Event 1: Race inclusion – supporting black talent

Exploring the importance of role models and allies in breaking down barriers at work for all ethnic groups.

When: Wednesday 02 June at 1pm

Make a pledge

Guest speakers

Video recording from the session

Having visible role models at all levels of a company and across different roles provides concrete evidence and inspiration for ethnically diverse talent. Ally and advocate role models are vital in creating a business culture where anyone can succeed and see themselves as future leaders. How can you train employees to become allies and role models?

Be an advocate

Make a pledge and receive a digital credential

“I pledge to consider and review my choice of language / terminology.”

“I pledge to actively take part in difficult conversations. I also pledge to do more by continuing to educate myself further on race & inclusion.”

“I pledge to learn more, read more, discuss more, broaden my experiences to better understand the experiences of others and support diversity and inclusion at work and in life.”

“I pledge to be an ally and to take personal steps to improve my knowledge, raise awareness and act as a support mechanism to my colleagues to improve and build equity.”

“I pledge to create a space for colleagues to have a voice so we can listen, learn and adapt. I also pledge to ensure our people feel valued and are aware they are our greatest asset. Everyone should have an environment in which they can thrive.”

“I pledge to seek out and challenge conscious and unconscious bias in myself and others, and to use my privileges for the benefit of the people that are not lucky enough to share them.”

“I pledge that I will be an ambassador for inclusion and diversity in my part of the world, at work and in the community. I will lead by example and I will promote an awareness of racial equality in the workplace and work towards breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups.”

“I pledge to advocate for marginalised and underrepresented communities in my workplace, and create a safe space for holding conversations about race, privilege and intersectional issues.”

“I pledge to invest in others as much as I invest in myself, be anti-racist and be an ally to anyone who may need that support.”

“I pledge that I will be an ambassador for inclusion and diversity in my part of the world, at work and in the community. I will lead by example and I will promote an awareness of racial equality in the workplace and work towards breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups.”

Breaking down barriers digital credentialigital credenti

We are no longer issuing digital credentials for this event, but please see our upcoming events, our Neurodiversity Index and our ReSET: Recognise Strengths Engagement Tool for other opportunities to pledge your support and earn a digital credential.

Guest speakers

Frank Douglas

Frank Douglas

CEO of Caerus Executive, City & Guilds Trustee, People Management D&I Power List 2020

 

Born in Mississippi, Frank spent the major part of his professional and personal life in New York City. However, for the last 20 years he has lived and worked outside the USA (over 17 years in the UK), most recently, as CEO of Caerus Executive. Caerus Executive works with private equity firms, international companies and professional service firms interested in maximizing the performance of their organisations through effective leadership, diversity, inclusion and transformational HR programmes.

In four short years, Frank has grown Caerus to be one of the most respected consulting firms on diversity, inclusion, culture and leadership. Caerus is the industry leader in providing ‘pure-play’ (they do not sell workshops, training, off-the-self solutions) strategic consulting services to more companies in moreindustry sectors than any other firm. Clients have included: BBC, ITV, ViacomCBS, Channel 4, Warner Records, Warner Chappell, Skanska, M&C Saatchi, Bloomberg, Freestat, Network Rail, Pfizer, City and Guilds Group, Durham University, and many more. 

Prior to founding Caerus Executive, Frank was Executive Vice President, Group Human Resources Director/CHRO for Misys (now Finastra), a global technology company and was part of the executive team credited with helping to turn around that organization. He has also been the Group Human Resources Director for Scottish & Newcastle and Transport for London/TfL and Head of HR New Wave Solutions with British Telecom.

Frank is the first (and still only) Black male to be the Group Human Resources Director of a FTSE 100 organisation. In 2021, Frank was awarded the status of ‘Chartered Companion’ by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development/CIPD. In July 2020, Frank was recognised by the leading HR trade magazine, People Management on their ‘Powerlist’ of the top 20 diversity and inclusion professionals in the UK.

In 2019, he was elected a Non-Executive Director/Trustee of City and Guilds Group. Also, in 2019, Frank was inducted into the HR ‘Hall of Fame’ by HR Magazine, for his advocacy of the Human Resources profession and of diversity and inclusion.

In September 2018, Frank was named by the HR Most Influential panel as one of the top five ‘movers and shakers’ for his consulting work in culture and inclusion. He has, also been included in the list of the top 30 ‘most Influential HR Directors’ in the UK. Currently, he serves on the ‘expert’ panel that selects and votes for the most influential HR and academic practitioners in the UK. For six years, Frank served as a Non-Executive Director – and on the Remuneration Committee – of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and is a ‘Chartered Fellow’ of that organisation.

