1-5 July 2024
2024 Agenda
The INCLUSION Festival agenda is packed with interactive panel discussions, presentations,
workshops and networking sessions on every aspect of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the workplace.
To view the agenda, please select from the days below.
MONDAY: Inclusive leadership - and why DEI matters
Today’s key themes:
- How DEI leaders need to develop as industry evolves
- Ensuring maximum DEI engagement at a micro, macro and company level
- Inclusive problem solving and creating a space for open discussions
Opening keynote interview: Leading with compassion and kindness
- How can leaders effectively embed DEI principles and inclusive values into organizational culture to ensure sustained commitment and action?
- What innovative strategies or approaches can leaders employ to address unconscious bias and foster inclusive decision-making processes within their teams?
- In what ways can leaders proactively engage with marginalized communities to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in DEI initiatives?
- How do leaders navigate challenges and opposition to DEI efforts within their organizations, and what tactics can they employ to build consensus and drive meaningful change?
Pinky Lilani CBE DL, Fellow, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and Founder and Chairman, Women of the Future Awards and Asian Women of Achievement Awards
Keynote panel discussion: Overcoming DEI pushbacks
- How can leaders effectively embed DEI principles and inclusive values into organizational culture to ensure sustained commitment and action?
- What innovative strategies or approaches can leaders employ to address unconscious bias and foster inclusive decision-making processes within their teams?
- In what ways can leaders proactively engage with marginalized communities to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in DEI initiatives?
- How do leaders navigate challenges and opposition to DEI efforts within their organizations, and what tactics can they employ to build consensus and drive meaningful change?
Pamela Hutchinson OBE, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Bloomberg
Vani Seshadri, Inclusion and Diversity Lead, Accenture Growth Markets (AAPAC + LATAM)
Nadia Nagamootoo, Author, ‘Beyond Discomfort’
Latest thinking on inclusive leadership
According to a recent Kincannon & Reed survey about the food and agriculture industry, the two most important leadership characteristics are diversity, equity and inclusion (77 per cent) and emotional intelligence (74 per cent).
- Essential traits for inclusive leadership
- Practices for leaders to ensure authenticity
- Remaining inclusive amidst daily work pressures
Eric Way, Global Head of Inclusion & Diversity, Schindler Group
Case study: Building a company-wide inclusive culture at Walmart
- How Walmart MXCAM embraces inclusion through the company DNA
- DEI Business Impact and actions to amplify the strategy
- Ensuring a fully inclusive journey
Bob Lopez, Engage Me – Head of Culture and Diversity and Inclusion, Walmart
Panel Discussion: Communicating the value of DEI to ensure maximum influence
- How can we calculate the financial implications and costs of DEI?
- What are best practices for organisational development and strategic thinking?
- What is the financial relationship between DEI and core business values?
- Productivity and reputation: What are the key DEI factors to communicate?
Panellists include:
Dr Frank González IV, CEO, DrFrankieG (also Director, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Taco Bell)
Rabi Atiti, Head of Group DEI & Global Support, Informa
Interview: The Paris Paralympics: The world’s greatest showcase for disabled talent
- Discussing the impact of the paralympics in promoting disability awareness and acceptance
- Exploring the role of athlete services in empowering paralympic competitors
- What the workplace can learn from this about empowering disabled colleagues
Clare Cunningham, Head of Athlete Services, British Paralympic Association
Advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion in professional cricket
- Discussing key initiatives and strategies implemented to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within the organization
- Sharing insights and experiences on advancing diversity and inclusion in professional sports
- Exploring the importance of leadership and advocacy in driving positive change for marginalized communities
Donna Fraser OBE OLY, Director, Professional Cricketers’ Association
Taking an intersectional approach to diversity and inclusion in Australia
- Acknowledging the interconnectedness of gender, race, and other dimensions of identity
- Promoting inclusive practices that address the complex experiences of diverse employees
- Recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with intersecting marginalized identities
- Fostering an environment that values intersectionality and prioritizes the needs of all colleagues
Nidhi Kalaiya, Specialist, FW (Future Women)
Panel Discussion: Women in leadership: Next steps
- Identity shift: Why developing female leaders is more complex than recruiting more women for senior roles
- Successful women’s leadership programmes
- Second generation gender bias
Moderator:
Phuong Trinh, Finalist, Women in Finance Asia Awards and Fractional General Counsel, Parse Partners
Panellists include:
Dr Terri Dickerson, Civil Rights Director, US Coast Guard
Jackie Cureton, VP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Bit.ly
Panel Discussion: Supporting racial minorities
According to the Inclusiveness Index published by the Othering and Belonging Institute, University of California, Berkeley, the US performs badly when it comes to racial equality in the workplace: it is rated 118th place.
