Yorkshire Employee Networks Summit
Wed, 17 September @ 14:00 – 17:30
This is an in-person event
Audience
This event is open to members and non-members of Business in the Community (BITC). It is open to Employee Network Chairs/Co-Chairs, DEI and HR Practitioners, Leaders, and Executive Network Sponsors. It is designed for everyone leading, involved in, working with, and/or supporting the work of Employee Networks.
Background
Employee networks play a crucial role in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and have become vital to organisation’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ambitions. They provide a platform for diverse voices and drive organisational change.
The Yorkshire Employee Networks Summit 2025 aims to empower those involved in these networks, offering insights, strategies, and connections to enhance their effectiveness.
Through conversations within BITC’s Yorkshire & Humber Regional Board, and Yorkshire & Humber ED&I network, there was an apparent need to bring together network leads from across the region, creating a space for exchange, collaboration, peer support, and best practice insights.
About the event
From fostering inclusivity, advancing diversity to driving innovation, advocacy and action, many organisations in the UK would not be where they are today if it wasn’t for the relentless and passionate work of employee networks.
The Yorkshire Employee Networks Summit 2025 is the premier gathering for professionals leading and supporting employee networks. It’s a celebration of the impact employee networks have had on workplaces from across the region.
Through tailored workshops and speaker panels, attendees will gain actionable insights from industry leaders, access the latest best practice, and network with peers. This forum will provide the space, tools and guidance to harness the full potential of employee networks.
We are offering two types of ticket for this event. We have limited capacity for the workshops however additional tickets are available for a 3:30pm arrival for the networking and panel session.
Agenda
2pm: Arrival and networking
2.30pm: Welcome and move into workshops
2.45pm: Workshops
3.45: Break and networking
4pm: Panel and keynote speaker
4.45pm: Networking
5.30pm: Close
Workshops
If you book a ticket for the whole event, you will be able to pick one of the below workshops to attend:
Colleague Network Wellbeing: Embracing resilience in times of challenge
“Anyone who is interested in making change in the world also has to learn how to take care of himself, herself, themselves… it means that we’re able to bring our entire selves into the movement” – Angela Davis
Resilience in the face of challenge can be the make or break of an effective colleague network. Having the tools and resources to look after your wellbeing is as important as a clear plan for activity. Join colleagues from Leeds Building Society for an insightful and collaborative session which will pose the question of “How can I adapt in challenging situations to manage stress and prevent burnout?”.
Executive Sponsor Workshop: Championing Network Success
A thriving employee network needs more than passion—it needs powerful, visible support from the top. A committed Executive Sponsor is key to turning vision and purpose into impact.
Join BITC for an engaging, practical workshop designed specifically for Executive Sponsors. Gain clarity on your role, explore what effective sponsorship looks like, and understand how to align network goals with wider business strategy. Discover how your leadership can amplify employee voice and drive real change.
What we’ll cover:
- Understanding the Executive Sponsor role and responsibilities
- Strategic alignment and accountability
- The power and purpose of executive sponsorship
- Advocacy in action: what it means to truly champion a network
- Scenario-based activity on active sponsorship
- Turning insight into impact: Commit to Action
This session is designed to increase confidence—and unlock the full potential of employee networks
Refreshments
Refreshments will be provided.
Booking and contact details and further information
- Contact Jenny.McLaren@bitc.org.uk, Event Manager, with any questions.
- Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.
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