Future Faces Future Faces Chamber Patrons
Contact: Anna Assinder T: 0845 6036650
Diversity and inclusion are not well understood
By Claudia Congrave
An expert on equality has said that many people do not understand what the terms ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ mean. Shani Dhanda, founder of Asian Disability
Network, the Diversability card and the Asian Woman Festival, said people used the terms without knowing their meaning. As a 32- year-old woman living with Brittle
Bone disease, and of dual British and Indian heritage, the discrimination Shani has faced due to multiple aspects of her identity has paved the way for her activism. Shani explained how the terms diversity and inclusion are often used interchangeably, but that many people lack the understanding of what these terms mean. She said: “It’s really important that we know
what diversity and inclusion means if we are to input a successful strategy. Diversity is ensuring that the demographic of your workforce is representative of all people. Working towards inclusion means having that system in place to ensure the voices of every single demographic are being heard and valued equally. “Often within these conversations we hear a
lot about the term ‘equality’, but another term included in that process is ‘equity’. The difference between the two can be understood when thinking about a group of people sitting at a dinner table. Equality is offering the same meal to everyone at the table, regardless of their diet or requirements. However, equity is identifying and providing everyone with a meal that suits their individual needs.” Shani pointed out that opting for a tokenistic
approach when tackling workplace inequalities is all too common. One of those methods – unconscious bias training – is largely ineffective, she said. In support of young professionals looking to
identify and take on the role of inclusive leaders in the future, Shani described what it takes to get it right. “Promoting diversity and inclusion within the
University to revive ‘mini-MBA’ course
In partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Aston University has announced the return of its ‘mini-MBA’ leadership course. The course will focus on the ‘skills young
professionals need to rebuild the city’ and aims to help participants develop and strengthen their leadership skills. The course will include six events, taking
place until July. Pawan Budhwar, head of Aston Business
School, said: “The last 12 months have shown how important it is that managers and leaders have the confidence and skills to adapt to the ever changing environment. I’m delighted that Aston continues to work with Future Faces and that we can share some of our thinking on future trends, as well as discuss the opportunities for our city as we hopefully emerge from Covid-19 in the coming months.”
Shani Dhanda: Promoting diversity and inclusion is important
workplace is such an important aspect of people management. When it comes to inclusion, blanket approaches don’t work and create an even further disconnect. “Inclusive leadership is managing a diverse
group of people efficiently, while respecting their uniqueness in an empathetic, bias-free way. It’s an authentic leadership style that rules out discrimination and bias and allows employees to feel valued for their own input. It’s about ensuring the representation of diverse talent and strengthening that leadership accountability for the diversity and inclusion process.” As a multi-cultural and diverse region, Shani
encouraged the West Midlands to lead by example. “Birmingham is full of young and diverse
professionals. I want us to take the lead on driving inclusive leadership and show everyone how it’s done.”
Online escape room planned
New members of Future Faces will have to work together to uncover a rogue agent, during an online escape room event being organised by the Chamber. The online session, sponsored by Escape Team
Events, will take place on 16 March from 5.30pm- 7:30pm. It is free for all existing members of Future Faces to attend. This immersive and interactive team building challenge will encourage communication,
teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking for those involved. In small teams, participants will seek to
uncover a rogue agent in their midst, by deciphering clues and solving puzzles to complete the mission.
To book your place at the event, visit
www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/ futurefaces
New Members • Caitlin Hindson (Irwin Mitchell LLP)
• Nadia Smith Wealth Management - Associate Partner (St James's Place Wealth Management)
• Rya White (LevelPrime) • Kirandeep Ojalae (Sport Birmingham) • Richard Whitehead • Liam Kinsella (Jaguar Land Rover) • Karolina Dzienisz
Upcoming Events
Team FF On boarding Session Date: 9/03/2021 Time: 12.30pm - 1.15pm
Future Faces Escape Live Date: 16/03/2021 Time: 6pm
The Neuroscience of Successful Goal Setting Date: 25/03/2021 Time: 12.30pm - 1.15pm
Future Faces Social Networking Date: 13/04/2021 Time: 12.30pm - 1.15pm
FF Coffee ‘N Chat (Informal Networking) Every Wednesday of lockdown at 1pm
For more information and to book a place contact
events@birmingham-chamber.com
March 2021 CHAMBERLINK 37
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