- Is the US lagging behind when it comes to racial equity in comparison with other countries?
- Examples of microaggressions and whey they are so damaging
- What will it take to create a more level playing field at work for people from all backgrounds, races and cultures around the world?
- In the meantime, what can we do to help?
Moderator: Samuel Clague, Founder, The Stephen James Partnership
Panellists:
Aldaine Wynter, Director of International-Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion, Washington International School
Trevor Sterling, Senior Partner, Moore Barlow LLP
Justin Placide, Co-Chair, Civil Service Race Forum
Panel Discussion: Enabling LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive
- Addressing the gap between increased support from employers and persistent discrimination that individuals may encounter at work?
- How can employee training re.LGBTQ+ and transitioning help to foster genuine a culture of understanding among staff
- What are the best ways to attract, support, advance and retain LGBTQ+ talent?
Moderator: Star Peterson, DEI Trainer, Stellar Diversity Training
Panellists:
Sarah Cosgriff, Inclusion in Schools Consultant, The Association for Science Education
Toby Mildon, Diversity & Inclusion Architect, Mildon
Georgie Court, Former Global Inclusion Manager, Clifford Chance
Addressing fertility issues: Cultivating a compassionate and supportive work environment for individuals navigating fertility challenges
- Cultivating a compassionate and supportive work environment for individuals navigating fertility challenges
- Understanding fertility challenges in the workplace and sharing latest best practices about this potentially sensitive area
Promoting fertility awareness and support among employees - Implementing inclusive policies and benefits for fertility-related needs
- Fostering a supportive and compassionate work environment for individuals navigating fertility journeys
Balshen Izzet, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, British Chambers of Commerce
Panel Discussion: Menopause update
Our team of experts discuss the importance of approaching menopause support with an intersectional lens, what has been achieved so far and discuss the latest thinking on workplace policies.
Moderator: Colette Harris, Women’s Health Campaigner and Journalist
Panellists:
Kasia Zduniak, Former Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, Aegon
Lee Chambers, Director, Male Allies UK
Dr Venessa Marie Perry, Organisational Psychologist
Confidence Workshop
In this interactive session, join us as we delve into why confidence is essential to success at work and discover practical tools and techniques to prioritise your confidence and empower yourself to thrive at work.
- The neuroscience of confidence
- Why is confidence a challenge?
- Mindshifts: here’s how to change your thinking
Alyssa Dver, Founder, The American Confidence Institute
Networking Session
An excellent opportunity to make new connections with a host of professionals who are passionate about Diversity & Inclusion. Come and network with our fantastic, energised speaker line-up, and meet other professionals who are committed to bringing about real change, sharing their implementation strategies too.
TUESDAY: Health, wellbeing and the future of work
Today’s key themes:
- Improving wellbeing in the workplace
- Understanding mental health issues
- Ensuring that all staff receive proper support and anticipating the work landscape of the future
Opening Keynote: Protecting employee mental health and wellbeing and enhancing psychological safety at work
- Helping businesses and leaders to develop an in-depth understanding of DEI and belonging
- Developing and enhancing emotional intelligence skills and trauma-informed leadership practices to support DEI and psychological safety in the workplace
- Cultivating a psychologically safe workplace, and employment laws and protections
- Shifting mindsets, addressing limiting beliefs, and achieving long-term DEI success
Kylie van Luyn, Founder, Elevated Coaching & Consulting
Panel Discussion: Establishing effective wellbeing measurement and metrics
By law, employees are responsible for their own wellbeing but employers are obliged to support their staff. According to McKinsey, the wellness market is worth more than $1.5 trillion: how can we justify spend on our employees under growing economic pressure?
- Is wellbeing-washing justified?
