In November, FNET hosted its largest-ever all-member meeting and AGM. It’s been a period of change for the organisation, with new members of staff joining the team, and a period of growth across the membership.
This meeting was a time to celebrate growing to 82 members, and we were thrilled to meet so many new members in person for the first time, 25% bigger than our previous all members meeting. It was also a chance to welcome new member directors to the FNET board and to thank the outgoing board members for their service. We also shared our heartfelt thanks and farewells to Cognition, our outsourced administrative partner, who has supported FNET for the past six years.
The event was a fantastic day of learning and collaboration. And together, we were able to reflect on how far FNET has come, while looking ahead at what we still aim to achieve.
Changes to FNET’s leadership and board
FNET’s leadership were delighted to announce three new member directors to FNET’s board. Pete Fletcher, Indirects Procurement Manager at Yeo Valley, Ashleigh Horn, Head of Sustainability at Cook, and Rachel Munns, Head of Sustainability at World Wise Foods, have all taken up a new term on the board. It was announced that the Board had voted to extend the term of Aisha Aswani, Senior Human Rights and Ethical Trade manager at the Co-op, for one more year.
Following positive voting in the AGM, we also welcomed Louise Nicholls to step into her new role as Executive Director of FNET. This is an exciting strengthening of governance and leadership for FNET and sets us up for our next phase of growth as an organisation and team.
What issues did we cover at the FNET member day?
Putting the Human Back into Human Rights
Facilitated by FNET’s programme and membership manager, Surmaya Talyarkhan, this practical session explored how businesses can integrate people with Lived Experience into Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD). Members heard from experts Phill Clayton (Align), Allyson Russell (Greencore), Claire Donovan (Modern Slavery Intelligence Network), and a lived experience consultant.
The panel shared their recommendations for how companies can bring the work of human rights to life, embedding people at the heart of our work. Members told us that they were moved by hearing from an expert by experience, who shared practical tips for businesses to check on the people within their workforce. They recommended the “3 c’s” for supporting vulnerable workers: connect, care and compassion.
It was a collaborative and interactive session, and members contributed ideas for developing a Lived Experience framework that can be used by FNET members.
Staying Relevant on Human Rights in a World of Disruption
Louise Nicholls led a thought-provoking discussion with Giles Bolton (ETI) and Mel Miles (Westfalia) on navigating global shifts and challenges. The session focused on a central question. In a context of geopolitical shifts, turbulent changes to trade, aid cuts, a shrinking civil society and rising expectations, how can people stay focused and prioritise human rights, amid all of the challenges happening globally?
Louise, Giles and Mel shared fascinating insights on meaningful stakeholder engagement, collective action, and the ways in which workers are coming together to tackle issues such as gender-based violence. As a truly collaborative session, the speakers opened the floor for questions and discussion. This led to further interesting discussion about the role of insurers, the impacts of AI and good strategies for engaging the C-suite.
“FNET is a fantastic space to share, learn and
grow. Being part of the network has given me the confidence to be comfortable
being uncomfortable, knowing that I am surrounded by people who will support
and challenge, always working towards a positive impact.”FNET member
Bridging the Gap: Technology, Human Rights, and Inclusive Engagement
FNET’s Jessica Turner introduced this session on leveraging technology and AI responsibly. Members then heard from Andrew Wallis OBE, (Unseen), who reminded us that tech is powerful but not a silver bullet. Andrew emphasised the importance of strategic funding and collaboration.
Members also heard from Nandita Shivakumar and Hannah Lennett from Open Supply Hub, who highlighted concerns around “performative accountability” and stressed the need for worker-centred design and transparency. Quintin Lake (FiftyEight) showcased tools like JustGoodWork, Ikan, and Restart, illustrating how digital solutions can empower workers without replacing representation.
Additional Highlights
- FNET Impact Story: Looking ahead to FNET’s 10-year anniversary in 2026, members shared reflections and aspirations for the next decade.
- Comms Masterclass: FNET’s communications and membership manager delivered an engaging session on framing messages for maximum impact.
- Working Group Updates: Working group leads shared updates from their groups and encouraged members to take part.
- Interactive Activities: Members had a chance to bring challenges into small-group discussions, to meet other members of the network and collaborate on new initiatives.
We love to hear feedback from our members on what more we could be doing. And in addition to “more of the same” and other messages, members shared that they would like further support in outreach on human rights in their supply chains. And to continue developing practical tools to support businesses in focusing on human rights.
“People. Passion. Pragmatism. FNET is a brave
space where like-minded companies can work together on common issues.” Member insight.FNET member
We want to say a huge thank you to all of our members for your energy and engagement. We are also very grateful to Tesco for hosting, and to our board and staff for making this event possible.
If you’d like to learn more about joining FNET’s collaborative community, please find out more about membership here. And get in touch with our team!