of Digital Arts, Sybil T. & J. Frederick Patten Endowed Professor, Director, LaPIXEL Digital Arts & Media Academy, Designer/Facilitator, IdeaSpace, Department of Arts and Media – Digital Arts Program, Louisiana State University Shreveport
Nancy J. Gray, Clinical Assistant Professor, P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University
Timothy Hendrick, Associate Professor, Advertising, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, San Jose State University
Glynnis M. Johnson, Assistant Professor-Marketing, Morehouse College
Alice Kendrick, Professor of Advertising, Southern Methodist University
Peg Murphy, Associate Professor, Communication Dept., AAF AdClub Advisor, Columbia College Chicago
Joel M. Nichols, M.B.A., Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism and Strategic Media, The University of Memphis
Daniel John Petek, Education Board of Directors, AAF, Advertising Instructor, Washington State University
Larry Powell, Professor, Advisor for Lindsey + Asp, Advertising & Public Relations, Gaylord College, University of Oklahoma
Jan LeBlanc Wicks, Professor & Vice Chair, School of Journalism and Strategic Media, University of Arkansas
Learn more about the National Advertising Review Board here.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs. BBB National Programs oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, privacy, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
Contact:
Abby Hills, Director of Communications BBB National Programs 703.247.9330 / press@bbbnp.org
A new flexible adult English course for English learners now launching in the Gulf – Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar
Now you can control your English learning progress with flexible selection of class schedule and topic
Each lesson is designed to help you master a real-life situation in English, so you can face the future with confidence
You might have come across these situations: – you were unable to attend a lesson from a short course or development programme due to an unexpected incident. Worse still, the class could not be rescheduled, you had no alternative but to skip it; even if the class schedule fits you, the fixed course contents / topics may not arouse your learning interest.
If you want to improve your English skills yet stay in control of your learning progress, why not register now for our new adult English course “MyClass” recently launched by the British Council in the Gulf? Classes starting in January 2023, registration is open now.
Justin Spence, Regional Adult Product and Services Lead in MENA explains “Students can select the date and time of each lesson according to their preference and schedule, without worrying about missing a lesson due to an unexpected event. There are multiple themes in the course, which focus on authentic everyday English with real life topics like travelling, shopping, and meeting etc. This allows students to choose the lessons that best suit their interests and improve their speaking and listening skills through practical language tasks and online language exercises.”
“I am a journalist and I need be present wherever I am required to be, so I used to miss lot of lessons before. But now, with the new course MyClass I can choose a date and time that are convenient to me. I really feel comfortable and not subject to any restrictions and above that I am improving my knowledge whenever I want. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made” says Natia Tavdgiridze, a Myclass student from Georgia.
“What I like about Myclass is that I can choose when and what I can study, Since I joined, I have made a great progress, The diversity of MyClass topics and making friends with classmates have certainly broadened my knowledge and social circle. . Now I was successfully accepted in a prestigious UKI feel good and ready to study and live in the UK. Learning English is a good way to equip yourself for the future world. “ says Ilias El Ouazzani, a Myclass student from France.
The selection of class date, time and topic a can be made online and can be changed up to 24 hours before the lesson begins. This highly flexible and convenient way of study caters to the English learning needs of busy urbanites. What’s more, there is a range of course packages for students to choose from according to their budget and language needs. The more lessons they buy, the less average cost per lesson they pay!
MyClass lessons are delivered 100% face-to-face by the British Council’s experienced and professional teachers. They all have native speaker proficiency, a university degree, an internationally recognised qualification in teaching English and extensive teaching experience all around the world.
Through face-to-face teaching, teachers can monitor the student’s learning progress regularly and give him/her one-to-one feedback and learning advice. Upon every set of lessons ( 10, 30 and 50 lessons ), students can arrange one-to-one counselling with the teacher to further understand his/her strengths and develop a personalised study plan to improve their English.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. In 2019-2020 we reached over 75 million people directly and 758 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive a 14.5 per cent core funding grant from the UK government.