- Tackling the Sick Note Economy
- How to measure and track workplace wellbeing
Protecting women’s health at work
- Why male colleagues and managers need to know about women’s health
- Raising awareness of female health topics and why it matters at work
- Reasonable adjustments for conditions endometriosis, adenomyosis, menopause and perimenopause
- Including LGBTQ+ women
Helen Choudhury, Head of DEI, Music Publishers Association
Panel Discussion: A holistic approach to DEI
- Discussing the importance of adopting a holistic approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- Highlighting Jacinta Arden’s groundbreaking leadership style centered around kindness and compassion
- Advocating for collective responsibility in advancing DEI efforts beyond the head of DEI role
- Introducing the Kindness Index as a tool for promoting kindness and inclusivity in the workplace and beyond
Panellists:
Jo Dooley, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Allen & Overy
Amanda Cummins, Deputy Head of Coproduction & Involvement, SouthWest London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
John Lazar, Former Director, Financial Resource Development, Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus
Presentation: Tackling loneliness at work
- Why wellbeing at work initiatives must prioritise tackling loneliness, both in the office and among remote workers
- Practical advice about how to start talking about loneliness with individuals and groups, how best to support colleagues and useful timeframes
- Best practice examples
- Why remote working can contribute to loneliness
Ruth Pott, Head of Workplace Wellbeing for UK and Ireland, BAM
Case Study: Reviewing Deloitte’s latest DEI initiatives
- Insights into organisational progress
- Fostering cutting-edge strategies to foster diversity and equity
- Transforming workplace culture and practices
Emma Codd, Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Deloitte
Protecting men’s health at work
- Supporting male colleagues in the workplace
- Mental health and managing stress
- The importance of using the right language
- Encouraging men to seek help
Richard Martin, CEO, Mindful Business Charter
Should you tell your employees not to work at the weekend?
A third of employees work at the weekend, but is it counter-productive or does it encourage flexibility and trust?
- Assessing the effects of weekend work on employee well-being and productivity
- Exploring the role of weekend work in work-life balance
- Understanding how weekend work practices influence employee trust in leadership
- Exploring strategies to support employees’ needs while balancing weekend work expectations
Tackling stress at its core
Latest research from the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre says employers need to tackle the root cause of stress rather than focusing on short-term actions for individual employees such as apps and yoga classes.
- Highlighting the latest research findings from the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre regarding stress management in the workplace
- Emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of stress rather than relying solely on short-term solutions like apps and yoga classes
- Discussing the implications of this research for employers in developing comprehensive stress management strategies
- Exploring alternative approaches and interventions that prioritize long-term stress reduction and employee wellbeing
Panel Discussion: Recognition and reward
- Remunerating ERGs and allies and champions on a budget
- Reward strategies
- Including DEI work in performance plans
Moderator: Wendy Cukier, Academic Research Director, Future Skills Centre
Panellists:
Aggninder Dhillon, International Head of Reward and Wellbeing, Twinings
Hannah Dempsey, Director of Operations for Bloom – Women in Communications Network, and VP Marketing and Founder, SheUnit ERG, Jellyfish
Ruth Barnes, DEI Senior Manager – Global Projects, Hogan Lovells
Case Study: Devising a successful employee cancer programme
- Examining the components and strategies behind a successful workplace program
- Analysing the impact of a wellness at work program on employee wellbeing and productivity
- Discussing best practices and key learnings for organizations looking to implement similar initiatives
Laura Dutton, Wellbeing Manager, PwC
Q&A: Strategies for employee resilience
- Exploring effective methods for building and enhancing employee resilience in the workplace
- Discussing the importance of resilience in navigating challenges and fostering wellbeing among employees
- Sharing practical strategies and initiatives to support and strengthen employee resilience within organisations
Amit Ghose, Chief Program Officer, Billion Strong
The role of leaders to advance DEI
- Setting clear DEI goals and vision and aligning them with organizational values to inspire commitment
- Fostering an inclusive culture through diverse hiring practices and policies that address biases
- Leading by example, actively participating in DEI initiatives and holding oneself and others accountable for upholding DEI principles
Ruby Anandajayasekeram, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Excellence Advisor, Shell
Panel Discussion: Tackling burnout
According to LinkedIn, 98% of HR managers feel burnt out. Here we discuss practical ways to tackle issue of exhaustion within DEI professionals – and in the wider workforce:
- How to recognise genuine burnout
- How to measure workplace burnout using systematic surveys
- Keeping track of workloads, checking in with colleagues and setting a culture of work-life balance
- Resource management
Panellists:
Navila Amin, Director of Culture Transformation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Employee Engagement, etisalat&
Nina Goswami, Head of Inclusion, Clifford Chance
Amy Hobson, CEO, The Wellbeing Collective
Panel Discussion: Towards a four-day work week
How feasible is this fundamental shift in working practices? Our expert will discuss:
- Can a four day week really help us to achieve a better work-life balance, or does it mean less productivity?
