Good Employment Week - Race Equity in Good Employment

Black Beetle Health

The aim of the day is to raise awareness on Race Equity around the three priorities listed below, for everyone who attends the day.

Mechanics Institute

You are cordially invited to attend the Race Equity in Good Employment event, hosted by the Greater Manchester Race Equality Panel.The aim of the day is to raise awareness on Race Equity. We want to make sure that each person leaves the session with thoughts, ideas, and resources to address the racial inequities evident in their organisations. Not just that, but we want lived experience professional from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds to walk away from the session feeling empowered.As a key part of the day’s activities, we will dive into themes central to the ‘Fair Work is Good Work’ initiative as part of Good Employment Week. Attendees can expect insightful discussions from keynote speakers in the morning, followed by engaging workshops in the afternoon. The event will provide a platform to explore and address key issues related to race equality in the workplace.Our keynote speaker - Diane Modahl MBEDiane has a distinguished track record of leadership and advocacy, including serving as Lay Adviser to the Central Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group, Non-Executive Director of NHS Manchester, and Chief Ambassador for Street Games. In 2019, she was appointed by Sport England to the Talent Inclusion Advisory Group and serves as a Board Trustee for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.In 2020, Diane was appointed Chair of Greater Manchester’s Young Person’s Task Force by Mayor Andy Burnham, focusing on youth engagement. Her role as a Non-Executive Director for Commonwealth Games England and her ongoing work with initiatives like 'Street Games' and 'A Bed Every Night' highlight her commitment to creating positive change for disadvantaged communities.At the Greater Manchester Race Equity in Good Employment event, Diane will bring her wealth of experience and insight to the vital conversation around race equality and inclusion in the workplace. Through her work, Diane exemplifies the transformative power of sport and leadership in fostering equity, empowerment, and opportunity for all.Our event co-hostsAbout Paula WattPaula was born and raised in Manchester and is a mother of two adult children with a deep-rooted passion for supporting young people. With extensive expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), she is dedicated to promoting equality and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.Her commitment to the community is reflected in her numerous voluntary roles. As a school governor, she works tirelessly to improve educational standards and create inclusive environments where all students can succeed.As co-chair of the Race Equality Panel, Paula is committed to making a difference for Greater Manchester residents by promoting fairness and inclusivity. Paula wants to see real change in Greater Manchester around Race Equity with her mantra: “action not words.” Her creativity in thinking enables her to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.About Faith WoodFaith Wood is a Business and Management graduate from Edge Hill University, where she earned a prestigious University Scholarship for her dedicated efforts in improving the student experience for ethnic minorities. During her time at Edge Hill, Faith worked closely with staff on an advisory panel to address key issues faced by students, leading to impactful changes and contributing to Edge Hill's nomination for Best Student Event at the 2024 HEIST Awards.Her deep commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) extends beyond the university, as she is also a panel member of the Greater Manchester Race Equality Panel and works with Greater Manchester Police through the Salford Independent Advisory Group.Faith’s passion for EDI, combined with her professional and academic experiences, makes her an invaluable leader in fostering race equity in good employment across Greater Manchester.PresentersAbout Lorna WilliamsLorna Williams is a Workforce Equalities Manager at Manchester City Council (MCC). She has 25 years of experience in operational and people management within the Adult Social Care and Children’s contact centre setting. Lorna is also a qualified coach on an individual basis helping people achieve their personal and/or professional goals.Since 2020 Lorna, in her capacity as Senior Project Manager, has led the implementation of the Council’s Race Review recommendations. Lorna has played a pivotal role in influencing the strategic development and delivery of the MCC EDI agenda. Her passion is working with others to create anti-discriminatory and inclusive organisations.Lorna has a proven track record in the development of diversity and inclusion programmes and has driven and implemented initiates such as Reverse Mentoring programmes that support senior leader development and understanding of EDI. In addition, to junior staff developments such as the ‘LeadHership’ programme, which has brought through untapped talent into senior roles.Lorna’s achievements have seen her receive Manager of the Year within her directorate in 2021, and most recently contributed to her team commitment to diversity and inclusion being recognised with a recent shortlist for the Investors in People Award 2024.About Hannah Yates &amp; Helen RobinsonAbout HannahHannah Yates is the Head of Resourcing at Auto Trader, one of the UK’s most admired tech companies and a Top 50 Inclusive Company. As part of the People, Culture, and Environment tribe, Hannah leads a talented team, having recruited hundreds of diverse individuals for roles ranging from Data Scientists to Sales Leaders.Now focused on recruitment strategy, Hannah is dedicated to creating inclusive assessment experiences that eliminate bias and enable candidates to thrive as their authentic selves. Her passion for equal opportunities and fostering a diverse workforce makes her a key leader in promoting race equity in good employment across Greater Manchester.About HelenHelen Robinson is an experienced Diversity &amp; Inclusion (D&amp;I) and community engagement manager with a strong background in the digital sector. She is skilled in delivering D&amp;I workshop training, facilitating Inclusive Leadership programs, and managing diverse stakeholder networks.Helen's expertise extends to public speaking, community engagement, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), making her a powerful advocate for inclusivity. Her experience in driving meaningful change within organisations positions her as a key contributor to promoting race equity and good employment practices across Greater Manchester.WorkshopsWorkshop 1: Career Progression for Ethnically DiverseThe Career Progression for Ethnically Diverse Employees workshop will highlight the need for change in how organisations recruit. We will collectively explore what and how this change can take place. Focusing on what we can do as individuals, organisations and systems.Workshop 2: Navigating issues of discrimination at work with a focus on recruitmentFacilitated by Adrian Bird from the Growth Company, this workshop will focus on understanding how workplace discrimination presents itself for a range of ethnically and culturally diverse professionals, break down the root causes of overt and covert discrimination in the workplace, and provide a solution-focused approach to navigating often complex issues of discrimination within the recruitment mechanism.Workshop 3: Anti-racism working environmentsThis workshop will be centred about the concept of anti-racism, as means of combating racism through actively identifying, challenging, and striving to dismantle systems, policies, and behaviours that drive racial inequality and injustice.As a former police officer with experience across multiple sectors, including housing, policing, health, hate crime and beyond, Irene will work with participants to understand how we can work together to promote equity, inclusion, and fairness across racial lines.About the spaceThe Mechanics Institute is a grade II* listed building it is best known as the birthplace of the Trades Union Conference, which was founded in the building in 1868. It is also the birthplace of the Co-operative Insurance Society and UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science &amp; Technology).Learn more about the space here: <a href="https://www.mechanicsinstitute.co.uk/" title="https://www.mechanicsinstitute.co.uk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.mechanicsinstitute.co.uk</a>Getting thereThe Mechanics Conference Centre is conveniently located on a high street location, in the heart of Manchester, just walking distance from the St Peter’s Square Tram stop, both Manchester Piccadilly and Oxford Rd Train Stations, and bus links.View all transport links: <a href="https://www.mechanicsinstitute.co.uk/find-us/" title="https://www.mechanicsinstitute.co.uk/find-us/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.mechanicsinstitute.co.uk/find-us/</a>AccessibilityThe Mechanics Centre is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for all our visitors, staff, and community members. They strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in and enjoy all events, services, and facilities.Physical Accessibility<ul><li>Building Access: The Mechanics Centre is fully accessible via ramps and has step-free entrances.</li><li>Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance, and drop-off zones are clearly marked for convenience.</li><li>Lifts: Lifts are available to access all floors of the building, with controls at accessible heights.</li><li>Toilets: Accessible toilets are available on every floor, equipped with grab bars and appropriate signage.</li><li>Seating: Our facility provides a variety of seating options, including designated spaces for wheelchair users in all event and meeting rooms.</li></ul>Visual and Hearing Accessibility<ul><li>Signage: Clear and high-contrast signage is provided throughout the Centre, with Braille and tactile elements for ease of navigation.</li><li>Assistive Listening Devices: They offer assistive listening devices for events and presentations upon request.</li></ul>Visual Aids: Large print materials and high-contrast, easy-to-read formats are available for all event information and brochures.Three savoury items from bruschetta, vegetable samosa and chicken drumstick, on a garnished platter of lettuce, tomato and cucumber, a selection of classic salads, coleslaw, couscous, pasta and beetroot, with a crusty roll and butter.ParkingThere are a range of indoor and outdoor parking options near and around the Mechanics Conference Centre. Click the link to explore your options: <a href="https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/near/mechanics-institute/?arriving=202409082130&amp;leaving=202409082330#google_vignette" title="https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/near/mechanics-institute/?arriving=202409082130&amp;leaving=202409082330#google_vignette" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/near/mechanics-institute/?arriving=202409082130&amp;leaving=202409082330#google_vignette</a>We look forward to connecting with you!

