Solutions for the Future - Hiring, Reskilling and Upskilling the Region

Solutions for the Future - Hiring, Reskilling and Upskilling the Region

By Business in the Community

Are you a business leader, HR professional, educator, or policymaker passionate about building a stronger, more inclusive workforce?

Date and time

Location

George Street

George Street Walsall WS1 United Kingdom

Agenda

Welcome and Introductions

Kick off the afternoon with a warm welcome from Andreea Tudor, setting the scene for a dynamic event focused on the importance of inclusive employment and skills development in the West Midlands.

Keynote Moments - The Power of Purposeful Employment

Ola Kolade, Employment and Skills Director, BITC

Inspirational Talks: BITC’s “Inspire, Hire, Thrive” framework and how businesses can drive social mobility through inclusive hiring and development practices.

Panel 1: Skills for a Changing Economy

Anthony Smith, Partnership Manager, Zest Education

Dave Wright, Director of Digital Development, WDSH

Hear from education and training leaders on how community-led initiatives, digital inclusion, and flexible learning models are reshaping the skills landscape

Roundtable Discussions: Skills Gaps & Local Solutions

Join fellow attendees in small group discussions to explore local challenges and opportunities in addressing skills gaps. Prompts will guide conversation and idea-sharing.

Panel 2: Employer-Led Upskilling & Inclusive Hiring

Kiera Pullen, ESG Analyst, National Gas

Elizabeth Heath, Social Impact Lead, Severn Trent

Fiona Latter, Delivery Manager, WMCA

Explore how major employers are leading the way in inclusive hiring and workforce development, with practical examples of upskilling and apprenticeship strategies.

Roundtable Discussions: What Works in Employer Practice?

Reflect on what’s working in employer-led skills initiatives and share ideas for scaling impact across sectors and communities.

Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Summary of key takeaways Invitation to join a local employer skills network or pledge campaign Contact points for follow-up

Good to know

Highlights

  • 2 hours, 30 minutes
  • In person

About this event

Business • Other

This is an in person event.


Audience

This event is open to both members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC). We are keen to have social enterprises and SMEs at the event.

Join us for a dynamic morning of insight, collaboration, and action. This event brings together employers, educators, and community leaders to tackle the region’s most pressing employment and skills challenges—head-on.


🔍 Why Attend?

Creating meaningful employment is one of the most significant ways that businesses can support individuals to break out of poverty. A good job offers security, rights, a fair income and opportunities for personal development and progression. Yet, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are far less likely to progress at work than their wealthier peers. For many low-income individuals, securing a job does not mean upward social mobility; but instead, remaining in a low-skill, low-pay cycle.

  • Discover how to hire inclusively, reskill effectively, and upskill strategically.
  • Learn from Business in the Community (BITC) and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) about regional strategies and national frameworks.
  • Explore local social mobility challenges and how your organisation can be part of the solution.
  • Connect with peers, training providers, and policymakers to spark new partnerships.


🎤 What to Expect:

  • Keynotes from national and regional leaders in employment and skills
  • Panel discussions on what’s working in the West Midlands
  • Interactive workshop on inclusive hiring and reskilling
  • Roundtable networking to share ideas and build collaborations

Whether you're a small business or a large employer, this event will equip you with the tools, insights, and connections to make a real impact.


👥 Who Should Attend?

  • Employers and HR professionals
  • Local authorities and policymakers
  • Colleges, training providers, and educators
  • Community organisations and employment support services

Refreshments

Light refreshments will be served.

Booking, contact details and further information

  • Contact Andreea.Tudor@bitc.org.uk, Regional Lead at BITC for any further questions.
  • Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

Find out how your organisation can become a member of Business in the Community

Tags

Organised by

Business in the Community

Followers

--

Events

--

Hosting

--

Free
Sep 18 · 13:30 GMT+1