Conference

Leadership for Inclusion: EDI Professionals Conference 2025

Find out more about our EDI Professionals Conference held on 30 April 2025, which focused on driving healthcare transformation in challenging times.

General information

Time
30 April 2025 09:30 - 17:00 GMT
Audience
Open to all

Speakers

  • Helen Buckingham
    Helen Buckingham
    Chair, National Voices
  • Headshot of Barry Mussenden
    Barry Mussenden
    Deputy Director for Corporate Communications Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
  • Habib Naqvi speaking at ConfedExpo 2022.
    Professor Habib Naqvi MBE
    Chief Executive, NHS Race and Health Observatory
  • Roger James headshot
    Roger James
    Interim Deputy Director Care Quality Commission
  • Safina Nadeem
    Safina Nadeem
    EDI Director/System Lead, NHS Frimley
  • Joan Saddler
    Joan Saddler OBE
    Director of Partnerships and Equality, NHS Confederation
  • Piers Wilinson headshot
    Piers Wilkinson
    Disability Activist, and a Director at National Association of Disability Practitioners
  • Steve Salee
    Steve Salee
    CEO Wildfire Strategies
  • Nicky Cambridge
    Nicky Cambridge
    Deputy Director, Population Health and Inequalities NHS Sussex
  • Hasan-Reza
    Hasan Reza
    Head of Workforce Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
  • Alex Gild headshot
    Alex Gild
    Deputy Chief Executive Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
  • Rebecca Grant headshot
    Rebecca Grant
    Senior Associate Equality and Human Rights Commission
  • Max Edelstyn headshot
    Max Edelstyn
    Principle Equality and Human Rights Commission

On Wednesday 30 April, we invited leaders within NHS organisations dedicated to tackling inequality, whether they focused on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) or health inequalities, to join us for an exclusive conference designed for EDI leads.

This event aimed to celebrate their vital work while providing a platform for sharing insights and strategies.

Delegates had the opportunity to:
  • contribute to discussions which will help shape upcoming legislation and national policy
  • network with peers and share best practices in the EDI space
  • explore solutions and mitigations for challenges associated with this work within the current political climate
  • be inspired to continue down the path of being an agent for change. 
  • 9:30-10amRegistration and networking 
    10-10.15am

    Welcome and introductions

    The day began with a warm welcome and introductions led by Joan Saddler OBE. Joan set the tone for the event, outlining its objectives and the importance of collaboration in addressing EDI within the NHS.

    Joan Saddler OBE, Director of Partnerships and Equality, NHS Confederation

    10:15-10:45am

    Keynote: Our new context: Sharing insights on the changing landscape of the health sector 

    Helen Buckingham covered the current political, social and economic context in which the health and social care sector is attempting to deliver fair and equitable services for communities, as well as providing safe and inclusive workplaces for staff.

    Helen Buckingham, Chair, National Voices 

    10:45-11am

    Reflections from the Care Quality Commission's Roger James 

    Delegates heard an overview of the independent regulator of health and adult social care's current priorities, including the role of EDI and leadership in a well-led organisation.

    Roger James, Interim Deputy Director, Care Quality Commission  

    11-11:15amCoffee break
    11:15-12pm

    Panel discussion: Sharing insights from positive practice approaches: Evidencing the impact 

    In this panel session, speakers highlighted successful strategies and their measurable impacts. Panelists discussed real-world examples, emphasising the importance of evidence-based practices in driving meaningful change and fostering inclusive environments.

    Panellists:

    • Professor Habib Naqvi, CEO, NHS Race and Health Observatory
    • Professor Manish Pareek, Chair in Infectious Diseases and Director, Development Centre for Population Health Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester.
    • Roger James, Interim Deputy Director, Care Quality Commission 
    • Nicky Cambridge, Deputy Director for Population Health and Inequalities, NHS Sussex
    12-12:45pm 

    Workshop session: Get Unstuck: Essential tools for EDI leadership in challenging times

    This workshop explored essential tools for EDI leadership in challenging times, equipping delegates with practical strategies to overcome common challenges. Attendees engaged in an interactive discussion to enhance their resilience and adaptability in driving meaningful change within their organisations.

    Steve Salee, CEO, Wildfire Strategies

    12:45-1:30pmLunch 
    1:30-2pm

    Tackling inequality: a strategic viewpoint 

    Colleagues from the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Equality Duty Team provided an overview of current priorities in health and social care.

    Max Edelstyn, Head of Programme, Equality and Human Rights Commission

    Rebecca Grant, Senior Associate, Equality and Human Rights Commission

    2-3:30pm

    Breakout sessions (40 mins each)

    Making the financial and productivity business case for EDI 

    Facilitators: 

    • Hasan Reza, Head of Workforce Equity, Diversity and
      Inclusion, Kent Community Health
    • Piers Wilkinson, Disability Activist, and a Director at National Association of Disability Practitioners

    and

    Building collaborative models to deliver EDI 

    Facilitators:

    • Safina Nadeem, EDI Director/System Lead, NHS Frimley
    • Alex Gild, Deputy Chief Executive, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
    • Nicky Cambridge, Deputy Director for population health and inequalities, NHS Sussex ICB
    3:30-3:45pmCoffee break
    3:45-4:15pm

    Fireside conversation: Championing change 

    Barry Mussenden, in conversation with Joan Saddler OBE, reflected on his experiences and career, discussing key moments that shaped his approach to championing change in health and social care.

    Barry Mussenden, Deputy Director for Corporate Communications, Department of Health and Social Care 

    Joan Saddler OBE, Director of Partnerships and Equality, NHS Confederation

    4:15-4:30pm

    Closing remarks

    Joan Saddler OBE shared key reflections and highlights from the day.

    Joan Saddler OBE, Director of Partnerships and Equality, NHS Confederation

    4:30-5pmPost conference networking exchange 
  • This event was for anyone leading on tackling inequality within an NHS organisation – be that via EDI or health inequalities, including: 

    • Chief Diversity Officers
    • Heads of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
    • Directors of Human Resources 
    • Chief People Officers
    • Health Equity and Inclusion Service Operational Leads
    • Health Inequalities Programme Leads

"The work we do is an improvement discipline - the aim is for the NHS to provide the best care for all."

Joan Saddler OBE, Director of Partnerships and Equality, NHS Confederation

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities

If you are interested in becoming an event partner, supporter, or exhibitor for future events, please contact our commercial team to explore opportunities at commercialteam@nhsconfed.org

In partnership with

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