Breaking Barriers – Business Support Manager Charlotte Kay blogs about attending HDN's Autumn Conference.
It’s always a pleasure to catch up with colleagues from friend of PlaceShapers Housing Diversity Network (HDN). This week was no exception and it was in real life as well!
As I headed down to their conference in Birmingham hosted by HDN, with whom we enjoy reciprocal membership, I eagerly anticipated the day ahead. HDN are a natural partner for PlaceShapers and we are able to harness and utilise their expertise alongside all the work we do. We are constantly striving to ensure we stay fully informed of advances in the EDI agenda and embed it within our activities.
Held at the versatile space provided by the Eastside Rooms the conference was well attended including quite a few familiar faces, it was great to see a healthy representation of PlaceShapers members there. HDN always ensure that their programme is varied and topical and this year was no exception and entitled ‘Breaking Barriers.’
First up was Theo Smith, Founder of ‘Neurodiversity at Work’ who helped us better understand Neurodiversity in the workplace and how to ensure equal opportunities for all. Theo was followed by Dr Krystal Wilkinson, who talked about how to support staff and residents affected by pregnancy loss and associated issues. Members of the team at HDN then launched their new quality mark.
The first breakout session I chose was ‘What makes a great diversity and inclusion action plan?’ led by Nikki Sinclair from RSM who took us through the key principles to consider when developing and implementing and EDI action plan. Keynote speaker Guilaine Kinouani took to the stage after lunch to shed light on everyday race dynamics, race inequality and racial violence.
Next breakout session was a little bit different, led by a team of actors from Afta Thought who delivered a sample of high-impact, drama based training which offers a blended approach to EDI training. Dr Alex Connor then gave an overview of the neuroscience behind ADHD and advised how organisations can support colleagues and residents with the condition.
The final inspiring session featured colleagues from Orbit Group and PlaceShapers member Calico Group who shared the work that they have been doing to support residents from the LGBTQ+ community, customers with disability and learning difficulties. I was especially pleased to catch up with panellist Tegan from DFN Project Search who has previously taken part in the Lived Experience session we ran as part of our Diverse Voices series. 
Huge thanks to the team at HDN for once again hosting an inspiring conference covering an essential range of thought provoking topics which will help to break barriers. I have taken plenty of learning away which I will be able to put into action at PlaceShapers.
I’m all fired up and inspired now and looking forward to welcoming all the members who have registered to attend the PlaceShapers Annual Conference next week. If you've not already register here.
To find out more about HDN and how to get involved click here.
CEKay
10/11/23