New York, NY – December 22, 2022 – In a BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) challenge brought by competitor AT&T Services, Inc., Charter Communications, Inc., d/b/a Spectrum, voluntarily discontinued certain comparative speed and reliability claims for its Spectrum Mobile services vs. AT&T Wireless.
AT&T Services challenged claims made in three television commercials that:
Spectrum Mobile is the “most reliable” mobile service.
Spectrum Mobile is more reliable than AT&T Wireless.
Spectrum Mobile has faster mobile data speeds than AT&T Wireless.
Unlike Spectrum Mobile, AT&T Wireless lacks the “speed you need to stream and connect in more places.”
Spectrum Mobile is America’s “leading” mobile service provider.
In response to the challenge, Charter informed NAD that it had permanently discontinued the express “leading mobile service provider” claim and “most reliable mobile service” claim for independent business reasons. Charter also informed NAD that it would permanently discontinue the remaining comparative speed and reliability claims in the way they were alleged to be conveyed. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits.
In its advertiser statement, Charter stated that “Spectrum is proud of the unique combination of performance and value that it offers wireless customers throughout the nation and thanks NAD for its attention to this matter.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs. Embracing its role as an independent organization since the restructuring of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in June 2019, BBB National Programs today oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs, and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, and privacy. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Abby Hills Email: press@bbbnp.org Job Title: Director of Communications
New York City | Dec. 22, 2022 – Following Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature on Senate Bill S9427, many employers in the Empire State are preparing for compliance with its new pay transparency law. The measure requires employers with four or more employees to include pay ranges in any ad for a job, promotion or transfer opportunity that can or will be performed at least partially in New York. The law will go into effect in Sept. 2023.
New York’s legislation joins the effort of advancing pay equity and increasing transparency around compensation, thereby giving employees more leverage in the hiring process. It will also create new challenges for employers – affecting everything from employee communications to managing pay compression and addressing any disparities that may come to light.
“The issue of pay transparency is already transforming the workplace in states and municipalities across the country,” said Emily Scace, legal editor for XpertHR, who notes that New York joins California, Washington and Colorado among states with pay transparency laws on the books. “Organizations should not delay in developing a strategy that will allow them to meet compliance requirements and ensure pay equity over the long term.”
Scace is available immediately to comment on this legislation and what these changes mean for all U.S. employers. She has nearly a decade of experience in legal publishing, with expertise in topics including employment discrimination laws, pay equity, recruiting and hiring, and more.
Scace and Gapsquare pay equity leader, Sabina Mehmood, will also host a free 45-minute webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. ET to highlight the nuances of New York’s pay equity transparency law, including what it means for companies and best practices for implementing a transparency strategy.
During the webinar, employers will learn:
Which employers and employees are covered by the pay transparency law
What S.B. S9427 requires regarding pay transparency and job descriptions in job postings
Key similarities and differences between the New York State law and New York City’s pay transparency law—and the impact on employers covered by both
Strategies for handling the top challenges of pay transparency
The importance of addressing pay equity issues proactively before they come to light
About XpertHR®
Global leader XpertHR empowers organizations to shape HR strategy, manage employee risk and embrace diverse talent ecosystems to create equitable, high-performing and purposeful workplaces. Since 2002, the data analytics and intelligent solutions provider has earned a reputation for providing expert insights, trusted resources and practical tools to help customers achieve greater efficiency, improve compliance and increase employee engagement. XpertHR is proud to be part of the LexisNexis® Risk Solutions portfolio within RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. To learn more visit xperthr.com.
McLean, VA – December 22, 2022 – The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) of BBB National Programs has referred direct selling company ViSalus, Inc. to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and California Office of the Attorney General for possible enforcement action. The referral comes after a lack of response from ViSalus to a DSSRC inquiry into aggressive earnings and health-related product performance claims made on social media by both ViSalus and its salesforce members.
DSSRC is an independent national advertising self-regulation program that monitors advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry. ViSalus is a multilevel marketing company that markets weight management nutritional products, dietary supplements, and energy drinks.
