On the 15th November, a group of likeminded individuals came to discuss their thoughts around creating an Inclusive Culture.

As the evening began it became apparent how passionate, motivated and dedicated our attendees were to discuss diversity and equality. As conversations progressed all shared personal experiences, views and thoughts around the positive impact, creating a balanced team has on business progression and employee satisfaction.

View photos of the event here

Our evening included thoughts from key speakers:

Carol Rosati OBE, founder of the Global Aspire/Inspire network began the evening by sharing her journey and success in a male dominated world.

Emily Cox, Director of Public Affairs Virgin Money co-wrote the government report “Empowering Productivity: Harnessing the Talents of Women in Financial Services” and has tirelessly worked to create balanced gender teams and equality for women.

Listening to Carol and the questions she asked Emily, it truly resonated the struggle and impeding issue equality and diversity has on all:

• Equality and Diversity is key to business innovation, progress and success: Emily addressed that gender and equality like any other business problem should be addressed at senior level. Whilst women occupy only 14% of executive level positions, Virgin Money has now made a conscious effort to change these figures. Therefore, by 2020, Virgin Money hopes to have 50/50 male/female employee ratio within their organisation. The conscious effort exercised by Virgin Money is inspiring and a high example for all organisations to follow.

• The Language of inclusion: Both Carol and Emily identified that key to creating equal and a diverse working environment is ensuring we are all speaking the language of inclusion. Ensuring we are all on the same page about how to create an inclusive environment is essential to making a positive change.

• The key to success: When asked the key to Carol’s success she identified having the right support network, mentor and sponsor is valuable to changing environments. Having the necessary support aids endurance and perseverance.

• Persistence is Key: If we hope to make necessary changes to creating, equal and diverse environments for all we need to remain persistent. Carol identified that changes we wish to make cannot take place over night. Essentially small steps are key in managing the timely task of creating inclusive working environments as Emily identified that until we see a gender balance we will not see equality. Further still having measurable quota is vital in order to document overall progress.

• Culture is vital: Ensuring that the appropriate culture and environment is created for all employees was address as a significant forefront of employee satisfaction.

One of our attendees, Charlotte Knill, has also written a blog of our event that you can read here

A huge thank you to everyone who was there and contributed to our exciting debate. We look forward to seeing you all at our next event.

For further information about any of our events please email me on beth.reynolds@harveynash.com or call me on 0191 249 4077.