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 CIPD PRESS RELEASE 6 April 2008
CIPD conference aims to get under the skin of the diversity agenda
Changes to the Sex Discrimination Act (1975)
come into effect today (April 6th) which include
an increased employer liability for sexual
harassment experienced in the workplace. The
amendments, which have been introduced to meet
requirements outlined in the EC Equal Treatment
Directive, will also extend the right of protection
for pregnant women and those on maternity leave.
On 20 May, the Chartered Institute of Personnel
and Development (CIPD) hosts its Diversity
Conference, at Sofitel St James Hotel, London.
The conference will discuss discrimination law
and good practice including expert opinion on
current legislative proposals.
While diversity and inclusion present both
opportunities and challenges to employers, the
CIPD has previously criticised the government
for failing to simplify discrimination laws which
cause so much confusion amongst employers.
The Diversity Conference will set out the case for
simplifying existing law as well as discussing in
greater detail the content and timing of a simplified
discrimination law.
Expert speakers on the day include:
Trevor Phillips, Chair, Equality and Human Rights Commission
Charlotte Sweeney, Head of Diversity and Wellbeing, HBOS
Stevan Rolls, Head of Human Resources, Deloitte
Dianah Worman, CIPD Diversity Adviser says: "Legislation
has functioned as an important lever for change in many
organisations, and plays an important role in tacking
unfair discrimination but we know employers get confused
if they don't understand what the law is trying to achieve.
"Understanding what diversity is and why it is important
to business performance is vital. Just fulfilling legal
requirements and ticking boxes is not enough. CIPD
research shows that it is understanding and acting on
the business case that differentiates the leaders and the
followers in good diversity practice.
"With the prospects of a recession on the horizon,
organisations need to get much smarter at implementing
diversity strategies which engage employees to contribute
to business success. Paradoxically there is a danger
that an economic downturn could distract employers
from paying attention to the very things that could
help them to be more successful in developing a more
competitive edge.
Notes to editors:
* Dianah Worman is available for interview. Dianah
will also be speaking at the diversity conference
* For a press pass to the diversity conference,
please contact Anna Wallace on 020 8612 6399 or
mailto:a.wallace@cipd.co.uk
* The Diversity Conference will take place on 20
May 2008 at the Sofitel St. James Hotel, London.
For further details, visit the CIPD website:
http://www.cipd.co.uk/cande
* The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
(CIPD) has over 130,000 members and is the leading
professional institute for those involved in the
management and development of people.
CIPD press enquiries:
Gregor Ridley/Anna Wallace
CIPD Press Office
151 The Broadway, London SW19 1JQ
020 8612 6400
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