Agenda

Welcome

Diane has a distinguished track record of leadership and advocacy, including serving as Lay Adviser to the Central Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group, Non-Executive Director of NHS Manchester, and Chief Ambassador for Street Games. In 2019, she was appointed by Sport England to the Talent Inclusion Advisory Group and serves as a Board Trustee for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity. In 2020, Diane was appointed Chair of Greater Manchester’s Young Person’s Task Force by Mayor Andy Burnham, focusing on youth engagement. Her role as a Non-Executive Director for Commonwealth Games England and her ongoing work with initiatives like 'Street Games' and 'A Bed Every Night' highlight her commitment to creating positive change for disadvantaged communities.

At the Greater Manchester Race Equity in Good Employment event, Diane will bring her wealth of experience and insight to the vital conversation around race equality and inclusion in the workplace. Through her work, Diane exemplifies 

Keynote Speaker

Presentation 1 – Inclusive recruitment practices and retention

Presentation 2 - Anti-racist Working Environments

*BREAK*

Q&A with Keynote Speakers and Presenters     

Wrap up and reflect

**LUNCH**

Option 1: Navigating issues of discrimination at work with a focus on recruitment (with Adrian Bird, Growth Company) Option 2: Career progression for ethnically diverse employees (Jenna Saide, GMCA) Option 3: Anti-racist working environments (Irene Afful, Ametrine Coaching and Consultancy)

Workshop Session 1

Workshop Session 2

Summary of discussions

Closing

Good Employment Week - Race Equity in Good Employment

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Good Employment Week - Race Equity in Good Employment

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