IN just under two weeks’ time we will re-convene Scotland’s diversity community and move our conference online for the first time.

Although the format has changed, our message remains the same. We all want our workplaces to be more inclusive.

The Herald and GenAnalytics Diversity Conference will continue to engage, inspire and showcase organisations, companies, workplaces and individuals who are leading the way in promoting and supporting greater diversity and equality.

We will hear from industry leaders and true champions of diversity who demonstrate their commitment through actions – not just words.

Among the speakers will be Steve Collinson, Head of HR for Zurich in the UK. In a sector which has traditionally been dominated by men, Mr Collinson has been responsible for driving and delivering major initiatives to change the image of the sector and attract and retain diverse talent in the business.

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These include setting ambitious targets to achieve gender balance in leadership roles, detailed data analysis of gender pay gaps and making flexible working the norm rather than the exception.

In addition we will be heading over to the US to welcome Danielle Robinson, Director, Alcohol Policy and Reputation Management, Diageo. Ms Robinson is a passionate advocate for diversity across all of our society and our workplaces.

She was recently selected as a Top 100 Women of Influence by Diversity MBA and will join us to share her reflections on the barriers and prejudices still experienced by many individuals in the economy.

Ms Robinson will also be discussing the impact of the Black Lives Matter protests and the steps that organisations can take to ensure that they are open, that they listen and are willing to change to ensure that any individual has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their ambitions.

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Our breakout sessions and live panels will enable our delegates to interact with practioners and diversity heroes and learn practical examples of what has worked and what has not to take back to their own organisations.

The conference will not shy away from the issues that are still prevalent, but we will also showcase the great work taking place and initiatives that have delivered real and lasting change. We also know the importance of being able to network with other individuals who are passionate about diversity and who can share their own knowledge and experiences.

That is why we have created our Diversity Network zone which will be open before and after our formal speaking sessions. While this year’s conference will be different, we are excited about reaching an even wider audience across Scotland to deliver the message that our economy will only prosper when everyone can contribute.

Our businesses will only thrive when they are truly inclusive. Our economic recovery must be an inclusive recovery.

Lee Ann Panglea, Head of CIPD Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “The Diversity Conference provides a great opportunity to get practical advice for managing diversity and inclusion, building inclusive cultures, and promoting equal opportunities.”

Scotland’s Diversity Conference, which is supported by BAE Systems, CIPD, Diageo & J.P. Morgan, takes place on October 1.

Visit http:// newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/ the-diversity-conference/ or contact Kirsty.loughlin@newsquest.co.uk