Attended by prominent HR industry leaders, internal People Directorate staff, CIPD Southeast Thames Branch, academic staff and HRM students at PhD, MA, and BA levels, the Unconference provided a platform to delve into differences often marginalised in the workplace and society, viewed through an intersectional perspective. The chosen theme underscored the diverse backgrounds, perceptions, and lived experiences that individuals bring to the workplace, embodying multiple intersections such as gender, race, sexuality, background, and educational attainment.
Championed by Dr Myrtle Emmanuel (pictured right) and Julia Tybura, the Unconference adopted a 'World Café' format at the Old Brewery in Greenwich, commencing with an opening address by Professor Leigh Doster, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Executive Dean for GBS.
Our keynote speakers and provocators
Eminent keynote speakers included Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and Tanya Carter, Chief People Officer at the East London Foundation NHS Trust.
The event featured four provocateurs who shared their insights in concise 5-minute snapshots:
Elliot Connell, Senior HR Business Partner at Reachdesk, questioned the relevance of the traditional 5-day working week and explored the concept of unlimited annual leave.
Meera Nair, Chief People Officer at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, along with Eric Pirozzoli, Associate Director of Workforce, delved into the complexities of agile working and intersectionality.
Denise McCausland, Equality Programme Manager for Croydon Council and OD consultant examined the dynamics of multigenerational workforces through various intersections in the workplace.
Reflection in a world café format
Following these thought-provoking presentations, participants engaged in group discussions, exploring the reimagining of HR practices that genuinely value differences. The focus extended to embedding these values in policies, strategies, programs, and organisational cultures, with an aim to reflect these values in the broader community and society.
Art & drama challenge
In the afternoon the unconference continued with an Art and drama challenge where PhD, MA and BA HRM students worked alongside HR industry leaders and presented their feedback for their chosen provocation.
Key takeaways
- HR is navigating a complex landscape shaped by a PESTLE perfect storm.
- AI is providing insights into human biases, stressing the importance of ethical and responsible utilisation.
- HR managers need to consider not only the legal consequences but also the moral implications when offering guidance.
- HR and organizations should thoroughly examine and advocate for issues related to racial groups, encompassing aspects like menopause, prostate cancer, fibroids, and the impact of racial trauma.
Thank yous
A heartfelt thank you to all our attendees for infusing the Unconference with high energy and fantastic contributions. Special appreciation to Professor Sian Moore and CREW for their sponsorship, and kudos to Julia Tybura for expertly facilitating the event.
We owe a debt if gratitude to our World Café table facilitators and Unconference committee, including Dr Kenisha Linton, Shirley Joseph, Catherine Farrant, Ibiyemi Akinkuade, Michael Imomoh, Raluca Marinci, , our talented graphic artist Elliot, and the dedicated GBS events team led by Oktay Asanov and Winnie Stroyanova, alongside our photographer Dardan Celaj.
As we conclude, we share a poignant poem by Destiny Sullivan, one of our MA HRM students, encapsulating the essence of our discussions on reimagining HR through an intersectional lens:
Gender, race, age, sexuality, social status,
Are smaller jigsaws to an even bigger puzzle.
Puzzles are meant to be solved,
So why aren't we coming together for the gaps to be filled?
No piece of the jigsaw is insignificant,
When you're not joining with the rest - your absence is felt.
