Supporting LGBT+ at Work: Pride in Diversity

Two decades into the twenty-first century, LGBT+ identity can still present significant disadvantage in the workplace.

Around a quarter of respondents to the National LGBT Survey 2017 reported that they had experienced a negative or mixed reaction from others in the workplace. Research by Stonewall, meanwhile, reveals that over a third of LGBT+ staff have hidden their sexual orientation or gender identity at work for fear of discrimination.

Staff cannot reach their full potential when concerned about, or experiencing, bias and unfair treatment. Are you fully equipped to support your LGBT+ staff and ensure their wellbeing is prioritised? At ‘Supporting LGBT+ Colleagues at Work: Pride in Diversity’, you will receive practical advice in ensuring that LGBT+ staff feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. Actionable strategies for building inclusivity and countering bias will be shared by expert speakers, allowing you to drive better individual, business and organisational outcomes. 

Why attend?

• Learn how to ensure that LGBT+ staff can contribute their best work without fear of discrimination
• Bring new, innovative ideas around supporting staff and creating an LGBT+ inclusive and positive culture in your workplace back to your organisation, with the insight needed to put them into practice
• Hear from leading figures in LGBT+ inclusion on fostering LGBT+ allies and networks
• Receive on-demand video recordings and speaker presentations for your reference after the event

This event is CPD certified, and contributes to your professional development.

 

09:00

Welcome from Dods Events, D&I

Kiren Kaur, Diversity & Inclusion Portfolio Director, Dods Events

09:05

Chair's Opening Address

SPEAKER: Ejel Khan, Co-Ordinator, Muslim LGBT Network

09:20

Unpacking LGBT+: understanding the specific challenges encountered by different communities of the LGBT+ umbrella 

• How the lesbian and gay community experience working life 
• Dispelling the myths surrounding bi-sexuality and increasing bi-visibility 
• Addressing the specific challenges and discrimination faced by trans employees 

SPEAKER: Lukasz Konieczka, Executive Director, Mosaic Trust

10:15

Keynote: A personal reflection on my career as an LGBT+ employee 

SPEAKER: Keela Shackell-Smith, Inclusion Manager, Food Standards Agency

10:45

Comfort Break

11:00

Workshop: 

Policy in practice: understanding employer responsibilities in recruiting, retaining and progressing LGBT+ staff 

• Adapting recruitment processes to ensure staff at all levels feel comfortable being themselves 
• Controlling for and addressing unconscious bias 
• Retaining current LGBT+ staff and removing barriers to fair promotion 
• Creating procedures for cases of harassment or grievance 
• Working remotely: understanding the impact for LGBT+ staff 

SPEAKER: Ian Adams, Director of Policy, Strategy, & Communications, NHS Resolution

12:00

Comfort Break

12:20

Keynote: You’ve got a friend in me: the importance of being an LGBT+ ally 

SPEAKER: Elaine Donaghy, Lead Business Relationships Manager, Food Standards Agency

12:50

Break for Lunch

13:50

Panel Discussion: 

Pride in diversity: cultivating an LGBT+ positive and inclusive culture 

• Award-winning employers reflect on the trials and the triumphs of their journey to LGBT+ inclusion 
• Wellbeing at work: providing support and prioritising staff welfare, both in the office and remotely 
• Encouraging open conversation and LGBT+ acceptance across the business 

SPEAKER: Karen Harvey-Cooke, DEIB and Engagement Lead, PCC Metals and Forging Group

SPEAKER: Rachel Reese, CEO, Global Butterflies

SPEAKER: Geffrye Parsons, CEO, The Inclusion Imperative

14:50

Power in numbers: the role of LGBT+ staff networks in education, awareness and inclusion

• Increasing visibility and inclusivity: how to actively enhance the presence of under-represented groups
• Integrating your LGBT+ network: acquiring executive support and wider leadership buy-in

SPEAKER: Saorsa-Amatheia Tweedale, Co-Chair Civil Service LGBT+Network

15:15

Comfort Break

15:20

Keynote Address: 

Intersectionality at work: appreciating individuality and recognising each staff member as unique 

SPEAKER: Ejel Khan, Co-Ordinator, Muslim LGBT Network

15:50

Chair's Closing Remarks

SPEAKER: Ejel Khan, Co-Ordinator, Muslim LGBT Network

16:00

Online Networking

16:15

Event Close