Round Table: DEI Must Live

Date: Tuesday 26^th March 2024
Time: 15.30 – 17.00
Venue: House of Lords, Palace of Westminster

You may have seen a recent backlash to the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, including, from the (in)famous Elon Musk, who tweeted to the world, On December 16, 2023, that DEI is a “propaganda” that promotes discrimination and racism. To quote:

“DEI must DIE. The point was to end discrimination, not replace it with different discrimination….“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” are propaganda words for racism, sexism and other -isms. This is just as morally wrong as any other racism and sexism. Changing the target class doesn’t make it right!”

This created a huge outcry as people pointed out that DEI ensures white structural privilege and corporate discrimination doesn’t take over the western world. At the core of any organisation lie its people, the driving force propelling its triumphs.

Inclusive Companies are pleased to partner with leading recruitment company Penna to host a round table event at the House of Lords, chaired by renowned DEI strategist and practitioner Jiten Patel and change maker Paul Sesay, to discuss why DEI must not only live but thrive. In the ever-evolving landscape of work culture, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have emerged as crucial pillars for success. We want to hear your thoughts on:

• Why Leaders need to embrace DEI voluntarily, and not simply do the regulatory minimum
• What are the imperatives for business leaders and employers to foster an environment where every member can unleash their full potential and contribute at their optimum.
• What does Inclusion actually look like for all members of the workforce and your customers / communities you serve
• How can we as individuals and collectively further promote DEI in the workplace.

This round table will be an opportunity for you to share your successes and challenges in making DEI live on the corporate agenda. Further, we will explore why, in times of economic difficulty, DEI is more important than ever to ensure that leaders consciously develop a culture of inclusion.

For over 15 years, Inclusive Companies has been dedicated to addressing the insufficient representation of diversity in UK organisation’s whilst helping employers foster authentically inclusive workplaces where every employee’s differences are recognised and valued. In light of the comments made by Elon Musk, Inclusive Companies is committed now more than ever. Let’s ensure that it means real action and explore what we can do as a collective, as stakeholders, organisations and networks to create a movement in which DEI not only lives but thrives.

This round table is limited to 20 people – to secure your place, please email info@inclusivecompanies.co.uk