Frank has a strong passion for developing leaders and organizations in emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Among his accomplishments as HR Director for Royal Dutch Shell (based in the Netherlands), was a renewed focus on upgrading African talent as well as managing one of the biggest organizational/culture changes for Shell’s
Nigerian operation.

He was the first HR Manager to win the BT Chairman’s Award for championing and delivering a project that saved BT £200 million over a three-year period. At BT, he also led the team that was shortlisted by Personnel Today Magazine for one of the best e-learning projects, the BT Internet College.

Frank was the first HR Director invited to speak to senior staff of the Royal Household (and invited guests) at Buckingham Palace. He has also spoken at Oxford and Cornell Universities; the Parliament Building (Stormont) in Northern Ireland; and numerous industry conferences. He is also a repeat guest on BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

Frank has completed the widely acclaimed and selective Meyler-Campbell coaching programme. In July 2017 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Ph.D.), by Middlesex University for his services to the Human Resources profession and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.

In his early days, Frank was a semi-professional trumpet player. Having attended the “Fame” School (High School of Music and Art) he enjoys all aspects of music. He enjoys participating in many sports including tennis, scuba diving and skiing.

   

Sophie Williams

Sophie Williams

Anti-racism advocate, activist, and author

 

Sophie Williams is a TED Speaker, leading anti-racism advocate, activist, and the author of two books – Anti Racist Ally (October 2020) and Millennial Black (April 2021), both from Harper Collins.

Sophie is a regular panelist, speaker, consultant, and workshop facilitator with a focus on anti-racism, and Diversity and Inclusion. Her writing has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, Bustle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Refinery29, Elle, and Grazia.

Sophie regularly hosts presentations, workshops and training sessions for businesses such as Apple, The Rio Ferdinand Foundation, UK Civil Service, Sky, and Cambridge University.

Before beginning writing, Sophie had a career in advertising, particularly in social agencies, where she has held the position of COO. In 2019 Sophie left traditional agencies in order to create her own business, working with clients such as Netflix on projects combining her professional advertising experience with active anti-racism work.

   

Can training be a catalyst for driving inclusion and diversity in our organisations?

Join us for a month-long series of pop-up events offering thought-provoking conversations and actionable steps to promote equal opportunities and improve inclusion and diversity in your organisation.

Event 1: Race inclusion - supporting black talent

Inclusion and diversity event 1: Ethnic minorities

Explore the importance of role models and allies in breaking down barriers at work for all ethnic groups.

When: Wednesday 02 June at 1pm

Speakers:

  • Frank Douglas, CEO of Caerus Executive, City & Guilds Trustee, People Management D&I Power List 2020
  • Sophie Williams, anti-racism advocate and author of Anti-Racist Ally and Millennial Black

Event 2: Marginalised groups - prison leavers

Inclusion and diversity event 2: ex-offenders

What can employers do to give people with criminal convictions fair chances to gain employment.

When: Tuesday 08 June at 11am

Speakers:

  • James Timpson OBE DL, Chief Executive of Timpson Group, Fellow of the City and Guilds of London Institute.
  • Surini Ranawake, Head of Employment Outcomes, New Futures Network
  • Claire Wood, Chief of Staff and Marketing Services Director, Central Business Services at Deloitte LLP

Event 3: Developing neuro-inclusive workplaces

Inclusion and diversity event 3: neurodiversity

Learn how to attract, hire, adapt and develop neurodiverse talent in your organisation.

When: Wednesday 16 June at 1pm

Speakers:

  • Professor Amanda Kirby, CEO of Do-IT Solutions
  • Helen Needham, Founder of Me.Decoded and Management Consultant, Data Practice at Capco

Event 4: Empowering LGBTQ+ people to succeed

Inclusion and diversity event 4: LGBTQ+

What type of training do organisations need to ensure the retention and advancement of LGBTQ+ employees.

When: Tuesday 22 June at 11am

Speakers:

  • Tanya Compas, Founder and CEO of Exist Loudly
  • Dr Ann Limb CBE DL FRSA, Chair of City & Guilds, Number 1 Public Sector Executive OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Model List 2019
  • Jason Sloan, Organisational Development Lead, GSK, INvolve Top 50 OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Model

Event 5: Gender Diversity - a women's panel

Inclusion and diversity event 5: gender diversity

Exploring how training is driving women inclusion in male-dominated industries.

When: Wednesday 30 June at 1pm

Speakers:

  • Sonya Byers, Chief Executive of Women in Transport
  • Alexandra Evreinoff, Managing Director of INvolve
  • Charly Young, CEO of The Girls' Network
  • Carmen Watson, Managing Director at Pertemps
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