Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Session #2 for Senior Leaders and Managers

15/05/2023 | On-line Zoom Conferencing

Challenging Conversations- The what, why and how?

In the second live webinar, we will provide members with an opportunity to explore and learn about how to prepare and have a challenging conversation at work. It is fair to say, challenging conversation with your peers and team are a common occurrence and something that even the most senior of leaders may dread or avoid. But why is this?

Communication is absolutely key when we talk about becoming more inclusive and providing further equity to all. As we learned in the first webinar, your workforce is diverse, agile, and complex, and that will be your USP and something to embrace and use to harness growth and development . However, what we can control is how we communicate, specifically in situations where the topic is challenging or emotive. Join us on 15th May 2023 where we will be discussing the tools and approaches you can implement within your business to aid a positive conversation which may involve differing viewpoints or emotions.

Finally, we will study what is best practice when you are handling these situations as well as tools for further CPD on how to become an agile and concise communicator in an inclusive way. You will leave the webinar with a holistic view on the best process and practise that you can implement and cascade to your management teams, which will support you in building a strong workplace culture and becoming a transparent and inclusive employer of choice.

This will lead nicely onto a discussion around the importance of DE&I, and why it matters to your business, and how it can develop and harness your overall strategy and goals, which will translate to future growth. Finally, we will discuss the connection between practical steps and your business culture and look to create a high-level plan for how to get started with these new initiatives.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this session delegates will be able to: 

  • describe the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • explain and outline the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive workforce (understand why it matters for businesses); and
  • identify starting points and considerations to start marking positive and proportionate change to your business.

Holly Mapstone

Holly is an Associate of CIPD with extensive Board level HR experience, including at HR Director level (FCA certified). Her pragmatic and agile approach combined with strong operational, strategic, and commercial experience delivers business improvements and cost savings, whilst driving up employee engagement. Her passion to create resilient and positive cultures will engage your teams and influence the business to execute excellence. Holly has extensive experience with multi-site operational HR management.

Key Achievements:

• Developed a Talent Leadership programme, Graduate scheme, culture committee, learning & development strategy, and wellbeing strategy.
• Successfully managed 8 acquisitions and mergers, harmonising new employees within 90 days of acquisition date.
• Designed and executed a company-wide Talent Leadership Academy
• ESG subject matter specialist, managing and co-ordinating training & development, and charitable commitments. Gained Living Wage Accreditation, initiated the application for the Women in Finance Charter and chaired charity committees.
• Led and executed D,E&I initiatives, focusing on multiple strategic objectives, accreditation, and in-house training.