The narratives around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion changed dramatically in 2025.

What does the future look like, and what action can you take to advocate for EDI in your organisation in this challenging climate?

Whilst there is no clear indication yet as to how recent events are going to impact EDI initiatives in the UK, EDI practitioners closely monitor ongoing debates, looking into the future with uncertainty. Therefore, it is now more important than ever to ensure that these ambitions remain a high priority for senior decision makers in any organisation.

However, the challenges in this space have existed for longer. According to the CIPD Inclusion at Work 2022 report, despite the fact that workplaces that champion Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) experience a range of business benefits, only 30% of employers believe their leaders are fully committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. Concepts such as intersectionality are still not widely understood, and organisations tend to overlook individual differences in their pursuit of a universal EDI strategy that will serve their entire workforce.

The Institute for Government & Public Policy is proud to announce the return of the Northern Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the Workplace Conference 2025, which will take place in Manchester. As we expand our EDI portfolio and include new locations for this important event, the Northern edition is set to be one that inspires, generates ideas, and brings solutions to the most important challenges that the sector faces. With case studies from organisations like Manchester City Council, FAIRER Consulting and HOK, you will leave the conference full of ideas on how to advance EDI ambitions in your workplace.

The Northern Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the Workplace Conference will delve into the pivotal role of EDI policies in fostering both productivity and fairness within workplaces. From inclusive recruitment and retention, practical applications of EDI in the workplace and examples of best practice to important considerations around allyship and intersectionality, this event is a must-attend for anyone looking to advance EDI in their organisations.

The number of places is limited – so don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!