Our third Inclusion Forum North East (IFNE) event was held on 23rd April 2024 and in response to feedback from our members and the various organisations we work with was focussed on engagement and getting everyone on board.
Held at Gateshead Central Library, the forum provided an opportunity for members to explore a key ED&I topic whilst expanding their network and sharing best practice. The session started with a networking activity to identify shared passions and to explore the different hooks and motivations people have – a great segue into engagement where finding what makes people tick can be critical.
Lucy then shared her personal experience of being given strategic responsibility for the EDI agenda for her organisation, and what that journey taught her about the three key elements to getting everyone on board:
- Senior Leaders – leadership buy-in is critical. Senior leaders need to understand why EDI matters with a clear business case for embedding an inclusive workplace culture.
- Driving Force – regardless of whether its a dedicated EDI resource or not, every organisation needs a ‘driving force’ to push the organisation along and get things done.
- Passionate People – every organisation has these and they can be invaluable. Harness the energy and enthusiasm of your passionate people to champion the EDI agenda.
Karen and Lucy then facilitated a group scenario based activity with members taking the opportunity to reflect, not only on the scenarios presented but the live situations within their own organisations. By creating a safe space, members benefitted from the experience and expertise of all present, representing a diverse range of sectors at different stages of their EDI adventure.
Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive:
“Great session as usual, loads of new ideas and left feeling fired up and ready to go!”
Rachel Ford, Wellbeing and Belonging Manager, Square One Law
“Fantastic event and can’t wait for your next session!”
Chris Marshall, Chief Operating Officer, Railway HA
“Great session, and very timely for work we’re doing. Look forward to the next one.”
Lisa Boyack, Area Manager, Changing Lives
Our next IFNE event is scheduled for early July 2024. For more information about the Inclusion Forum North East, or the services Positive About Inclusion can provide to support your organisation, please do get in touch.
