Experts from NGOs, businesses and policy actors will meet in Brighton to join a panel debate on how the #MeToo movement has enhanced public discourse on changes in working practices and reporting mechanisms in order to create safe and inclusive working environments.

The panel will include:

Giles York, Chief Constable, Sussex Police (an initiator of a UN #HeForShe Women’s campaign in UK Police Force);

Fiona Martin, Director & Head of Employment Law, Martin Searle Solicitors (a provider of advice surgeries and seminars to eradicate pregnancy and maternity discrimination, and sexual harassment);

Jo Hill, Executive Director – Strategy & Risk, The Pensions Regulator (the UK regulator and a Brighton-based employer);

Caitlin McCullough, Communications, Engagement & Fundraising Officer, Survivors’ Network (an initiator of the #OverToYou Kitemark Project encouraging businesses to create discrimination-free workplaces);

Neta Meidav, Founder, Vault Platform (a London-based start-up that builds misconduct & harassment reporting software);

Julia Shaw, Cofounder, Spot (an AI product developer for discrimination & harassment reporting and prevention);

Lucie Parker, Senior Policy & Research Officer, The Fawcett Society (a women’s rights NGO).

The panellists will discuss:

• how the #MeToo movement shifted perceptions of accountability for abuse of power in the workplace;

• how regulation assists in creating a safe working environment; and

• whether a harassment-free workplace is a dream or an achievable reality.

The discussion will be facilitated by Galina Goncharenko (University of Sussex) and Matthew Bellringer (Meaningbit).

The event is informed and facilitated by Dr Goncharenko’s research project#MeToo: how the social movement holds organisations and individuals accountable for abuse of power in the workplace.

Attendees will be informed about new practices and regulatory initiatives and receive a best practice guide on preventing harassment and discrimination in the workplace. In addition, misconduct reporting software developed by Vault Platform and Spot will be demonstrated.

The event is open to the general public.