All In Conference 2026 Highlights the Power of Inclusion Across the North East
On Thursday 26 March, Constructing Excellence in the North East (CENE) held its annual All In Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle.
The event brought together organisations and individuals from across the region to explore how we can attract, retrain and celebrate diverse talent within the construction and infrastructure sector. The conference was led by Rebecca Storey, Regional Construction Skills Director at North East Construction Technical Excellence College and Chair of the CENE People Group.
Inspiring voices and lived experience
Attendees heard from a range of inspiring speakers, each sharing powerful insights drawn from their own professional and personal experiences.
Laura Norton from the Institution of Technology and Engineering delivered an engaging presentation on the WISE Campaign, highlighting its mission to enable the STEM sector to create workplaces where women are fully represented, supported and empowered to thrive.
Eloise Leonard Cross from Northumbrian Water Group shared the organisation’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), reflecting on how positive change does not have to be costly. She emphasised the importance of engagement, culture and doing the basics well to get things right.
A particularly impactful presentation was delivered by Ngozi Lyn Cole from the North East Anti-Racism Coalition, who spoke about racism in the North East and the research undertaken across the region. She issued a powerful call to action for organisations to commit to ‘Becoming the Bridge’ by signing the pledge to help make the North East anti-racist, fairer and stronger.
Luke Joseph from Durham County Council delivered a thoughtful and motivating talk, reflecting on his journey from leaving care to the work he now does for the Council. He spoke movingly about ‘the invisible cloak’ – the profound, often hidden societal, logistical and emotional challenges faced by care leavers. His call to action urged organisations to ensure care leavers are seen, heard and properly supported, rather than navigating the transition to adulthood in isolation.
Chris Pickering from Our 1 Community spoke about the organisation’s inclusion projects and their ethos of working with young people to drive the social change they want to see. He highlighted the success of the disability audits carried out and delegates were treated to a fantastic lunchtime performance by a band of young people from their Spotlight Project, adding to the energy and inspiration of the day.
Tom Lamb from RE:GEN Group shared the organisation’s innovative work supporting apprentices and tackling barriers that prevent young people from accessing construction-based careers. One example included providing access to driving lessons, recognising that the ability to drive can be a significant barrier to entering the industry.
Collective learning and action
The event concluded with a lively and insightful panel discussion chaired by our Director, Lucy Malarkey, who is also a member of the CENE People Group. The discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration, shared learning and sustained action in driving meaningful change.
Reflecting on the event, Lucy said:
“The annual All In Conference is always a fantastic event – both inspirational and informative – shining a light on an issue that is crucial to our region and our sector: how we can truly embrace inclusion to attract, retain and celebrate the widest possible diversity of talent. It’s vital we keep this subject high on the agenda because while progress is being made, it isn’t linear, and we cannot afford to take our eye off the ball”.
Altogether, the conference was a powerful reflection of the sector’s shared ambition to attract, retain and celebrate diverse talent, highlighting the impact that collaboration and collective action can have in creating more inclusive workplaces and communities.
