An ‘inclusive and diverse’ workforce theme for active-net 2019
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity are delighted to be supporting active-net 2019 to deliver one of the year’s most exciting conferences in our sector.
An “inclusive and diverse workforce” has been announced as the theme for active-net 2019, with bookings already being taken for the sixth annual, two-day conference.
The event will take place on 27-28 March at Eastwood Hall in Nottingham, a charming property set in 26 acres of spectacular grounds, just a short drive from Nottingham City Centre.
active-net brings together over 100 operators and suppliers within the active leisure sector for business focused, pre-selected one-to-one meetings, together with informative workshops, educational sessions, networking lunches and an evening meal with after dinner speaker.
David Monkhouse, director of Leisure-net, a leading customer insight provider for the active leisure sector, and organiser of the active-net event said:
“The leisure sector needs to ensure its workforce is both inclusive and diverse. Promoting and supporting diversity in the workplace is important for both good people management and business – it’s about valuing everyone in the organisation as an individual. However, to reap the rewards of a diverse workforce it’s essential to have an inclusive environment where all are valued and able to realise their potential.”
active-net’s opening panel session, titled ‘An inclusive and diverse workforce – ensuring we maximise the talent available’, will be chaired by Andy Reed OBE (Director at The Sports Think Tank and Saje Impact), Tara Dillon (CEO CIMSPA) Sandra Dodd (CEO Places for People Leisure), David Stalker (CEO Oxygen Free Jumping), Andy Delby-Welsh (Deputy CEO Activity Alliance), Hilary Farmiloe (Aspire, InstructAbility National Programme Manager) and Arun Kang (CEO Sporting Equals).
The panellists will bring to the floor their knowledge and practical examples asking; why is it important to have an inclusive and diverse workforce?
The breakout workshops will focus individually on Gender, Disability and BAME (black, Asian, minority, ethnic), helping operators make the most of the talent available to them and explore whether they are accidentally or deliberately excluding people. Already confirmed to lead these workshops are Andy Reed OBE, Tara Dillion (CEO CIMSPA) and Brett Smith (Professor and the Head of Research within the School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham).
Andy Reed OBE said: “I’m delighted to be chairing at active-net 2019. The leisure industry is a long way behind where it should be with regards to diversity and inclusivity. The sessions will challenge the lack of urgency regarding these important issues in the sector. David and the Leisure-net team have pulled together a great panel and I hope to create some stimulating and informative dialogue.”
Monkhouse concludes: “The quality of this year’s speakers and the strength of the panelists debating these important issues will ensure the delegates are armed to make positive steps to diversity in their workforce.”
For further information or to book your place contact Kirsty Reed at Leisure-net by emailing kirstyreed@leisure-net.org or visiting active-net.org