At issue are product performance claims indicating that ViSalus products can treat or provide relief for serious health-related conditions including diabetes, fibromyalgia, cancer, arthritis, and migraine headaches. The inquiry also included concerns regarding earnings claims conveying the message that participants in the ViSalus business opportunity can expect to earn significant or career-level income.
After multiple attempts via mail and phone, ViSalus has failed to respond to DSSRC’s inquiry and, pursuant to DSSRC Policies and Procedures, has now been referred to the FTC and the California Office of the Attorney General for possible enforcement action.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs. Embracing its role as an independent organization since the restructuring of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in June 2019, BBB National Programs today oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs, and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, and privacy. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council: The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), a division of BBB National Programs, provides independent, impartial monitoring, dispute resolution, and enforcement of false product claims and income representations made by direct selling companies and their salesforce members across digital platforms. The DSSRC seeks to establish high standards of integrity and business ethics for all direct selling companies in the marketplace.
Contact:
Abby Hills, Director of Communications
BBB National Programs
703.247.9330 / press@bbbnp.org
National Advertising Division Recommends Smile Prep Modify or Discontinue Claims and Disclosures on its Website; Smile Prep to Appeal
New York, NY – December 21, 2022– While the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs has determined that Smile Prep, LLC provided a reasonable basis for implied claims that it does not primarily solicit reviews from customers of its affiliate partners and that its reviews reflect the real experiences of legitimate clear aligner consumers; the advertising watchdog also recommended that Smile Prep modify or discontinue several other claims and disclosures on its rankings and reviews website.
NAD recommended that Smile Prep:
Disclose that reviews are incentivized.
Modify or discontinue certain claims regarding the analysis and ranking criteria used by Smile Prep.
Discontinue certain express comparative, efficacy, and performance claims about the product and services of Smile Prep’s affiliate partners.
Avoid conveying the message that Smile Prep does not give preferential treatment to its affiliate partners.
Avoid conveying that its rankings, reviews, and product information are objective (i.e., impartial) and free from bias.
Clearly and conspicuously disclose that Smile Prep’s rankings, reviews, and product information of the clear aligners of its affiliate partners are advertising.
The claims were challenged by SmileDirectClub LLC (SDC), a provider of clear aligner products and services. The SmilePrep.com website includes reviews and rankings of SDC’s products and services as compared to SDC’s competitors, as well as consumer reviews.
The challenged claims appeared on SmilePrep.com, which presents its reviews and ranking of clear aligner companies and their products and services as editorial content. Smile Prep, which has affiliate relationships with several companies whose clear aligner products and services it reviews, also solicits and posts clear aligner reviews from consumers on SmilePrep.com, its Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
To protect consumers, online publishers of third-party product reviews and rankings with affiliate links must have controls in place to keep individuals who write product content segregated from the influence of affiliate link revenue. If such controls are not in place, the content can be influenced by knowledge of payment, rendering it advertising.
Clear Aligner Rankings and Reviews Claims
NAD recommended that Smile Prep discontinue or modify its claim that rankings on Smile Prep are based on an “extensive five-point analysis of each company’s effectiveness, affordability, convenience, appearance and customer support” because no evidence was provided to support the claim.
SDC also argued that Smile Prep’s website conveys to consumers that the clear aligner information, rankings, and reviews it provides are impartial and that Smile Prep does not give preferential treatment in its reviews and rankings to those clear aligner companies that pay Smile Prep commissions through affiliate links.
NAD found no grounds on which to conclude that Smile Prep’s rankings and reviews are “pay to play,” however, NAD concluded that Smile Prep’s clear aligner reviews, rankings, and product information are influenced by Smile Prep’s affiliate relationships and that Smile Prep disclosure that reviews, rankings, and product information of the clear aligners of its affiliate partners is advertising.
