The Effort of Visibility

Schedule

Thu Jun 18 2026 at 08:45 am to 10:00 am

UTC+01:00
Location

42-44 County Arcade | Leeds, EN

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The Effort of Visibility: An Equality in Technology breakfast in partnership with Smart Works Leeds | 18th June | Leeds
About this Event

The Effort of Visibility is an Equality in Technology event, sponsored by Abstract Group and delivered in partnership with Smart Works Leeds. Join us at County Arcade, Leeds, on Thursday 18th June 8:45AM - 10:00AM for a focused breakfast exploring visibility, and progression at work.


Visibility in professional life is not evenly distributed. Opportunity travels through networks, reputation and access to tools, and women are consistently underrepresented in all three. This isn't simply a question of confidence. The systems that shape progression - hiring processes, professional networks, workplace technology - were not built with equality in mind.


The tools available to get ahead are changing, and not everyone is being told about them at the same rate. That's a visibility problem as much as a technology problem, and it's what this event is here to address.


The session opens with a keynote from Dr Beckie Ruddock, an ethical AI consultant, researcher and speaker with a PhD from the University of Sheffield. Her research focused on how algorithms shape the visibility and experience of female entrepreneurs. She now works with organisations on responsible AI adoption - helping leaders understand how decisions about AI affect trust, inclusion, and who gets seen and heard at work. Alongside this, she leads member engagement at Venture Community, with a focus on increasing the visibility and participation of women founders, mentors and investors.


The keynote is followed by structured networking; one prompt, one person you don't know, one conversation that might go somewhere.


This is an inclusive event, open to everyone. Hosted by Equality in Technology, sponsored by Abstract Group and delivered in partnership with Smart Works Leeds.


Event details

Location: 42–44 County Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6BH

Our workshop will take place on the ground floor of the former North Home unit.


Agenda

🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:10 AM
Guest arrival, breakfast and informal networking
🕑: 09:10 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome and introduction from Emily Wells, Head of Talent at Abstract Group
🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:30 AM
Keynote Speaker: Dr Beckie Ruddock
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Networking
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Where is it happening?

42-44 County Arcade, 42-44 County Arcade, Leeds, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

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Abstract Group Limited
Host or PublisherAbstract Group Limited

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