Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) isn't just a box-ticking exercise—it's the foundation of a healthier, more productive, and more resilient workplace. When organisations prioritise EDI, they create fairer working environments, drive innovation, improve staff retention, and enhance employee wellbeing. And yet, despite growing evidence of its benefits, many EDI practitioners still face challenges in gaining consistent leadership buy-in and embedding meaningful change.

As recent events continue to reshape the public conversation around EDI, many professionals are left wondering: Where does EDI go from here? The Northern Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the Workplace Conference 2025 will tackle this question head-on.

Taking place at Salford Community Stadium on 30^th April, this essential event will gather EDI leaders, HR professionals, public sector bodies, and private sector changemakers to share knowledge, challenges, and strategies for keeping EDI front and centre.

What to Expect

Reframing the EDI Conversation in 2025
The conference Chair, Emma Underwood, EDI Practitioner and Community Organiser, will open the day by addressing the key challenges EDI faces in the current climate—particularly how organisations can continue to advocate for inclusive practices in a politically charged environment. Emma's opening keynote address will encourage attendees to move beyond box-ticking and push for systemic change embedded at every level.

Local Authority in Action: Manchester City Council
Kane Joyce, Head of Workforce Strategy at Manchester City Council, will share the Council's EDI journey, focusing on how co-design, staff voice and data-driven strategies are helping them embed inclusion across the board.

Navigating DEI Backlash
Dan Robertson from FAIRER Consulting will tackle the growing resistance to DEI initiatives and introduce the FAIRER principles as a foundation for future EDI work.

Designing for Neuro-inclusion
Gregory Shewan of HOK will deliver a compelling session on inclusive design for neurodivergent individuals. With 1 in 5 people considered neurodivergent, Gregory will explore how spaces can be designed to support a diverse range of cognitive and sensory needs.

Deep Dives into Intersectionality
Parul Singh,  Founder of Parallel Minds Neurodiversity Consultancy & Inclusive Workplace Specialist, and Patrick 'Poggy' Murray Whitham, Programme Manager at EqualEngineers, and Co-Chair of InterEngineering will lead two sessions exploring the concept of intersectionality. Attendees will move from awareness to insight and then from insight to action, learning to embed intersectional thinking into their policies, recruitment practices, and internal culture.

Leadership and Allyship in Practice
Amy Lynch, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Thoughtworks, will guide attendees on how to move from passive allyship to proactive, inclusive leadership. Amy will share practical strategies for amplifying underrepresented voices, tackling bias in real time, and driving culture change from the top down.

Panel Discussion: Tackling EDI Backlash Narratives
A powerful panel chaired by Diversity and Inclusion Specialist Toby Mildon will explore how EDI narratives are shifting, how to address scepticism with confidence, and how to reassure teams through transparency and clear values. Expect bold insights and practical tools from leaders across sectors, including BT Group, EqualEngineers, and Coliberate.

Recruitment and Retention That Works
Wayne Bennett, Tech Recruitment Partner, Northern Power Women Advocate and EDI & ADHD Advocate, will reflect on how to build inclusive teams by tackling unconscious bias and designing fair recruitment practices. Wayne's personal experiences will highlight challenges and breakthroughs in creating equitable hiring frameworks.

Measuring What Matters
Christopher Owen, Founder of Coliberate, Author of 'Visible Justice: An LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Handbook', and Northern Gamechanger 2024, will deliver a closing keynote address on measuring the impact of your EDI efforts. Christopher will introduce the concept of coliberation—mutual growth through collective liberation—and offer attendees practical tools to align initiatives with the real needs of their workforce.

Why Attend?

As the conversation around workplace inclusion continues to evolve, the Northern EDI in the Workplace Conference 2025 will provide clarity, inspiration, and practical solutions for the future.

Use the booking code EDIBlog50 at the checkout for a 50% discount. The number of places is limited – so don't hesitate to contact us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!