Implied Claims Regarding Consumer Reviews and Testimonials
NAD determined that Smile Prep’s consumer review collection, moderation, and posting practices provided a reasonable basis for its implied claims that Smile Prep does not primarily solicit reviews from customers of its affiliate partners and that its reviews reflect the real experiences of legitimate clear aligner consumers.
However, because Smile Prep does not clearly disclose on pages where the consumer reviews are posted that Smile Prep provided incentive for the reviews, NAD recommended that Smile Prep clearly and conspicuously disclose the material connection between the reviewer and Smile Prep.
Product Claims
NAD determined that Smile Prep did not show a reasonable basis of support for the challenged express comparative, efficacy, and performance claims about the product and services of Smile Prep’s affiliate partner, Byte.
Therefore, NAD recommended that claims such as the following be discontinued:
Byte’s home aligners can achieve/deliver “results in as few as four months for some customers.”
“Byte is one of the most effective at-home teeth straightening services on the market.”
During the proceeding, the advertiser voluntarily discontinued or modified certain challenged claims about the products and services of Byte. Therefore, NAD did not review these claims on the merits.
Finally, NAD determined that the broad claim “Smile Prep partners, including Byte, offer exclusive features and benefits that other clear aligner providers do not” was not implied by Smile Prep’s content.
In its advertiser statement, Smile Prep stated that it “respectfully disagrees with the NAD’s analysis and the outcomes it reached” and that it “will be appealing all aspects of NAD’s decision.”
Appeals of NAD decisions are made to BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs. Embracing its role as an independent organization since the restructuring of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in June 2019, BBB National Programs today oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs, and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, and privacy. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Abby Hills Email: press@bbbnp.org Job Title: Director of Communications
McLean, VA – December 19, 2022 – The Board of Directors of BBB National Programs, an independent non-profit organization that operates more than a dozen independent industry self-regulation, accountability, and dispute resolution programs, today announced a new Board Chair and the re-election of three other members for the 2022-2025 term.
David Hubbard, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Verizon steps into the role of Board Chair, replacing Ken Patel, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer and Chief Patent Counsel, The Procter & Gamble Company, who will continue his service on the Board. Mary Sophos, Former EVP for Policy & Strategic Planning, Grocery Manufacturers Association, will continue her role as Board Vice Chair.
The three re-elected Board members are:
Luis-Xavier Hernandez, Group General Counsel, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever
Maureen Ohlhausen, Partner, Baker Botts, Former Acting FTC Chair and FTC Commissioner
Michele Totonis, Director, Legal Affairs, LEGO
“I am thankful to Ken Patel for his outstanding service as our Board chair over the past three years, during which time his strategy, support, and advice have been invaluable,” said Eric D. Reicin, President and CEO, BBB National Programs. “I am also excited about the enhanced role for incoming Board Chair David Hubbard, a proven champion for industry self-regulation.”
BBB National Programs Board members support and inform the nonprofit’s mission to be the place where businesses go to enhance consumer trust and where consumers are heard. Board members are also instrumental in increasing awareness and expanding the reach of the organization’s independent industry self-regulation programs.
Following is a full list of members of the BBB National Programs Board of Directors:
David Hubbard (Board Chair), Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Verizon
Mary Sophos (Board Vice Chair), Former EVP for Policy & Strategic Planning, Grocery Manufacturers Association
David Cohen, CEO, Interactive Advertising Bureau
Luis Xavier Hernandez, Group General Counsel, Beauty and Wellbeing, Unilever
Jocelyn Hunter, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Home Depot
Marla Kaplowitz, President and CEO, 4A’s
Joel Katz, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton
Elaine Kolish, Former VP & Director, Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, and Principal, Elaine Kolish Consulting LLC
Bob Liodice, CEO, Association of National Advertisers
Carla Michelotti, Former EVP and Chief Legal, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer, Leo Burnett Worldwide, and President, Carla Michelotti LLC
Maureen Ohlhausen, Partner, Baker Botts; Former Acting FTC Chair and FTC Commissioner
Ken Patel, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer and Chief Patent Counsel, The Procter & Gamble Company
Brent Sanders, Associate General Counsel, Microsoft
Michele Totonis, Director Legal Affairs, LEGO
Barbara Wall, Former Chief Legal Officer, Interim Chief Operating Officer and current Board Member, Gannett Co., Inc.
