Equal Futures: Belonging, Race & Culture – From Awareness to Action
About this Event
Stockport is home to an increasingly diverse mix of races, cultures, ethnicities, faiths and communities. But how well is that diversity reflected in our workplaces? And are we creating environments where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed and genuinely feels they belong?
Our final Equal Futures EDI Conversations & Networking event of 2026 will be hosted by Stockport Race Equality Partnership (SREP), bringing together local employers, HR professionals, community representatives and business leaders for an open and practical conversation about race, culture and belonging at work.
Led by Aba Graham from SREP, we'll explore the realities behind the statistics, hear different perspectives from individuals and employers, and focus on two key challenges facing our workplaces.
Challenge 1: Recruitment & Representation
Why are some communities still underrepresented in certain workplaces, industries and senior positions?
We'll look at the barriers that can arise throughout the recruitment process, from attracting applicants and assessing skills to interviews, selection and progression.
We'll explore how unconscious assumptions, recruitment practices and wider inequalities can affect opportunities for individuals, and what employers might be missing out on as a result.
We'll also hear a personal perspective on how these challenges can play out in practice.
Challenge 2: Behaviours & Belonging
Getting people through the door is one thing. Creating a workplace where they feel valued, respected and able to succeed is another.
We'll explore how workplace culture, communication, behaviours and attitudes can influence people's sense of belonging, including:
- Cultural differences, identity and expectations
- Everyday behaviours that can create inclusion or exclusion
- The impact of workplace culture on confidence, progression and pay
- How belonging influences employee engagement, wellbeing and retention
- The role of managers and colleagues in creating more inclusive workplaces
We'll also hear an employer's perspective on both the business benefits of greater inclusion and the challenges of making meaningful progress in today's climate.
From Awareness to Action
Most importantly, we'll bring the conversation back to what employers can actually do.
Through open discussion, shared experiences and practical advice, we'll consider where organisations can start, how to identify opportunities for improvement and what small, achievable changes could make a real difference.
You don't need to have all the answers. Equal Futures is about creating a supportive space to listen, learn, ask questions and share ideas.
Event Programme
9.30am – 9.45am | Arrival, Tea & Coffee
An opportunity to meet other attendees before we begin.
9.45am – 10.05am | Welcome & Setting the Scene
Introductions from Caroline Brown (Equal Futures) and Aba Graham (SREP), exploring Stockport's changing demographics, the wider context of race equality and the realities facing local communities.
10.05am – 10.35am | Challenge 1: Recruitment & Representation
Exploring barriers to fair recruitment, representation and opportunity, followed by an individual lived-experience perspective.
10.35am – 11.05am | Challenge 2: Behaviours & Belonging
Considering workplace culture, inclusion, progression and retention, followed by an employer perspective on the opportunities and challenges.
11.05am – 11.20am | From Awareness to Action
Practical next steps for employers, audience questions and open discussion.
11.20am – 11.30am | Stockport Race & Culture Awards and Closing Remarks
Celebrating local achievements, opportunities to get involved and a look ahead to Equal Futures in 2027.
11.30am – 12.00pm | Cultural Bites & End of Year Networking
Following the main session, everyone is warmly invited to stay and enjoy a selection of cultural snacks and light bites, with an opportunity to continue conversations and connect with other attendees in a relaxed, informal setting.
Our hosts at Stockport Race Equality Partnership (SREP) will also be offering the chance to explore The Space, find out more about the organisation and discover some of the fantastic work taking place to support Stockport's diverse communities.
It's a lovely opportunity to experience the venue, make new connections and learn more about the people and projects making a difference locally.
The main event will finish at 11.30am, so please feel free to stay for as much of the additional networking session as you can.
Who Should Attend?
Equal Futures is open to anyone interested in creating fairer and more inclusive workplaces, including:
- Business owners and senior leaders
- HR, People and Talent professionals
- Line managers and recruitment professionals
- EDI leads and workplace champions
- Public-sector, voluntary and community organisations
- Anyone interested in understanding race equality, representation and belonging
Whether you're already working on your organisation's inclusion strategy or just beginning to explore these issues, you'll be very welcome.
About Our Speaker
Aba Graham – Stockport Race Equality Partnership (SREP)
Aba will lead our discussions, sharing insights into the experiences of Stockport's diverse communities and the challenges of achieving meaningful race equality and inclusion.
Additional individual and employer perspectives will be included throughout the session.
Venue & Refreshments
SREP – The Space
26 St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1HD
Tea and coffee will be available from 9.30am, with light refreshments provided during our networking session from 11.30am.
The main event will finish at 11.30am, but attendees are warmly invited to stay until 12.00pm for informal networking, conversation and an opportunity to find out more about SREP.
Places Are Limited
To encourage open conversation and meaningful discussion, places are limited to 40 attendees.
We recommend booking early to secure your place.
We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be a thought-provoking and practical discussion about creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to belong and succeed.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Arrival, Tea & Coffee
Info: An opportunity to meet other attendees before we begin.
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:05 AM
Welcome & Setting the Scene
Info: Introductions from Caroline Brown (Equal Futures) and Aba Graham (SREP), exploring Stockport's changing demographics, the wider context of race equality and the realities facing local communities.
🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:35 AM
Challenge 1: Recruitment & Representation
Info: Exploring barriers to fair recruitment, representation and opportunity, followed by an individual lived-experience perspective.
🕑: 10:35 AM - 11:00 AM
Challenge 2: Behaviours & Belonging
Info: Considering workplace culture, inclusion, progression and retention, followed by an employer perspective on the opportunities and challenges.
🕑: 11:05 AM - 11:20 AM
From Awareness to Action
Info: Practical next steps for employers, audience questions and open discussion.
🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:30 AM
Stockport Race & Culture Awards and Closing Remarks
Info: Celebrating local achievements, opportunities to get involved and a look ahead to Equal Futures in 2027.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Cultural Bites & End of Year Networking
Info: Following the main session, everyone is warmly invited to stay and enjoy a selection of cultural snacks and light bites, with an opportunity to continue conversations and connect with other attendees in a relaxed, informal setting.
Our hosts at Stockport Race Equality Partnership (SREP) will also be offering the chance to explore The Space, find out more about the organisation and discover some of the fantastic work taking place to support Stockport's diverse communities.
It's a lovely opportunity to experience the venue, make new connections and learn more about the people and projects making a difference locally.
The main event will finish at 11.30am, so please feel free to stay for as much of the additional networking session as you can.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
