10 November

Power of Inclusion Breakfast Brings Together City Innovators

It’s been a busy few weeks in The Lord Mayor’s Appeal office! One of late October’s highlights was our Power of Inclusion breakfast which took place one sunny morning at The Old Ballroom in Mansion House.   

Bringing together many of those from The Power of Inclusion initiative that aims to create a City that is inclusive and open to everyone regardless of background, the event included a buffet-style breakfast followed by a series of talks and speaker panel hosted by VERCIDA Consulting and POI Senior Leadership Forum Chair, Dan Robertson. 

We had a great turnout, with attendees from businesses and companies across the City who agreed that social mobility is a particularly pertinent issue right now given the cost of living crisis - particularly as it is likely to widen the existing gaps in society. Reflecting the Power of Inclusion’s drive for diversity, our panel came from a range of sectors - from City professionals to academia to the Social Mobility Commission. 

The programme included a welcome speech and initiative introduction from The Lord Mayor Alderman Vincent Keaveny and thought-provoking presentations from John Craven, Head of Social Media Commission who guided guests through the social mobility landscape and social mobility trends; Dr Louise Ashley of the School of Business and Management and IHSS Fellow Queen Mary University of London on practical actions we can take; Alison Hardy, Partner at Ashurst on inclusivity in the workplace; and Karina Robinson of Robinson Hambro Ltd who spoke of behavioural insights and culture change. 

A series of video contributions helped to ensure the morning showcased voices from lower socio-economic backgrounds and championed intersectionality. The pièce de résistance was a discussion throwing those big questions on how real impact is made at our expert panel. It highlighted that a change in approach is vital if we are to give access to untapped talent pools and influence new ways of thinking. Our speakers agreed that, while progress is undoubtedly being made, the UK is still performing below comparable countries and we can do better.  

For more information 2023 events visit The Power of Inclusion Resource Hub here