Yorkshire Employee Networks Summit 2026

This is an in-person event

Audience

This summit is open to both members and non-members and is designed for anyone actively involved in, leading, or supporting Employee Networks, including:

· Employee Network Chairs and Co-Chairs

· DEI and HR Practitioners

· Organisational Leaders and Senior Sponsors

· Anyone working in partnership with Employee Networks to drive inclusion and culture change

Whether you are a network lead looking to increase impact, a leader seeking to better support networks, or a DEI professional embedding inclusion across your organisation, this event is for you.

About the event

Employee Networks are a powerful force for change, helping to shape inclusive cultures, amplify diverse voices and influence organisational strategy. Yet many networks and sponsors face common challenges: sustaining momentum, securing leadership buy-in, supporting intersectional inclusion and demonstrating organisational impact.

Delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Building Society, the Yorkshire Employee Networks Summit 2026 brings together employee network leads, sponsors, inclusion practitioners and senior leaders from across the region to:

· Learn from real-world practice and peer experience

· Explore how networks can drive influence, advocacy and organisational impact

· Strengthen leadership, sponsorship and allyship

· Build meaningful connections and collaborative relationships

We’re delighted to welcome Samantha Renke as our keynote speaker. Samantha is an award-winning disability rights campaigner, broadcaster, actor and author, recognised for her work challenging stereotypes and championing inclusion.

Keynote: Resilience and the Power of Opportunity

“I was born with a rare genetic condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta — but I wasn’t only given a medical diagnosis at birth, I was also handed a label: Disabled. And that label came loaded with assumptions. It wasn’t synonymous with can, will, or thrive. From the very beginning, society had already decided what my limitations would be before I even had a chance to show who I was. I spent years trying to prove that I was more than a label — because nobody should be written off before they’ve had the opportunity to shine.”

Through personal stories, humour, and unfiltered honesty, Samantha Renke explores how dismantling barriers and embracing lived experience can transform workplaces and communities.

What to expect

Through a combination of inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities, participants will leave with:

· Practical tools and strategies to apply within their own organisations

· A deeper understanding of how employee networks can influence organisational culture and change

· New connections and opportunities for peer learning and collaboration across the region

Workshop themes

Through a combination of inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities, participants will leave with:

· Psychological safety

· Intersectionality and inclusive programming

· Navigating EDI in a changing context

· Advocacy and allyship for senior leaders

· Driving organisational change through employee networks

Whether you lead a network, sponsor one, or are responsible for creating an inclusive workplace culture, this summit offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect and strengthen the impact of employee networks across Yorkshire.

The day is designed not just to inspire discussion, but to equip attendees with practical insight, new relationships and renewed confidence to drive meaningful change within their organisations.

Accessibility

Please note, there will be regular breaks throughout the day. Quiet spaces and prayer rooms are available for attendees. The event will be held on the ground floor only. Please provide dietary and accessibility requirements when registering.

Refreshments

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Booking and contact details and further information

• Contact lydia.greene@bitc.org.uk, Events Coordinator with any questions.
• Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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