Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity: Building a Future of Inclusion and Innovation Theo Smith
Step into a world where neurodiversity and biodiversity intertwine, as we delve into the captivating link between the two and explore why it has become such a hot topic today. Join us to uncover the advantages of neuro-inclusive teams, and discover the strategies to unlock and maximize the untapped potential of every human mind. Get insights into how AI and technology shape the future workforce, and embrace the transformative power of effective communication. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a future where neurodiversity thrives and innovation knows no bounds.
Theo Smith
Founder of Neurodiversity at Work
15 Minute Break
Supporting pregnancy loss and associated issues in the workplace Krystal Wilkinson
An estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss. Whilst most organisations have policies and practices in place to support employee pregnancy and maternity, it is rare to find comprehensive provisions for reproductive journey complications such as miscarriage, termination, premature births, perinatal mental illness and fertility challenges. These topics are often silenced and even considered taboo in the workplace, and yet the impacts for both employee and employer can be considerable. This session provides an overview of pregnancy loss (different types of loss) and associated issues; explains how the issues affect people at work; sets out what employers are currently required to provide affected employees by law; and then suggests best practice for creating a more supportive environment.
Krystal Wilkinson
Associate Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University
EDI governance in the sector + launch of our new joint quality mark
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Lunch
White Minds Guilaine Kinouani
It is widely understood that race is a social fact with profound implications for life chances, group identity, collective representation and the social order. ‘Whiteness’, the source of race-based inequality and injustice, is perpetuated through power, violence and an array of complex processes which help protect the status quo.
While there has been much focus on the psychological harm of racism on people of colour, less attention has been paid to the role of psychological functioning of white groups in maintaining unequal social configurations.
Talking through the concepts in her upcoming book of the same title, Guilaine will shed light on everyday race dynamics, race inequality and racial violence. This topic will be of interest to all who seek to understand the impact of ‘whiteness’ so they can be more effective anti-racists.
Guilaine Kinouani
Director and Founder of Race Reflections
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
15 Minute Break
What is ADHD and why do we need to know about it to support residents and staff? Dr Alex Conner
With the current media climate of sustained misinformation and stigma around ADHD, particularly in adults, it is vital that employers and housing providers understand the condition from an evidence-based perspective, along with how it may impact their colleagues and residents. This interactive session with Alex will give you an overview of the neuroscience behind ADHD – what it is, how the brain can work differently in those with the condition, and what neurotransmitters have to do with it. Alex will also look at the profound ways ADHD can impact people in the workplace, some of the common problems that may present themselves for customers with ADHD and the relevance to tenancy sustainment, and what both organisations and individuals can do to help make life less difficult for both staff and residents with the condition.
Dr Alex Conner
ADHDadultUK
Get Inspired! Cake Bennet•Helen Thompson•Maria Bolton•Sarah Moorhouse•Tegan Mulby•Beth Preston
We know our members are always keen to find out what other organisations are up to, and here is a chance to do just that, first-hand. Hear from Cake Bennet from Orbit Housing Group about the work they have been doing implementing diversity networks for LGBTQ+ and disabled customers, and how the organisation worked with customers to set them up. Helen Thompson from the Calico Group will also share about about their fantastic partnership with DFN Project Search, which provides supported internships and employment training opportunities for people aged 18-24 living with learning difficulties and/or autism spectrum conditions. She will be joined by Maria Bolton and Sarah Moorhouse who work directly on the programme, along with Tegan Mulby and Beth Preston - both graduates of the programme.
Cake Bennet
EDI Officer at Orbit Housing Group
Helen Thompson
Deputy Chief Executive at The Calico Group
Maria Bolton
Employment Coach at Project SEARCH, The Calico Group
Sarah Moorhouse
Tutor at Project SEARCH, The Calico Group
Tegan Mulby
Graduate at Project SEARCH, The Calico Group
Beth Preston
Graduate at Project SEARCH, The Calico Group
Closing thoughts Chanté Joseph
Chanté Joseph
Host at The Guardian Pop Culture Podcast
What makes a great diversity and inclusion action plan? Nikki Sinclair
During this session, Nikki will take you through the key principles to consider when developing and implementing a D&I action plan and how to ensure you are moving the dial on EDI:
• Reporting and governance • Actions and accountability • Composition and data • Education and culture
Nikki Sinclair
Associate Director of RSM UK
Improving your cultural competency Aduke Onafowokan
Navigate the complexities of diverse cultural interactions and cultivate a skillset that transcends borders. This enlightening session will give you the strategic insights and practical tools to understand, adapt, and successfully interact within varied cultural contexts. Including real-world scenarios and interactive exercises designed to elevate your cultural awareness and enhance leadership influence. Engage, learn, and empower yourself to become a catalyst for positive intercultural interactions!
Aduke Onafowokan
Associate at Housing Diversity Network
Accessible and Inclusive Services By Design Sara Langston
Accessible and Inclusive Services By Design. How a Design Thinking approach to creating or improving our services can help us to involve diverse perspectives and test our solutions work equitably.
Sara Langston
Founder of Margareting Academy
How do other people experience you? Jackie Jones
Join Jackie and her fellow actors as they deliver a sample of their high-impact, signature drama-based training, which HDN and Afta Thought are working on incorporating to offer a blended approach to EDI training.
"The training really brought the situations to life for the delegates and provoked meaningful and insightful discussion. This was expertly managed by the facilitator who had a real in-depth knowledge of the topic. This meant they were able to respond with a deep level of knowledge to any questions and engage fully in discussions. "
Jackie Jones
Training Specialist at Afta Thought
Supporting wellbeing and inclusion to create healthy homes and neighbourhoods Melissa Lacide•Claire Ruff•Nicola Roye
In this session Melissa will introduce the quality of life Framework, explore the barriers to creating homes and neighbourhoods, and what this means for wellbeing and inclusion in social housing. There'll also be an opportunity to ask questions and explore tangible examples within a social housing context with Claire and Nicola, who led on a pilot with QOLF for Clarion's Neighbourhood Standard project.
Melissa Lacide
Senior Engagement Officer at Quality of Life Foundation
Claire Ruff
Portfolio Analyst at Clarion Housing Group
Nicola Roye
Head of Asset Strategy at Clarion Housing Group
Where are the openly gay, Black leaders in housing? Kevin Maxwell MBE
In this session, Kevin addresses the intersectional identity of being both Black and gay in the housing sector. You can expect an open and honest discussion about the lack of visible leaders in housing organisations with these identities, what the barriers to recruitment, progression and retention may be, and what steps you and your organisation can take to work towards dismantling these barriers. Participation, discussion and ideas-sharing are absolutely welcomed – Kevin wants to hear from you as much as he wants you to hear from him!
Kevin Maxwell MBE
This is a past event
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