- How AI has the potential improve productivity?
- Tackling the negatives: shift patterns, disruption to work
- Will colleagues end up making up the hours to finish their work?
- How likely is a four day week for the mainstream? Could it actually happen, and if so, how and when?
Panellists include:
Andrew Barnes, Founder, 4 Day Work Week Global
Zena Burgess, CEO, Australian Psychological Society
Panel Discussion: Expectations for the future of work with DEI at the centre
- When it comes to the future of work, what will the key trends be?
How will AI, DEI and technology transform the way we live, work and interact? - Will industry increasingly move towards a four-day week?
- Keeping up with the hybrid workforce – how can we unite workers with different working patterns
- How can we best support solo, remote workers?
Panellists include:
Bola Adesina, Future of Work Programme Manager, Legal & General
Jenn Barnett, People and Culture Director, Grant Thornton
Networking Session
An excellent opportunity to make new connections with a host of professionals who are passionate about Diversity & Inclusion. Come and network with our fantastic, energised speaker line-up, and meet other professionals who are committed to bringing about real change, sharing their implementation strategies too.
WEDNESDAY: Building inclusive teams
Today’s key themes:
- Exploring the benefits of opening the door to a wider pool of demographics
- Ensuring successful in-house career progression for all
- Leveraging diverse perspectives and welcoming diversity of thought
Opening Keynote Panel Discussion: How to recruit and build inclusive teams
- What strategies can organizations implement to ensure diverse candidate pools and minimize bias in the hiring process?
- Retention: how can companies create inclusive environments that support the long-term engagement and growth of diverse employees?
- Culture: what steps can be taken to cultivate a culture of inclusion where every team member feels valued and respected?
- Impact: how do inclusive teams contribute to organizational success and innovation, and what metrics can be used to measure their effectiveness?
- The importance of inclusive leadership and intersectionality for building inclusive teams
Moderator: Georgina Wilczek, Director, Diversity Network
Panellists:
Mimi Kurniawan, Chief Diversity Officer, PMI
Chris Williams, Global Director – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, CBRE
Noel France, VP DEI, Avantor
Panel Discussion: Allyship: Why Inclusion means including everyone
- Exploring the significance of allyship in fostering inclusive problem-solving environments
- Discussing effective strategies for addressing pushbacks and navigating challenges from difficult individuals
- Sharing insights and experiences on how allyship can be leveraged to promote collaboration and overcome resistance
- Highlighting the importance of inclusivity in problem-solving processes to ensure diverse perspectives are valued and integrated
Moderator:
DI (Delmar) Lee, Global Vice President, Institute for Diversity Certification
Panelliists:
Simon Langley, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, British International Investment
Sheila Kanani, Honorary Researcher, Lancaster University
Christina Murdock, D&I Manager, UK and Europe, Soho House
Fostering empathy and allyship: Nurturing connections for DEI
- Cultivating understanding: fostering empathy for diverse experiences and perspectives
- Strengthening solidarity: building allyship across different groups and identities
- Promoting active listening: creating spaces for genuine dialogue and support
- Empowering action: encouraging individuals to stand up and advocate for marginalized voices
Nazma Khan, Founder, World Hijab Day
In Conversation: Elevating recruitment standards
- Taking an intersectional approach to recruitment
- Recognising the unique challenges faced by individuals
- Fostering an environment that values intersectionality and prioritises inclusive recruitment practices
Tumi Sotire, Founder, The Black Dyspraxic
Nick Croucher, Founder, Frazer Jones
Addressing ageism in the workplace through internships
When Maya Bhose was made redundant from her career as a C-suite television marketing executive, she decided it was an opportunity to change careers into the charity sector – and was inspired to set up a social enterprise placing older workers into the charity sector via internships. Here, she discusses:
- Stereotypes and biases towards older workers
- How commercial skills have been valuable in a charity setting
- What the associates have contributed and learnt
- The benefits of co-generational teams and how to get the best from them
Maya Bhose, Founder, The Well Placed
Interview: Evolving company culture to meet the expectations of millennials and future generations
Dima Ghawi was born in Ankara, Turkey, raised in Amman, Jordan, and then immigrated to San Diego, California in 1996. She grew up surrounded by Middle Eastern culture and values which heavily influenced her early choices. Dima feels that her whole career has been a result of others opening doors for her. In this conversation, Dima shares:
- Why DEI has no geographical boundaries
- What organisations need to do to become truly inclusive from the inside out
- What millennials and newer generations want from companies and what organisations need to do to deliver on those expectations
Georgina Wilczek, Director, Diversity Network in conversation with
Dima Ghawi, Executive Coach
Panel Discussion: Unlocking the power of multigenerational teams for enhanced productivity
- Our unprecedented workforce now has as many as six different generations working alongside each other
- Tackling bias and stereotyping
- Fostering respect and understanding
Panellists:
Rachele Focardi, Founder, Multigenerational Workforce Strategist
Vivek Iyyani, Strategic Advisor, Millennial Minds
Dr Carole Easton, CEO, Ageing Better UK
Panel Discussion: Employing veteran talent
- The business case for employing those who have formerly served in the forces
- Case study examples of success – what can we learn?
