Achi news desk-
The event, supported by Arnold Clark, the Scottish Crown Estate, Diageo and sportscotland, discussed key themes relating to the practical diversity, equality and inclusion strategy across organizations in Scotland including the importance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and talent acquisition strategies.
The host for the discussion was Jane Gotts, Director of GenAnalytics, who introduced the panel, which included David Hanlan, Senior Consultant People and Organizational Development – Diversity and Inclusion, Scottish Water; Jorgie Hunt, Global Manufacturing Excellence Leader at Diageo and Global Co-Chair of Rainbow Network, Diageo’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group; and Euan McNair – Director of Talent Acquisition, Employer Branding and Inclusion, Aegon. The panel concluded with Aileen Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Women’s Football.
Discussing the growth of women’s sport and what can be learned in other workplaces, Aileen pointed out that “change takes time, it doesn’t happen by accident and it also takes a lot of effort”.
Inclusion is the small changes that make a big impact. Our panel suggested it should start here to support business diversity goals across the board. Speaking about the importance of ERGs Jorgie Hunt from Diageo highlighted, “groups of employees are the few who drive things forward for the many”. The audience agreed that these are essential for individuals to feel recognised, supported and included, but it is important to speak out and share insights between groups. It is important to note, Jorgie added, “everyone is on their own journey, sometimes we need to go backwards to move forward”.
David Hanlan of Scottish Water added, “ERGs need a strategic voice within an organisation, they need to be considered as part of the operation”.
Throughout the afternoon the delegates were encouraged to ask questions to the panel and open up the discussion. After the panel session the delegates joined workshop groups which facilitated a collaborative environment for generating actionable insights, working with a selected panelist, the groups had the opportunity to delve deeper into the topics.
Euan McNair from Aegon agreed, “Events like this are vital in order to have a safe place and be challenged positively.”
Lynne McBurney, Head of People Group at Arnold Clark, assistant sponsor, said, “The ‘Diversity Dialogues’ series is a unique opportunity to hear and learn from organizations across Scotland who have taken significant steps to foster a culture of inclusion from the heart . of their business. Only by listening to others and working together can we make real change that has an impact.”
While Forbes Dunlop, CEO of support sponsor sportscotland, said: “We are committed to creating the environment for change in the sports sector and ensuring that equality, diversity and inclusion are an integral part of our work. The event is a great opportunity to learn and discuss how we can move forward towards that goal.”
There was a clear message to summarize from the points raised that progress looks different in different industries. We need a different tackle, a different approach, different strategies, a different North Star, but these will all come together as we aim for the same goal.
The Diversity Dialogue will continue with the third in the series on Thursday, September 5th at the GTG Training Center in Glasgow, in collaboration with Arnold Clark. Full details of this event including details on how to register as a delegate, and also photographs from yesterday’s session, can be found at https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/diversity-dialogues/.
The conversation doesn’t have to end there, the Herald Diversity Awards and GenAnalytics are still open for entry and encourage everyone interested in investing in inclusion practices to apply and showcase their own leading strategies https:/ /newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/the -diversity-awards/.
