A major new event series for employers on how to improve recruitment and retention across gender-equal talent pools is being launched next week.
Staged by Bristol Women in Business Charter (BWIBC) on Wednesday, 20 September, the inaugural event will feature two panels – one made up of employment experts and another hearing from people with lived experience.
‘Recruiting for Difference in 2024’ will focus on how to hire through an intersectional lens in a complex jobs market.
Due to be attended by some of the region’s largest employers, the event in TLTs’ head office at 1 Redcliff St will provide a safe forum to share challenges, solutions and best practice in delivering better workplace equality for all, particularly while the economic outlook remains unsettled.
The series of special events is designed to support employers and senior people leaders create hiring strategies that work for everyone.
One of the issues to be explored at the first event next week will be how do employers not only continue but improve gender equality and opportunity for women from across different communities.
The panels will debate how and why the talent market is moving and what HRs can do to improve skills and open opportunity – even as the economy continues to experience turbulence.
BWIBC director Sandra Gordon, pictured, described the event as pivotal as it came at an important time for employers.
“Across many areas we have seen significant investment in developing a more gender equal and inclusive workforce – and the time is now to reinforce this thinking and impact,” she said.
“Research consistently shows business and the wider economy do better when we have diverse workforces actively involved in problem solving and developing new solutions for the future.
“The UK – and indeed Bristol’s – reputation for being a global centre of industry and creativity depends on us building these better places to work where everyone can bring their A-game to improve output.
“This event will help employers plan for the year ahead and make real inroads into improving prosperity across the board.”
BWIBC is an independent CIC (community interest company) working with small to large businesses to build a community actively making a difference for the women who work for them.
Collectively, these businesses represent circa 45,000 Bristol-based employees.
From the University of Bristol University to UWE and City of Bristol City College, to Avon and Somerset Police and Bristol City Council, and from law firm TLT, ethical bank Triodos and financial services group Hargreaves Lansdown, the charter is designed for cross-industry collaboration and learning.
‘Recruiting for Difference in 2024’ takes place between 6pm and 8pm and will include drinks, canapes and networking with a wide cross section of some of the region’s largest employers.
Tickets are available here