Eric D. Reicin (ex officio), President and CEO, BBB National Programs
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs. BBB National Programs oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, privacy, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
Contact Information
Abby Hills Director of Communications BBB National Programs 703.247.9330 / press@bbbnp.org
XpertHR data finds that employers with a mature approach to DEIB practices are more likely to see improvements in key business metrics
New York City (December 14, 2022) – A new survey from HR strategy and compliance software provider, XpertHR, indicates employers with future-focused approaches to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are far more likely to report improvements in employee engagement, turnover, and net promoter scores than companies that only approach DEIB from a legal compliance and risk mitigation perspective.
– 34% of companies approach DEIB purely from a risk mitigation perspective, while two-thirds (66%) have more mature approaches that acknowledge, demonstrate commitment to or take a future-focused approach to DEIB practices.
– DEIB practices are considered important or very important to 61% of responding companies, but only 42% report being ready to improve their DEIB practices, and most companies do not have an active, documented DEIB strategy. – Although DEIB commitment has a clear correlation with key business metrics, only 37% of responding companies have procedures in place to hold leaders accountable for accomplishing specific DEIB goals and objectives. – Larger organizations overwhelmingly have better DEIB plans and more resources to dedicate to diversity, while smaller organizations have few resources and no plans for DEIB.
“Companies that take a proactive approach to DEIB are more likely to report recent improvements in metrics like turnover than companies that only meet the bare minimum legal requirements,” says Victoria Kelleher, Lead Survey Specialist at XpertHR. “We’d need more research to know if this relationship is actually causal, but the results are promising.”
Companies were classified based on the maturity of their approaches to DEIB, with the least mature group only addressing DEIB for the sake of legal compliance, the second-most mature group showing awareness towards DEIB and the most mature group committing to DEIB initiatives. Next, employers were asked about their key business metrics and whether they improved, worsened, or didn’t change from 2021 to 2022. Those with more mature approaches, the “Commitment” and “Awareness” categories, were more likely to see improvements than those sticking to a compliance-based plan in three key areas:
– Key talent turnover – 42% of employers following the “Commitment” approach saw better turnover from 2021 to 2022, as did 28% of “Awareness” employers and 25% of “Compliance” employers. – Employee engagement – 60% of “Commitment” organizations and 44% of “Awareness” organizations saw improved engagement with their employees. Only 33% of “Compliance” organizations reported the same. – Net promoter score – 55% of “Commitment” companies and 44% of “Awareness” companies had higher scores, with 37% of “Compliance” companies reporting the same.
Image caption: Companies approaching DEIB from either a Commitment or Awareness approach see more improvement than companies using the Compliance approach.
A little less than half of the companies surveyed enforce DEIB training programs that include education on topics such as unconscious bias or psychological safety, in addition to just compliance information. Yet the XpertHR research shows that companies which offer this training were more likely to report improvement in metrics such as employee engagement, turnover, and net promotor scores.
“It’s clear that companies who invest resources to train employees on topics that promote a more inclusive company culture were more likely to report recent improvements on these metrics,”Kelleher explained.
But, she acknowledged, training efforts can often be hampered by operational realities such as appropriate planning and resource allocation. The XpertHR survey also examined DEIB strategies by business size and found that most small organizations do not have a DEIB strategy (33%) or have a plan in progress (35%). On the other end of the scale, most larger businesses had a documented strategy (28%) or a comprehensive strategy (30%). Unsurprisingly, having a plan leads to more resource allocations; the survey found that most larger organizations had some resources to devote to DEIB (59%) than not (41%). The same was the opposite for smaller companies, with 68% having no or very few resources and only 32% having DEIB resources.
