OneWish for International Women's Day 2022 - 'Break the Bias'

Date: 8th March 2022

OneWISH is a coalition of organisations, including corporates, membership bodies, not-for-profits, supporting organisations and women’s networks all working towards this aim, coming together to provide leadership and focus for that collective action.

OneWISH’s mission is to empower and connect everyone working to improve the prominence and influence of women in the H&S sector. We want to see more women in leadership positions, and we know that won’t happen without collective action.

The theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) this year is ‘Break the Bias’. OneWISH is working to break biases in the field of H&S, and we agree with IWD when they say that “whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.”

To support IWD and this theme we are hosting a series of presentations and panels to explore this subject more

Morning Sessions and Speakers:

The morning will look at what bias looks like in 2022 and how we can understand it in the context of the H&S world, including a presentation on bias and diversity, a panel showcasing latest research, and a case study of some rising stars talking about the bias and challenges they have faced and are overcoming.

10:00 - Introduction by OneWISH co-founder Louise Hosking

10:20 - The Big Picture: What is the role of diversity and inclusion in 2022 and how do we supercharge the change to create more inclusive cultures

Alex Evreinoff - Managing Director at INvolve

10:50 - Panel Discussion: The Evidence and Data.

Chaired by Lorenzo Visentin - Group Environment, Health & Safety Director at Arriva Group. Lorenzo will be joined by Dr. Sarah Cumbers - Director of Evidence and Impact, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Filipa da Silva Marques- Partner, Safety & Sustainability at ERM, and Laura Aucott - Associate Director at HSE Recruitment and Executive Network Group

11:35 - A Case Study Discussion to understand the biases and challenges women in H&S face

Bobbie Grant - IES Global Snr EHS Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific & Joan Chelangat - OHS Officer at Base Titanium Ltd. Chaired by Tamara Parris

Afternoon Sessions and Speakers:

The afternoon will showcase leadership in improving diversity, equity and inclusion in H&S, including presentations and Q&As from those working to create change. We are also celebrating the fact that for the first time ever, five of the largest H&S membership bodies in the world all have female Presidents. The 5 Presidents are joining a panel, chaired by our own Chair to discuss female leadership and their own learning.

12:45 - Presidents’ Panel Discussion: The women leading the charge in professional membership organisations

Chaired by OneWISH Chair Anne Gardner-Aston. Anne will be joined by Christl Aggus – President, Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) , Julie Barratt – President, Chartered Institute of Environment Health (CIEH), Ruth Denyer – Co-President, International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), Louise Hosking – President, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), & Christine Sullivan – President-Elect, American Society of Safety Professionals(ASSP)

13:45 - Reflections on female leadership

A live discussion, picking up on themes from the Presidents’ Panel, chaired by Melissa Mark and questions moderated by Tamara Parris, OneWISH Executive Committee members.

14:00 - The long and winding road that leads to your goal: how four Senior female HSE leaders in Jacobs have made their way in their career to their current position.

Paul Hendry - Vice President HSE at Jacobs will chair the discussion and will be joined by Fiona O'Donnell, Amanda Aldred, Jennifer Gagnier and Amanda Finnegan

14:45 - Conference summary and wrap up

Jennet Arshimova and Melissa Mark, OneWISH Executive Committee

14:50 - Join the movement! Why L’Oreal supports OneWISH and invitation to become a member

Malcom Staves - Global Vice President Health & Safety at L'Oréal and Co-Founder of OneWISH

15:00 Close

OneWish for IWD 2022 - Break The Bias