From Here to Diversity - Online conference on Thursday 4 December

Welcome to From Here to Diversity

DSC’s annual online conference, From Here to Diversity, is back for its fourth year!

We understand that everyone is at different stages in their journey into equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EEDI), and in creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

With this conference we hope to give you the support and encouragement you need to keep going, wherever you are on your journey. If you are looking to deepen your understanding, gain actionable insights, or connect with like-minded peers, this conference will help you to drive meaningful change in your organisation and the wider sector.

This year’s programme features a mixture of opening and closing keynote talks, engaging panel discussions, real-world case study sessions, and practical training workshops. During the day we will explore topics such as: power and privilege; measuring and monitoring EEDI progress; and staying motivated in challenging times.

Our hope for everyone attending the conference is that you will stay informed on effective strategies that can help in leading by example. You’ll gain insights on supporting improvements in workplace culture, developing stronger organisational resilience and the confidence to lead change.

Join us for an inspiring one-day conference, for charity professionals who are passionate about advancing EEDI.

Who should attend?

This conference is for anyone interested in making their organisation a more inclusive place for staff, volunteers and beneficiaries. Whether you are a trustee on the board wanting to better communicate with your fellow board members, or a manager wanting to ensure your team members feel valued, the conference programme will have something for you.

The conference is especially relevant for:

• Charity leaders and senior leadership
• Trustees and company secretaries
• HR, recruiting and operational staff

What’s included in the price?

• Attendance to the online conference, keynote sessions, talks, breakout sessions, panel discussion and networking sessions
• Access to all presentations and handouts
• Book: (Digital download pdf) The Pleasure and the Pain – The no fibbing guide to working with people

What past delegates have said

“Informative, punchy, and engaging, this conference day had a bit of everything to provoke thought, as well as inspire conversation and genuine action post-event.”– Holly Prest, Global Grooves

“The event was peppered with little gems of wisdom and inspiration – on topics from neurodiversity to the concept of “virtue signalling” to having the courage of your convictions.” – Phil Gillam, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin

“Excellent event with engaging and knowledgeable speakers. Addressed all questions and made it feel personalised and individual.” – Ginny Brink, Brain Tumour Support

Agenda

09.30:  Welcome to From Here to Diversity

Join us for introductions, housekeeping rules and an overview of the day.

09.35:  Opening keynote: Power and privilege

This talk will explore the topic of power and privilege in the charity sector, what this means and what needs to be done.

Speaker: Sufina Ahmad, Director, John Ellerman Foundation

10.15: A year of a charity in review

Our guest speaker will talk about the work their charity has been involved with, the importance of what they are doing and plans for the future.

11.00: Coffee break

11.15: Breakout sessions – Choose from:

Session A: Psychological safe spaces

This session will explore psychological safe spaces – what is this and what are the benefits for individuals and organisations? Discover the key points to know when creating safe spaces, and how you keep those within them safe and respected.

Session B: Creating an inclusive culture  in the workplace

Let’s talk about inclusion. This session will explore what inclusion means, how we create a culture of inclusion and the benefits for individuals and the organisation.

12.00:  Case study: Measuring and monitoring EEDI

In this session you will hear from charities and their experience of measuring and monitoring EEDI. What worked and what did not work, the lessons learned and what can other charities learn from their experience.

12.45: Lunch

13.30: Panel discussion: EEDI in the current environment, does it still matter and why?

In the current environment the topic of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion can be discouraged or maybe just ignored, but is this right?

Panellists will explore the questions:

• Should we still be keeping EEDI on the agenda?
• How does the current environment feed into wokeism and culture wars?
• Where do we go from here?

14.15:  Breakout sessions – Choose from:

Session C: Eliminating microaggressions

Microaggressions, whether intentional or unintentional, cause harm and are particularly stressful for people on the receiving end of them. This session will explore understanding what they are, and the idea of microinterventions as a solution to acts of microaggression.

Session D: Communicating to influence

This session will explore the different styles of communicating, the barriers to listening and how to communicate clearly and confidently.  

15.00: Coffee break

15.15: Networking

In breakout rooms, you will have the opportunity to converse and network with fellow conference attendees.

15.30:  Closing keynote: Staying motivated in challenging times  

During this year’s conference we will have explored some key topics on equality, equity and inclusion. But staying motivated and committed to creating an inclusive work environment is not easy. This closing keynote will help to reflect on the year, the importance of taking the time to rest and the inspiration to help us be refreshed and motivated for 2026.

16.00: Closing remarks

16.15: Conference closes

Check out speaker biographies here.

Prices

Early bird: deadline Tuesday 30 September

• Band A: £149
• Band B: £159
• Band C: £179

Regular price bands from Wednesday 1 October

• Band A: £159
• Band B: £169
• Band C: £179