“Developing a DEIB strategy is hard work, but it’s likely worth the investment for employers to show their commitment now more than ever,” says Kelleher. “Some recent studies have found that more than 80% of workers would consider leaving a job if they felt that their company wasn’t committed to DEIB values.”
Global leader XpertHR empowers organizations to shape HR strategy, manage employee risk and embrace diverse talent ecosystems to create equitable, high-performing and purposeful workplaces. Since 2002, the data analytics and intelligent solutions provider has earned a reputation for providing expert insights, trusted resources and practical tools to help customers achieve greater efficiency, improve compliance and increase employee engagement. XpertHR is proud to be part of the LexisNexis® Risk Solutions portfolio within RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. To learn more visit xperthr.com.
Following the signing of an MoU, BEEAH Group, Chinook Sciences and Air Water are working together to achieve the production of fuel cell grade hydrogen while tackling the challenge of waste wood and plastic
SHARJAH, December 14 2022: BEEAH Group, the Middle East’s sustainability pioneer, Chinook Sciences, UK’s innovator in waste to fuel technologies, and Air Water, a Japanese conglomerate with businesses relating to natural resources and industrial gas production, are coming together to realise the ambitious target of producing fuel cell grade hydrogen from waste wood and plastic. The three organisations recently signed an MoU in Japan as a first step in forming a consortium that will advance progress on the Middle East’s first waste to hydrogen plant, located in Sharjah, UAE, and explore further opportunities across the region.
Combining BEEAH’s expertise in waste management and material recovery, Chinook Sciences patented RODECS pyrolysis and gasification process, and Air Water’s Hydrogen Refinement technology, the Waste to Hydrogen plant in Sharjah will transform waste wood and plastic into fuel-cell grade green hydrogen. The plans for the Waste to Hydrogen plant include an on-site green hydrogen dispensing station capable of fuelling several vehicles. To realize this innovative type of fuelling station, the plant will need to produce fuel cell-grade hydrogen, which will be made possible with Air Water’s Hydrogen Refinement technology. Syngas produced from the RODECS pyrolysis and gasification process from Chinook Sciences will be fed into the hydrogen refinement system, resulting in fuel cell grade green hydrogen. Specifically, the grade hydrogen will be produced for PEM fuel cells at ISO14687 or SAEJ2719 standards.
Last year, following Cop26 in Glasgow, the UAE announced the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, becoming the first nation in the Middle East to announce a net-zero emissions strategy. As part of this strategy, the UAE also announced a hydrogen leadership roadmap, which includes the production and export of green hydrogen produced through clean technologies. The production of waste-derived fuels is a clean energy technology and through the production of fuel cell grade hydrogen, the Sharjah Waste to Hydrogen plant will potentially displace thousands of tons of CO2 every year.
Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH Group, said: “For BEEAH, the waste-to-hydrogen plant is an innovation that will enable us to eliminate the challenge of certain types of waste wood and plastic, while also producing fuel cell grade hydrogen, which is a solution for emissions-free mobility of the future. The project aligns with the UAE’s Hydrogen Leadership roadmap and demonstrates a feasible, scalable and sustainable approach to green hydrogen production. To achieve this kind of innovation, we partnered with Chinook Sciences to bridge the gap between waste processing and pyrolysis. By partnering with Air Water on this project, we are bringing cutting-edge hydrogen refinement technology from Japan. Together, we will break new ground in green, fuel cell grade hydrogen production for the region as well as globally.”
Air Water’s engineering division based in New Jersey, United States, has been working with Chinook Sciences since 2004 on the active pyrolysis technology in the multi-patented RODECS process, which is a universal thermal treatment system. Air Water and Chinook Sciences have an intricate knowledge of the conversion processes in RODECS, which will inform the success of the Waste to Hydrogen project with BEEAH Group.
