9:30 – 10:00 | Registration
ROOM: Foyer
10:00 – 10:20 | Opening & Welcome
ROOM: Main Room
10:20 – 10:50 | DEI in 2025: Navigating a Changing Landscape
ROOM: Main Room
Synopsis: Anti-DEI sentiment is not new, however the force with which this current wave is hitting is. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with information and emotion.
This session is a unique chance to step back and analyse the current state of DEI and reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering inclusive environments
Facilitators: Sanchia Moraes & Rohan Mapara
11:00 – 11:45 | Break out 1
(B1) Building Cultural Intelligence & Cultural Competence
- Enhance cultural intelligence for diverse work environments.
- Improve cross-cultural communication and collaboration.
- Foster inclusivity and equity through cultural competence.
Facilitators: Minaxi Mistry & Anglie Johns
(B2) Tackling Representation Gaps Across the Employee Lifecycle
Synopsis: Learn strategies to address representation gaps in recruitment, retention, and development, ensuring inclusivity at every stage of the employee lifecycle.
Format: Discussion
- Develop actionable approaches to close diversity gaps in hiring practices.
- Facilitate discussions and practical exercises to embed inclusivity throughout the employee lifecycle.
Facilitators: Sanchia Moraes
Case studies: Kam Shergill (Stonewater) & Samantha Owo (Lloyds Banking Group)
(B3) Reverse Mentoring & Allyship: A DEI Case Study
Synopsis: Explore how reverse mentoring leverages the lived experiences of junior employees to drive allyship and meaningful change in the workplace.
Format: Panel
- Explore the benefits of reverse mentoring to further DEI initiatives
- Unlock practical strategies for successfully implementing reverse mentoring processes within your organisation
In conversation with… Ramona Williams & Mark Atkin
12:00 – 12:45 | Break out 2
(B4) Engaging Leadership & Taking the Entire Organisation on the Journey
Synopsis: It takes engaged leadership to drive organisational change and inclusivity. Discover key strategies to engage leaders and support them in taking their teams on the DEI journey. Hear from others on how to foster collective ownership and create lasting impact across the organisation.
Format: Workshop
Objectives:
- Learn key strategies to guide teams and foster collective ownership of DEI initiatives.
- Gain practical insights from leaders on driving sustainable change across all levels of the organisation.
Facilitators: Sanchia Moraes
Case studies: John Hung (bp) & Prasad Shastri (Bank of Ireland)
(B5) Exploring Ethnicity within Intersectional DEI Practices
Synopsis: Ethnicity plays a crucial role in intersectional DEI work, shaping diverse experiences of inclusion and exclusion. We will explore strategies for addressing ethnicity within the broader context of intersecting identities to drive meaningful organisational change.
Format: Roundtable Discussion
Objective:
- Collaborate on strategies to address intersecting identities and promote equity in the workplace through shared experiences and practical exercises.
Facilitators: Kaisha Wade Speid
In conversation with… Karen Geddes & Dorothy Oduguwa (Vodafone)
(B6) Making Diversity Data Useable
Synopsis: Who sees your data, how is it collected and how do you use it effectively? This workshop focuses on practical approaches to ensuring you are collecting diversity data efficiently, and ensuring you are utilising data in the right way. Also getting set up for Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting.
Format: Workshop
Objectives:
- Using innovative ways alongside best practice to get your disclosure rates up
- Cross referencing diversity data with other insights
- Ensuring data is effective to implement change.
Facilitator: Sarah Garrett
Case studies: Irene Adeyinka (DLA Piper)
12:45 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch
14:00 – 14:45 | Break out 3
(B7) AI and Inclusion
Synopsis: Learn how AI can reduce bias and enhance diversity in recruitment, while also addressing how it can perpetuate prejudice and reinforce inequalities. Explore the challenges and ethical considerations of using AI to create truly inclusive hiring processes.
Format: Workshop
Objectives:
- Examine the benefits and challenges of implementing AI in recruitment processes.
- Engage in discussions to evaluate AI’s potential in fostering inclusive hiring practices.
- Explore the ethical considerations and best practices for ensuring AI-driven hiring remains fair and inclusive.
Facilitators: Sarah Rench (Avanade)
(B8) The Matrix: Building a Robust Strategy Action Plan
Synopsis: Explore the latest trends driving progress in inclusion through the Matrix. This session will highlight best practices and provide guidance on developing an effective action plan to achieve your goals.
Format: Workshop
Objectives:
- Analyse key areas of growth in inclusion using insights from the Matrix.
- Exchange best practices with other organisations to identify the most effective strategies for driving change.
- Learn how to efficiently complete the Matrix 2025 for maximum impact.
Facilitators: Sarah Garrett
(B9) Running a Network Group
Synopsis: Network groups are key to advancing DEI by fostering collaboration and amplifying underrepresented voices. This workshop offers practical strategies for building strong foundations, managing groups effectively, and ensuring lasting impact, with insights from experienced leaders.
Format: Workshop
Objectives:
- Establish practical steps for running a network group, including recruiting members and creating an action plan
- Learn effective leadership and engagement techniques to foster participation and drive meaningful change within your organisation.
Facilitators: Mubeen Quadir
15:00 – 15:30 | Re-engineering DEI: The Next Steps
This final session invites us to explore future opportunities for growth and change in DEI, and the impact this will have on practitioners, leaders, and beyond. DEI is vast, and the potential for change is limitless. It’s now up to us to shape a response to the current climate that delivers positive, lasting outcomes for the future.
Facilitators: Sanchia Moraes & Rohan Mapara
15:30 – 15:45 | Closing Remarks
15:45 – 17:30 | Drinks Reception
LOCATION
Amazon, 1 Principal Place
111 Worship Street
EC2A 2FA
Train: Shoreditch High Street
Tube: Liverpool Street
TIMETABLE
9:30 – 10:00 – Registration
10:00 – 10:30 – Welcome
10:30 – 10:50 – Setting the Scene: DEI in 2025
11:00 – 11:45 – Breakout 1
12:00 – 12:45 – Breakout 2
12:45 – 14:00 – Lunch
14:00 – 14:45 – Breakout 3
15:00 – 15:30 – Re-engineering DEI: The Next Steps
15:30 – 15:45 – Closing remarks
15:45 – 17:30 – Drinks Reception
Workshop information
Our workshops are 45 minutes each to allow time for valuable in-person networking during the 15 minute break in between every session.
Join us online in realtime
Read about each session and speakers, join the linked in group and network online. There will be a 15 minute networking break after each session, which will give attendees a chance to network and discuss talking points raised in the session.
Get ready to participate
Smaller break out sessions will consist of discussion, but in all sessions we will be using Slido to get feedback and share tips. Feel free to also ask questions throughout the session.
