Equality, diversity and inclusion conference 2022

Wednesday, 30 November 2022

The NCTJ’s equality, diversity and inclusion conference 2022 is taking place on Wednesday, 30 November 09:30 – 15:00 at Reuters in London.

The event will address a range of topics including attracting more people from working-class backgrounds into journalism, retention and progression, and making inclusion a proactive priority in the newsroom.

It will also bring together bursary recipients, mentors, sponsors and supporters to celebrate the work of the Journalism Diversity Fund, which has helped more than 400 people from diverse backgrounds begin their journalism careers.

Please note, the event is invite-only and invites are not transferable.

To RSVP, please email Rachel Slater.

Agenda

Find out more about the conference sessions.

09:30

Arrival

Registration and refreshments

10:00

Welcome

Introductions from Joanne Butcher, chief executive at the NCTJ, and Joanna Webster, deputy global editor for visuals at Reuters

10:10

Attracting more people from working-class backgrounds into journalism

Chaired by Mike Hill - Toby Bakare, producer, Channel 4 News - Helen Dalby, audience and content director, Reach plc North East and Yorkshire - Poppie Platt, culture assistant, The Telegraph

10:55

Retention and progression: Top tips for developing careers to the benefit of individuals and newsrooms

Chaired by Mark Hudson, head of early talent, News UK - Olivia Heath, executive digital editor, Hearst UK - Lucile Kamar, head of diversity and inclusion, ITN

11:25

Break

11:35

Making inclusion a proactive priority in the newsroom

Chaired by Joanna Webster, deputy global editor, visuals, Reuters - Mark Alford, director, Sky Sports News - Sophia Alexandra Hall, content editor, Classic FM - Sanny Rudravajhala, freelance broadcast journalist - Emily Sexton-Brown, managing editor (news, life, distribution and video divisions), Insider UK

12:15

Presentations of specialist bursaries

Presentations of the Thomas Read bursary, Claire Prosser bursary, Football Writers' Association bursary and Aziz Foundation bursaries to Journalism Diversity Fund recipients

12:30

Lunch

Buffet lunch reception and networking

13:30

Fireside chat: Lord Mayor of Westminster City, Hamza Taouzzale

Jacqueline Shepherd, presenter for BBC Radio London will speak to the first Muslim Lord Mayor and its youngest ever incumbent. Cllr Hamza Taouzzale, who was born and bred in Westminster, can also lay claim to being the only “incumbent from a Black, Asian or Multiple Ethnic background holds the post as the City’s first citizen”. As a working-class local, Taouzzale wants to inspire local youth to look for opportunities and make a difference.

14:15

Journalism Diversity Fund developments

Nikki Akinola, senior diversity and inclusion co-ordinator, NCTJ - Will Gore, head of projects and partnerships, NCTJ - Nicholas Petche, editor in chief, Yahoo UK

14:30

Lead sponsor cheque presentation

NLA media access, founding sponsor of the Journalism Diversity Fund, to present a cheque for £100,000 to the Journalism Diversity Fund