26 Mar 2026| Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham B5 7QU

Event prices

FDA/Keyskills Members

£359 +VAT

Private Sector

£860 +VAT

Public Sector

£460 +VAT £355* +VAT

*If registering more than 4 places

If you have any queries regarding our upcoming events, please contact:

Henry Bowater
Customer Service Assistant
conference.admin@dods-events.com
020 7593 5739

Overview

 Ethnic Minorities into Leadership

Thursday 26th March 2026
▶︎ In partnership with the FDA

Now in its fourteenth year, the annual Ethnic Minorities into Leadership conference has established itself as the key event for those interested in enhancing the capabilities & leadership opportunities for Ethnic Minority Civil Servants. The conference and speakers will examine how ethnic minority individuals, at any grade, can continue to overcome barriers, build networks and become the leaders they aspire to be.

Drawing on the strengths of previous events, this year's conference will centre on driving professional development. It will offer hands-on advice, practical steps and coaching on how to adapt to new environments, expand networks, utilise opportunities effectively and further your career in times of change.

Attendees will hear from inspirational speakers, of all levels, from both within and outside the Civil Service. Plus learn valuable strategies on how to manage the challenges of modern leadership and help ensure the Civil Service doesn't lose momentum in recruiting, retaining and rewarding black, Asian and ethnic minority leaders.   

This event is CPD-Certified and will contribute to your professional development.

Why attend?

  • Examine the barriers & enablers affecting your progression
  • Receive hands-on advice & coaching for your professional development 
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities and competencies required to be a successful leader
  • Hear from senior Ethnic Minority leaders on how to succeed 
  • Network with peers & counterparts from across the public sector also trying to further their careers 
  • Hear from inspirational speakers of all grades and levels from across the public and private sectors
Agenda
8:30

Registration

09:20

Chair’s welcome and introduction

09:30

Opening address 

Inclusive leadership: supporting Ethnic Minority talent in a mission-led environment

10:00

Transition to breakout sessions

10:10

Breakout session A

Managing upwards: improving your relationships with your manager

10:10

Breakout session B

Running the room: speaking with confidence and authority in high-stakes situations

Cath Baxter, Professional Voice and Public Speaking Consultant & former Head of Voice, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

11:10

Networking and refreshments 

11:10

One-to-one spot mentoring

Informal 10-minute sessions with a Civil Service Selection Consultant.

Available on a drop-in basis -- no pre-booking required.

Open to civil servants at all grades and from all departments.

Ideal for career advice and leadership insight.

11:40

Plenary Address 

Boldly You: the power of authentic leadership   
Anikka Weerasinghe
, Director of Communications and Engagement, House of Commons

12:10

Transition to breakout sessions

12:20

Breakout session C

Handling conflict at work: practical tools for difficult conversations

12:20

Breakout session D

Preparing for your next grade: are you application and interview ready? 

Richard Hillsdon, Civil Service Selection Consultant; Former Senior Civil Servant

13:20

Lunch

13:50

One-to-one spot mentoring

Informal 10-minute sessions with a Civil Service Selection Consultant.

Available on a drop-in basis -- no pre-booking required.

Open to civil servants at all grades and from all departments.

Ideal for career advice and leadership insight.

14:20

Afternoon Plenary Address

Leading through change: embracing innovation during uncertain times

15:00

Final Plenary Address

Leadership in action: lifting others as you climb

15:50

Chair's Closing Remarks