Supporting Women at Work

Tuesday, 30th March 2021 | Online Event

According to multiple recent reports, the UK is still generations away from achieving gender equality at work. In terms of maximising potential and skills, and facilitating the retention and progression of female staff, the rewards for both businesses and employees are clear. Nonetheless, culture and structure remain key impediments to women achieving their best.

However, awareness is building around the need to take firm action around issues such as the menopause, as well as parental leave and flexible working for male and female employees alike. Clear communication and guidance can ensure the implementation of such initiatives is both straightforward and achievable. Furthermore, clear policies and best practice in addressing instances of domestic abuse and sexual harassment are crucial to ensure that all employees feel safe at work.

At this event, expert speakers will provide awareness of the cultural and structural changes that allow women to thrive at all points in their careers. You will receive actionable advice and best-practice from thought-leaders, and ultimately learn how to map a path to progress for your workplace.

Why attend?

Learn how to remove the barriers to female employees' employment and progression in your workplace
Bring new, innovative ideas around supporting female staff back to your organisation, with the insight needed to put them into practice
Develop an understanding of how issues such as menopause, domestic abuse, sexual harassment and motherhood can impact women's working lives and how to provide support
Hear from leading figures about fostering female employees' skills and potential
Earn a CPD certificate for your personal progression
Enjoy an opportunity to network with expert speakers and fellow colleagues

Agenda

09.00	Welcome from Dods D&I Kiren Kaur, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Dods D&I
09.05	Chair's Opening Remarks
09.20	We mean business: Moving towards gender parity at work The business case for gender equality What creates a gender pay gap? Understanding causes and identifying solutions What does sexism look like in the 21st century?
09.50	Comfort Break
09.55	The ‘broken rung’ and the ‘glass ceiling’: understanding key barriers to women’s progression What are the ‘broken rung’ and ‘glass ceiling’? Addressing common examples The role of data in advancing change Are targets and quotas helpful? Eradicating stereotype and bias in recruitment, reward and progression practices
10.30	Comfort Break
10.50	Addressing the ‘Motherhood Penalty’: ensuring that traditional structures and stereotypes do not hold working mothers back Agile working and Covid-19: lessons learned, and incorporating flexibility into job design Ensuring that strong shared parental leave policies are embedded in company culture Creating reward processes and a culture that values outcomes rather than office presence or hours worked
11.30	Comfort Break
11.45	Tackling Sexual Harassment: Ensuring that your organisation is a safe place to work Creating fit-for-purpose processes and procedures to address instances of harassment Ensuring that staff feel safe at work and free to speak up if harassment occurs
12.25	Comfort Break
12.30	Spotlight on: Domestic Abuse Understanding the role of employers in safeguarding staff Identifying warning signs and creating a culture of safety
13.00	Break for Lunch
13.45	Pause for thought: why is menopause a workplace issue? The business case for supporting menopause at work Key facts: what is menopause, and how is it experienced at work? Policy and practice: top tips for practical support and opening conversations
14.25	Comfort Break
14.30	Panel Discussion: Making a difference: crucial elements of effective culture-change Appreciating the impact of intersectionality on gender parity The role of senior leadership and buy-in in achieving cultural change Providing equal opportunities for sponsorship and networking How male colleagues’ actions and behaviours can champion change
15.30	Chair's Closing Remarks
15.45	Event Close