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Diversity as a business solution for public services
Organisations and charities seeking to make the most of Bristol’s diverse talent pool can draw on experience from pioneers in the field at a free event.
With turbulent times facing the public sector, it has never been more important to have the right staff, capable of maximising productivity and decision-making.
Yet many employers are missing out due to an underrepresentation of women and BAME in their workforce, particularly at leadership levels.
The event at Engine Shed on October 18, from 4pm-7pm focuses on diversity as business solution, looking at practical solutions for public services and charities.
Zara Nanu (left) is one of the keynote speakers
Keynote speakers include founder of Gapsquare Dr Zara Nanu and Richard Thickpenny of ACH, a social enterprise working to resettle refugees.
Nanu, along with Gapsquare’s public sector engagement manager Patrick Alleyne, will be presenting on using data to build productive, diverse, and engaged teams.
She said: “Diversity and inclusion make sense for business and will be essential to the future success of our public services. Research shows that an increasingly diverse workforce will take better decisions 87 per cent of the time, and for every 10 per cent improvement in diversity there is a 2-4 percent increase in profits.
“During this time of public sector budget reviews, such productivity wins can help ensure public sector services continue to be offered at high standard. We see with many of our clients at Gapsquare that data and people analytics can shine a light on the route to progress in the sector, and that the first few steps are already clear – it’s a great time to get on board and get started.”
David Jepson, director and policy advisor for ACH said: “There has never been a more turbulent and uncertain time for those delivering public services, with the challenges of Brexit, an ageing population, financial pressures and the digital economy.”
“Key to meeting future challenges is having access to employees who not only have the right skills, but also the right values; bringing commitment, flexibility and innovation to their roles. Yet many employers are missing out because of a failure to maximise the talent of their female and BAME employees.”
The free event will include networking and nibbles. Anyone interested in attending can book a place via: www.diversity-public-services.eventbrite.co.uk.
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