Celebrating our Programme Partners

Last week we were delighted to hold our 2024 Programme Partner Conference at the vibrant offices of Gerald Eve in London.

We convened for a time of reflection, learning and celebration, acknowledging the generosity of our Programme Partners who are a vital link between Moving Ahead, mentors and mentees and the wider organisations that they are a part of.

Our Founder and CEO Liz Dimmock opened the session, highlighting the heightened importance of mentoring in light of the challenges within the DE&I landscape, urging collective boldness in action.

Pavita Cooper, UK Chair, 30% Club shared with us the data and shedding light on the challenges surrounding ExCo, a central strategic priority for the 30% Club campaign.

Karyn Strickland, Head of Learning at Moving Ahead and Rebecca Davies, Director of Programmes at Moving Ahead shared the evolution of Moving Ahead programmes, celebrating our accomplishments to date and shining a spotlight on what’s to come.

Dr Asif Sadiq Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Warner Brothers Discovery and Dr. Kate Goodger, Olympic performance psychologist and mindset expert engaged in an insightful discussion covering several topics, including:

- Trends demanding our attention include the apprehension regarding DE&I – especially in light of the imminent elections

-Strategies to encourage engagement include emphasising transparency and effective communication, while aligning DE&I initiatives with business language and adapting them to suit the diverse requirements of various regions

- The importance of the metrics that we use to evaluate what we do, especially in demonstrating value to the business and safeguarding DE&I's seat at the table during decision-making discussions.

- The power of storytelling and the significance of capturing impactful stories of individuals who have flourished through DE&I initiatives, sharing those stories so that others can engage with key issues

- Once again, the importance of bold action was emphasised, with an invitation to amplify the programme and bring it to life for those who need to buy-in.

Huge thanks to Gerald Eve, who hosted us so generously and supported us in creating a wonderful event, and especially to our amazing Programme Partners, who invest their time and energy to ensure that our programmes go from strength to strength with every year.

We look forward to seeing you next year!