Overview
In recent years, diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) have been recognised as essential to organisational success, innovation and societal progress. Yet today, we are witnessing a shift in tone — from political pushback to budget cuts — that risks rolling back hard-won gains. This Branch event will explore why DEI remains vital, not just as a moral imperative but as a driver of resilience, competitiveness, and trust in a volatile global environment.
Drawing on insights from an expert panel, we will examine the evidence linking inclusive cultures to stronger performance, and address how to maintain momentum when public or political sentiment wanes. Through candid discussion, participants will leave equipped to champion DEI in ways that are authentic, measurable, and sustainable.
Location: Saffron House, 6–10 Kirby Street, London
Time: Registration 5:30, event 6pm - 8pm
Cost: Free
Speakers
Damilare Ojo, Consultant, Law Debenture Corporation PLC
Damilare is a Nigerian-qualified lawyer and Company Secretarial Assistant with experience in professional services. Detail-oriented and proactive, he supports senior teams in ensuring compliance with UK corporate law, governance standards, and regulatory obligations. Skilled in managing filings, statutory records, and corporate transactions, he brings strong communication, organisational, and multitasking abilities to fast-paced environments, maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
Simon Fanshawe OBE
is a diversity consultant, broadcaster and author. He is the co-founder of the leading consultancy Diversity by Design. He and his colleague Rachel Cashman have the top ten business podcast “Fearless Diversity”.
He is currently on the Board of Powerful Women, is Chairman of Hexagon Housing Association and the current Rector of Edinburgh University.
He was previously Chairman of Sussex University, a non-exec director of Housing & Care 21, a Governor of the Museum of London and on the Board of Brighton Dome & Festival. He has grown and sold successfully two businesses. He was one of the six co-founders in 1989 of the lesbian and gay equality campaign Stonewall - a key influencer in the strategy to create legal equality for lesbians and gays, which was completed by the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act in 2014.
His latest book “The Power of Difference” was published in December 2021 by Kogan Page. It is the Chartered Institute Management’s Book of 2023. He was voted the second Most Influential Thinker in 2022 by HR Magazine and inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2023.
He has long been involved in campaigns for equality and positive social change and has served on the Board of companies and organisations in the private and charity sectors for over thirty-five years.
In 2024 he co-authored (with Matilda Gosling) the report “Flying Flags and Ticking Boxes. What Went Wrong With EDI. And How Leaders Can Fix It”.
He was awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to Higher Education and made an Honorary Doctor of the University of Sussex for services to diversity and human rights.
He lives in Brighton with his husband and they have neither children nor dogs. When not celebrating difference, he is cooking.
For any related enquiries please contact us at events@cgi.org.uk, or call us at +44 207 612 7012