A MAJOR conference on equality and diversity in the workplace is to be held in Scotland in November.
SMEs and corporates are encouraged to attend the one-day event in Glasgow, which includes workshops and business opportunities, and will be addressed by the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray.
Hosted by author and broadcaster Sally Magnusson, the conference has been organised by Advice Direct Scotland, which administers the national Workplace Equality Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.
The day will bring together a wide range of businesses, public bodies and expert organisations engaged in fair work practices, and is designed for senior managers, frontline managers, HR, learning and development and EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) specialists.
Workshops will cover topics including confronting ageism, the business case for retaining and recruiting women of menopausal age, the untapped potential of refugee and asylum seekers, understanding gender equality, and the opportunities of a four-day working week.
The conference will be held on Friday, November 10, at the technology and innovation centre at the University of Strathclyde. Tickets start at £65 and are available to purchase at https://conference.advicedirect.scot/
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said:
“This conference will support employers to address and resolve long-standing barriers facing under-represented groups within the labour market, and help to promote and embed principles of inclusivity and fairness within Scotland’s workplaces.
“For SMEs, it’s an opportunity to build partnerships, develop business opportunities, hear from inspirational speakers, and participate in workshops.
“And the knowledge gained at the conference will enable businesses to retain more staff and encourage returners, attract and recruit new staff, and maximise supply chain opportunities.
“Many Scottish businesses and organisations are striving to improve equality-related outcomes for priority groups in the workplace, but there is always more to learn – and this conference offers that opportunity.”
The full-day event on November 10 will include the following speakers:
- Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy.
- Professor Wendy Loretto, professor of organisational behaviour and Dean, University of Edinburgh Business School.
- Navid Foroutan, partnership manager at Public Health Scotland.
- Alan Thornburrow, chief executive, Salvesen Mindroom Centre.
- Dr Cor Hutton MBE, founder of Finding Your Feet.
- Thiago Carmo, managing director at Passion4Social.
Workshop sessions include:
- Does menopause matter in fair work?
- The untapped potential of refugee and asylum seekers.
- Confront ageism and thrive.
- Understanding the impact of gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the workplace.
- Shifting mindsets: the four-day week.