- How to attract and retain veteran talent – top tips for success
Moderator: Tim O’Keefe, Founder, Front Foot
Panellists:
Aaron McEvers, Equal Opportunity Specialist, US Army
Monica Stancu, Senior DEI Manager, Lloyds of London
Murray McLeod-Jones, Programme Lead, Veterans and Reservists Recruitment Programme, BAE Systems
Debunking myths and disrupting inequalities around socio-economic diversity
Join Joanne Conway, Head of Inclusion and Culture International, DLA Piper, as she shares her PhD findings on social mobility:
- Debunking some of the myths around socio-economic diversity
- Discussing the removal of barriers to improve social economic diversity representation at all levels and explore how to create a culture of belonging
- Practical examples and key takeaways to implement change
Joanne Conway, Head of Inclusion and Culture International, DLA Piper
The experience of LGBTQIA women and non-binary people in the workplace
In 2024 DIVA magazine celebrated 30 years of publication as a voice for all LGBTQIA women and non-binary people. Here, Nancy Kelley, a former human rights lawyer and former CEO of Stonewall, shares her experience of joining the magazine.
- Acknowledging dimensions of identity
- Promoting inclusive practices that address the experiences of LGBTQIA women and non-binary employees
- Recognising the unique challenges faced by individuals with marginalized identities
- Fostering an environment that values and prioritises the needs of all colleagues
Panel Discussion: How to increase social mobility and why it doesn’t just stop at the door
- What is social mobility and how does it differ from one country to another?
- Creating a shift in traditional pathways to employment
- How to do contextual recruitment well
- Tackling social demographic pay gaps and fixing the rate of progression
- Why aren’t we making progress more quickly?
Panellists:
Mitra Janes, Head of D&I for HSBC’S Investment Banking, Markets and Commercial Banking Divisions, HSBC
Alison Weatherhead, Head of People, Reward and Mobility, Dentons
Rosalind Goates, Head of Advocacy and Campaigns, Social Mobility Foundation
Case Study: Advocating employing refugee workers
- How a garment label manufacturer, Trimco, in a small town in Norway has recruited refugees with the help of the government
- Examining the impact of refugee recruitment on both trimco and the local community
- Discussing the significance of such initiatives in promoting diversity and integration
Camilla Mjelde, Business Development Director C&C and Sustainability, Trimco Norway
Case study: Establishing an effective young careers programme
- Nurturing early career talent through a young careers programme
- Highlighting the importance of diversity and outreach in early career initiatives
- Why campus recruiting can be beneficial to help build a diverse talent pipeline
- Examining the impact of early career programs on both individuals and the organisation
Nikisha Thomas, Head of Diversity, Outreach, Early Careers and Campus Recruiting, Allstate
Networking Session
An excellent opportunity to make new connections with a host of professionals who are passionate about Diversity & Inclusion. Come and network with our fantastic, energised speaker line-up, and meet other professionals who are committed to bringing about real change, sharing their implementation strategies too.
