The Northern Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the Workplace Conference 2024
Manchester Hall, Manchester 24 April 2024, 9:00am - 4:00pm
9:00am
Delegate Registration and Networking
10:00am
Chair’s Welcome Address
Emma Underwood, EDI Practitioner and Community Organiser
10:10am
Opening Keynote: The Current State of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Workplaces in the UK
- What are the UK’s workplace discrimination statistics saying about the country’s approach to EDI?
- The costs of conflict to employers
- Best practice for workplace conflict resolution
Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplace, Acas
10:30am
CASE STUDY: Manchester City Council's approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- The purpose and benefits of prioritising EDI
- An insight into the Council's vision, priorities and progress
- The importance of staff voice, experiences and co-design.
- Measuring impact and outcomes.
Kane Joyce, Head of Workforce Strategy, Manchester City Council
10:50am
Supporting Effective Recruitment Within The Disabled Community
- The largely untapped talent pool within the disabled community
- Connecting disabled communities with employment opportunities
Jane Hatton, CEO, Evenbreak
11:10am
Questions And Answers Session
11:25am
Break and Networking
11:55am
From Cautionary Tales to Strategic Success: Selecting Competent DEI Professionals in the Wake of the Lloyds TSB Case
- The Lloyds TSB Case Study: Understanding the nuances of the case, the missteps made, and the costly implications of inadequate DEI facilitation and decision-making.
- Key Competencies for DEI Professionals: Unpacking the essential skills and knowledge that competent DEI professionals must possess.
- Selecting the Right DEI Partners: Practical tips and strategies for evaluating DEI providers, ensuring they align with your organization's values and goals.
Ashanti Bentil-Dhue, Founder and CEO of the Competence Centre for Workplace Equity (CCWE)
12:15pm
Addressing Issues at the Narrow Neck of the Funnel: A Critical Discussion on Racial Mobility in the North West
- Diverse Manchester - what does it really mean?
- The challenges associated with current initiatives to increase racial mobility in workplaces
- What is the solution to the narrow neck of the funnel problem?
Ngozi Weller, Director at Aurora and a Board Member at Pro-Manchester
12:35pm
Case Study of Bespoke Hotels: Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at All Levels Within An Organisation
- The challenges associated with implementation of EDI initiatives in a complex organisation
- Inclusive design – turning around the narrative around disability
- Implementing an inclusive culture for all staff at all levels of seniority
Robin Sheppard, President, Bespoke Hotels
12:55pm
Questions And Answers Session
1:10pm
Lunch And Networking
2:10pm
The Role of Allyship in the Workplace
- What is allyship in EDI and how is it manifested?
- Establishing allyship in the workplace – where do you start?
- Support required at all stages of allyship journey
Eva Echo (She/They), Activist, Ambassador, Blogger, Educator and Public Speaker
2:30pm
Panel Discussion: The Impact Of EDI on Individuals – Lived Experiences Discussion
- What can happen if EDI efforts are not properly implemented? Perspectives from neurodiversity, disability, race, gender and sexual orientation backgrounds
- What does EDI box-ticking look like in an organisation?
- How can real EDI commitment be demonstrated?
- How can organisations learn from past mistakes and establish a loop of continuous improvement in an ever-changing field of EDI?
- Eva Echo (She/They), Activist, Ambassador, Blogger, Educator and Public Speaker
- Ngozi Weller, Director at Aurora and a Board Member at Pro-Manchester
- Aba Graham, Executive Director, Stockport Race Equality Partnership
- Helen Houghton, Founder, Holier Than Thou
- Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplace, Acas
- Zane Robinson-Waitt, Chairperson and Founder at Disabled & Neurodivergent Queers UK
3:00pm
Questions And Answers Session
3:10pm
Break and Networking
3:40pm
Religion in the Workplace – Implementing Cultural and Religious Sensitivity
- How can religion and faith impact employees in a work environment?
- Implementing real inclusion based on religion and faith in the workplace
- Ensuring cultural and religious sensitivity in a work environment
Naheed Nazir, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Manchester Metropolitan University
4:00pm
Inclusivity By Free Expression in the Workplace
- What does ‘bringing your true self to work’ mean to you?
- The relationship between dress codes and inclusion
- Championing inclusion and challenging stereotypes in the workplace
Helen Houghton, Founder, Holier Than Thou
4:20pm
Questions and Answers
4:30pm
Chair’s Summary And Close
Emma Underwood, EDI Practitioner and Community Organiser