Equality

Wednesday 28th March 2012, One Great George Street, London, 09:30 - 14:00 (half day)

Equality and Diversity: Building a Strong, Modern and Fair Britain

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Overview

Equality is fundamental to building a strong economy and a fair society for all. In October 2010 the government passed the Equality Act streamlining existing legislation to provide a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all. The Equality Act makes the law simpler and easier for people to understand and comply with, and more than a year after its release it is increasingly vital to ensure that progress is being made and responsibilities met.

Unlike previous equality and diversity legislation which focused on banning unfair treatment and achieving equal opportunities in the workplace, The Equality Act also specifically outlines responsibilities for those who work for public authorities. In the ‘Public Sector Equality Duty’ (Section 149), public authorities are now required to have due regard of the need to eliminate discrimination, victimisation and harassment, as well as working to ensure the advancement of equality and opportunity in the workplace. In addition to complying with legislation, public authorities must also publish their own equality information no later than January 31st 2012. These requirements are vital to the harmonious advancement of the public sector and society as a whole.

Currently conducting a 60 day consultation on its proposed mission and roles, The Equality and Human Rights Commission is developing its strategic plan for 2012-2015 to move forward with key equality and human rights issues. With a significant reduction to their budget, it’s more important than ever for the Commission to prioritise its work, using resources effectively and demonstrating real value for money. In the wake of public riots, mass industrial action and with fears for public spending cuts ever growing, it is now imperative that landmark reforms such as the Equality Act and the Equality Strategy (Building a Fairer Britain, December 2010) are pushed forward to promote equality, diversity and fairness.

Agenda

This most pertinent forum will allow delegates to learn about how the Equality Act is working in practice and what further measures are needed to close equality gaps that are still visible. Sessions will focus on how equality can be delivered in a time of spending cuts, how public authorities can comply with public sector equality duties, and how a combination of legislative reforms and strategies for social mobility can tackle inequality where it still exists.

09:30	Registration and Coffee
10:10	Chair’s Welcome Address Sandra Osborne MP, Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group on Equalities (CONFIRMED)
10:20	Opening Keynote: Building a Fairer Britain: Taking Forward the Equality Act Moving forward with the Equality Act: The benefits of a fairer Britain The Government’s equality strategy: how to deliver equal treatment and equal opportunity How can equality and diversity be supported and improved going forward? Jonathan Rees, Director General, Government Equalities Office (CONFIRMED)
10:40	Opening Questions and Answers Session
10:50	Special Keynote: Promoting Good Practice and Enforcing the Equality Act in the Workplace Helping public authorities to meet public sector equality duties The importance of publishing public authority equality criteria Accessing the Equality and Human Rights Commission helpline and online resources Promoting good practice to others: highlighting positive examples Cllr Stephen Alambritis, Commissioner, Equality and Human Rights Commission & Leader, Merton Council (CONFIRMED)
11:10	Special Questions and Answers Session
11.20	Open Panel Discussion and Questions and Answers Session
11:40	Coffee Break and Networking
12:00	Promoting Equality and Diversity in the Workplace Who is responsible for promoting diversity in the workplace and why does it matter? Improving fair access to jobs and a living wage How has the economic downturn affected the drive towards equality? Encouraging flexibility in the workplace: policies for working parents and those with special requirements Becoming an equal opportunities employer: the implications of public sector equality duties Sarah Veale CBE, Head, Equality and Employment Rights Department, Trades Union Congress (CONFIRMED)
12:20	Questions and Answers Session
12:30	The Future of Equality, Diversity and Fairness: Strategies for Improvement Challenges to equality in an increasingly diverse population Building on The Equality Act: making Britain fairer Promoting equal access and treatment in public services Breaking down barriers to diversity and fairness The role of government and public authorities in reducing inequalities Tackling hate crime, harassment and unfair treatment effectively Amanda Ariss, Chief Executive, Equality and Diversity Forum (CONFIRMED)
12:50	Questions and Answers Session
13:00	Open Panel Discussion and Questions and Answers Session
13:20	Closing Keynote: Improving the Provision of Disability Services The Equality Act and disability: Legislation for protection and inclusion Promoting independent living: increasing choice and flexibility Working with the private and voluntary sectors to deliver effective services Inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace Helping families and individuals to access services and resources Making a stand against disability hate crime Liz Sayce OBE, Chief Executive, Disability Rights UK (CONFIRMED)
13:40	Closing Keynote Questions and Answers Session
14:00	Chair's Closing Remarks & Close of Conference
14:00	Lunch and Networking

*programme subject to change without notice

Exhibitors:

Audience

The audience will be comprised of central government departments & bodies, local authorities, equality officers, procurement officers, police, training and HR officers, teachers, policy and strategy officers, representatives from the third sector, members of chambers of commerce, NHS representatives, CBI, trade union representatives, think-tanks, universities and colleges.