THURSDAY: Accessibility and disability inclusion
Today’s key themes:
- Empowering all members of staff
- Offering additional support to those with disabilities or special needs
- Giving staff the right accessibility tools and training to enable everyone to thrive
Why an evidence-led approach to inclusion is more crucial than ever
- Honing in on focus groups – a key way to understand your staff
- Gaining impact and momentum – measuring disability inclusion success
- Data measuring trends: Measuring progress with qualitative data, not just quantitative assessment
Nyamusi Lee, Head of Neuroinclusion Strategy and Advancement, JP Morgan Chase
Keynote: Disability inclusion and allyship
In this keynote session, Stephen Framil, Corporate Global Head of Accessibility for Merck, shares his personal story about going from an Ironman triathlete to a cancer patient with temporary disabilities and how his experience has influenced his inclusion strategies for Merck.
Stephen Framil, Corporate Global Head of Accessibility, Merck
Panel Discussion: Measuring disability inclusion effectively
- How can disability inclusion gain executive support?
- Methods of tracking inclusive workplace practices
- Qualitative measurement versus quantitative – which works best?
- What are we doing well and what still needs improving?
Moderator: Julie Reynolds, Disability Inclusion consultant, and Founder, Active Inclusion: Equity in Employment Movement
Panellists:
Jonathan Mok, Community Manager and DEI Lead, Dream Impact Hong Kong
Carrie Pawley, Executive Co-ordination Manager & Fatigue Network Lead, Environment Agency, UK
Professor Nicola Martin, Professor of Social Justice and Inclusive Education, London South Bank University
Keynote Panel Discussion: Artificial intelligence meets DEI: How can we ensure that AI is used responsibly?
Research from the HR technology firm Personio in July 2023 revealed that 78% of HR professionals aged 25 to 34, and 69% of people aged 55 and over, are already using an AI tool at work.
- Why AI will shape the nature of work
- How will it affect DEI?
- Embedding DEI into the design of AI systems
- How can AI boost DEI
Panellists:
Ian McDonald, Director of Engineering, Retail Insights
Dr Roger A. Søraa, Associate Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Panel Discussion: Why accessibility doesn’t hinder inclusion
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple said: “Accessibility is a human right. And with every new technology, we have the opportunity to expand the circle of people who can participate in society.”
- How employees with disabilities can help business thrive
- Tapping in to new markets and differentiating from competitors
- Thinking differently: how designers of accessible products are forced to think outside the box
- Why employees shouldn’t have to disclose their condition and how companies can embrace different thinkers
Moderator: Neil Milliken, VP – Global Head of Accessibility, ATOS
Panellists:
Sean Gilroy, Senior UX Principal, BBC
Tzveta Dinova, Accessibility Specialist, ASOS
James Buller, Lead Digital Accessibility Consultant, Home Office
Panel Discussion: Fostering disability-inclusive leadership
- You can’t be what you can’t see: why are there so few disabled role models in the C-suite?
- How can we support and develop future leaders within an organisation?
- What are disabled leaders looking for when they take on a leadership position?
- Best practice with regards to recruiting
Panellists:
Florian Koemm, General Counsel, Siemens Energy
Professor Paul Harpur OAM, University of Queensland School of Law
Kyle Bergum, Director, Technology Partnerships, CALIX
Case Study: Successful accessibility initiatives for staff at Sky
- Creating inclusive spaces: Implementing accessibility measures in Sky’s work environment
- “Empowering employees: Providing tools and resources to support staff with diverse needs
- “Fostering awareness: Promoting understanding and respect for accessibility among Sky’s staff
- “Driving continuous improvement: Seeking feedback and iterating on accessibility initiatives to better serve employees
Davina Critchley, Group D&I Accessibility Manager, Sky
Workshop: Celebrating neurodiversity at work and making meaningful change
Join us to explore the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace and fostering an environment where every individual can thrive. Rather than merely tolerating differences, we believe in celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodiverse individuals bring to our teams. Through insightful discussions and practical strategies, we aim to empower organizations to implement meaningful change, creating inclusive workplaces that honor the diverse talents and contributions of all employees.
Liam Tuohy, High-Performance ADHD Trainer, 2Tuff Health & Fitness
Networking Session
An excellent opportunity to make new connections with a host of professionals who are passionate about Diversity & Inclusion. Come and network with our fantastic, energised speaker line-up, and meet other professionals who are committed to bringing about real change, sharing their implementation strategies too.