Dr. Rifat Chalabi, Chairman and Co-Founder of Chinook Sciences, said: “In order to achieve high quality fuel cell grade hydrogen as from the Waste to Hydrogen plant, Hydrogen Refinement will be a critical step. Air Water provides contaminant reduction solutions at a high level of quality and, through previous collaboration, is also closely aware of the processes involved in RODECS pyrolysis and gasification process. Air Water’s Hydrogen Refinement can be applied to various types of syngas that we will produce from different types of feedstocks, enabling us to effectively produce high quality fuel cell hydrogen from both unrecyclable wood and plastic waste. Leveraging Air Water’s technologies, I look forward to demonstrating a new model for green hydrogen production alongside BEEAH Group.”
Speaking about Air Water and the partnership, Ryosuke Matsubayashi, Executive Vice President and COO of Air Water, said: “We have been engaged in manufacturing and selling hydrogen gas and related equipment in the global market for many years. Air Water holds a high market share for hydrogen gas in Japan and liquid hydrogen-related equipment in North America. We are working to realise a decarbonised society through green hydrogen production by applying our proprietary technologies, including production, separation and recovery, purification, liquefaction, and transportation of hydrogen. We are pleased to announce that Air Water and Chinook Sciences jointly provide an innovative hydrogen production process. By combining the Chinook Sciences technology for syngas from waste and Air Water’s hydrogen production and refining technologies that have been developed over the years, we can help create a decarbonised society with BEEAH in the UAE. We look forward to the continued collaboration of our three companies and making positive environmental impact on a global scale. “
The Waste to Hydrogen plant in Sharjah was first announced by BEEAH Group and Chinook Sciences Green in May 2021 and was formalised later the same year with the commencement of development plans. The project will add to BEEAH Group’s diversifying portfolio of zero-waste, net-zero emissions solutions to power the sustainable, smart cities of tomorrow. At the same time, it will introduce cutting-edge technologies from UK’s Chinook Sciences and Japan’s Air Water to the UAE and the nation. By 2030, the global green hydrogen production market is expected to reach USD 1 trillion. As per its Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap, the UAE aims to be a hub for the export of green hydrogen and is targeting 25% of the global market.
McLean, VA – December 12, 2022 – Taking an important step to demonstrate its commitment to children’s privacy, Walmart joins BBB National Programs’ Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) COPPA Safe Harbor Program to ensure that its new immersive Roblox experience complies with the stringent requirements of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and CARU’s Self-Regulatory Guidelines.
Walmart is certifying its new Roblox immersive experience, Walmart’s Universe of Play, with CARU’s COPPA Safe Harbor program.
“Safety is a top priority for Walmart,” said Justin Breton, Director of Brand Experiences & Strategic Partnerships at Walmart. “We are committed to ensuring users – especially children – are protected as they explore and engage with this new, dynamic virtual world.”
BBB National Programs’ CARU COPPA Safe Harbor Program is the first and longest-running COPPA Safe Harbor Program in the U.S. and it is the only one designed to ensure both a company’s products and the product’s advertising comply with COPPA and CARU’s Advertising and Privacy Guidelines.
“Companies who participate in CARU’s COPPA Safe Harbor Program also comply with CARU’s Advertising Guidelines – a set of standards for advertising that help ensure advertising directed to children is not deceptive, unfair, or inappropriate,” said Dona Fraser, Senior Vice President, Privacy Initiatives, BBB National Programs.
Walmart is joining a stable of CARU COPPA Safe Harbor companies committed to customer privacy and to maintaining high standards in advertising to children. Learn more about the CARU COPPA Safe Harbor Program here.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs. Embracing its role as an independent organization since the restructuring of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in June 2019, BBB National Programs today oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs, and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, and privacy. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About Children’s Advertising Review Unit: The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), a division of BBB National Programs and the nation’s first Safe Harbor Program under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), helps companies comply with laws and guidelines that protect children from deceptive or inappropriate advertising and ensure that, in an online environment, children’s data is collected and handled responsibly. When advertising or data collection practices are misleading, inappropriate, or inconsistent with laws and guidelines, CARU seeks change through the voluntary cooperation of companies and where relevant, enforcement action.
Contact:
Abby Hills
Director of Communications
BBB National Programs
703-247-9330 / press@bbbnp.org
