We are well aware of the immense diversity dividends to be reaped if ethnic minorities and women advanced in the workplace at the same rate as their white, male counterparts. But why is this still not translating into meaningful change? Kicking off the third annual GG2 Diversity Conference, a leading diversity and inclusion expert will share crucial action points, going beyond the business and moral case. Discover how to build lasting change within your organisation and successfully change the ratio to reflect the society we serve.

Black, Asian and ethnicity minority employees earn vastly less than their white colleagues for the same work. This ‘ethnicity pay gap’ stands at a staggering £3.2 billion a year in wages, as reported by the Resolution Foundation. The thinktank has urged legislation to ensure organisations publish data on their ethnicity pay gaps, pushing for greater accountability and transparency to tackle this persistent gap. Hear from author and diversity expert Binna Kandola on the actions organisations need to take to address the ethnicity pay gap, from identifying contributing factors to the steps required to close it

Disability inclusion in the workplace involves every area of your business, from management and executive level to HR and IT. Hear from professionals with disabilities and leading diversity and inclusion experts as they share crucial insights and resources on how employers can make the workplace disability-friendly. Learn more about life-changing initiatives, from disability awareness training to trainee and apprenticeship schemes to support disabled employees and promote a truly inclusive working environment.

What does it mean to experience multiple, intersectional identities? The distinct experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are not spoken about nor understood enough. Hear from three LGBTQ+ professionals from BAME communities as they share how intersectional identities can affect one’s sense of belonging and lived experience. This session will discuss how organisations can support LGBTQ+ employees, exploring the importance of role models, LGBTQ+ and BAME networks and what it means to be an ally.

Our stories are powerful and valuable. As Michelle Obama recently wrote, “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” Hear the inspiring personal story of an ethnic minority leader who has risen to the top of their profession, overcoming significant barriers and discrimination while picking up indispensable lessons upon the way.

Company culture is integral to an organisation’s growth and identity, impacting productivity, employee wellbeing and brand perception. How can we drive cultural change within our organisation to support all employees? This session will touch upon tackling unconscious biases to build accepting and inclusive workplaces. Our speakers will share insights on how organisations can instigate cultural change to support women and minority groups at all levels to bring their true self to work.

Mental health remains a stigma, yet approximately one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Mental health problems cost employers approximately £2.4 billion per year and it remains the leading cause of sickness absence. Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities are disproportionately likely to be diagnosed with a mental health problem, and further face unequal access to mental health services. Hear from three senior executives on their personal experiences as they share their unique insight on how to eliminate stigmas attached to mental health and promote positive working environments that support good mental health.

We have read the reports. The myriad benefits of a gender-diverse workforce are well-known. Distinct gender pay gaps have been reported across companies far and wide and commitments have been made. But we are yet to see meaningful, long-term change. Women across all sectors are still held back. It is time to reinvent the workplace for greater gender diversity through fresh, bold and courageous thinking. Hear from three successful professionals on how we can go beyond the facts and figures to enact real-life, long-lasting initiatives to radically change the ratio and support women at all levels