FRIDAY: Moving the needle on DEI
Today’s key themes:
- Implementing effective DEI measurement and metrics
- Fostering inclusive leadership
- Company organisation, diverse teams, and practical strategies for lasting DEI success.
Opening keynote interview: How to make the system accountable for the DEI agenda
- Exploring why there can be resistance to implementing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace and what to do about it
- Successful strategies and initiatives for making sure that the whole organisation is on board with the DEI journey
- Sharing examples and practical case studies
Ruben Alejandro Ramírez, Group Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Sygenta Group
Panel Discussion: Navigating the war on talent: retention, reskilling, and digital opportunities
- How can organizations prioritize retention strategies over recruiting efforts amidst the ongoing war on talent?
- What initiatives and investments are necessary to support the reskilling and upskilling of employees to meet evolving digital job demands?
- In what ways can rewards and satisfaction strategies be tailored to address the diverse needs and preferences of today’s workforce?
- How can the digital job market bridge skill shortages in higher-income countries while creating opportunities for younger workers in lower-income countries?
Panellists:
Morgan Gore, Global Education and Outreach Lead, JLR
Satnam Sagoo, Chief People Officer, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust
Maryam Saif, Group Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Zain
Case study: Embedding a 360-degree DEI Strategy
- Creating spaces for all perspectives to contribute to DEI solutions
- Recognizing the value of diverse insights, even from those perceived as part of the problem
- How can we engage all stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving initiatives?
- How should we best assess the effectiveness of inclusive problem-solving approaches in achieving DEI goals?
Raashi Sikha, Vice-President, Global Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Ubisoft
Panel Discussion: Empowering middle managers to become DEI leaders themselves
- How can middle managers be empowered to champion inclusion policies within their teams?
- What specific actions can middle managers take to create a more diverse and inclusive culture?
- How can organizations ensure that DEI messages are effectively communicated to middle managers on a consistent basis?
- What support and resources are needed to enable middle managers to successfully drive DEI initiatives within their respective teams?
Panellists:
Oliemata O’Donoghue, Managing Director, Mortgages UK, HSBC
Natasha Whitehurst, Group Inclusion Lead, Rolls Royce
Suzanna Chaplin, CEO, esbconnect
Case Study: Advancing professional DEI learning and development
- Emphasizing the professionalism of DEI and the growing demand for comprehensive training
- Recognising the importance of business acumen in effectively driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Advocating for deeper understanding of the commercial aspects of the business to effectively influence decision-making
- Discussing the role of ongoing training and development in equipping professionals with the necessary skills to navigate and impact the business landscape
Shailaja Sharma, Group Head of L&D, IHH Healthcare Singapore
Panel Discussion: Top tips for DEI on a budget
- How to stretch DEI resources when budgets are tight
- What’s the best way to run effective DEI campaigns if DEI is only a side-of-desk role?
- How to determine and hone in efficiently on areas that will make most impact
- How to set realistic expectations on what can be delivered with the resources you have available
Panellists:
Sunaina Kholi, Fellow, The RSA
Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplace Policy, ACAS
Catherine Gater, Head of EDI for English & Exams, British Council
Panel Discussion: Faith inclusion in the workplace
- How can middle managers be empowered to champion inclusion policies within their teams?
- What specific actions can middle managers take to create a more diverse and inclusive culture?
- How can organizations ensure that DEI messages are effectively communicated to middle managers on a consistent basis?
- What support and resources are needed to enable middle managers to successfully drive DEI initiatives within their respective teams?
Panellists:
Antonia Tony-Fadipe, formerly co-chair of SEEN, ethnicity and culture employee network, The Body Shop
Melinda Zalma, Head of Programs, Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding
Kasim Choudhry, President, Future Faces Chamber of Commerce
How to set up an effective Employee Resource Group (ERG)
- Key areas to begin implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within organisations
- Exploring the pivotal role of executive leadership support in driving DEI efforts and fostering organizational culture change through ERGs
- Developing effective remuneration and reward strategies for ERG leaders
- How to get the most out of the ERG model in the short, medium and long term
Cally Lo-Reddy, Global Director for LinkedIn’s Enabling ERG, LinkedIn
Networking Session
An excellent opportunity to make new connections with a host of professionals who are passionate about Diversity & Inclusion. Come and network with our fantastic, energised speaker line-up, and meet other professionals who are committed to bringing about real change, sharing their implementation strategies too.
