Panel Discussion - Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace

Our panel discussion will highlight to businesses the positive impact that diversity and inclusion can have on their workforce and, as a result, their business.

Join us to discuss the importance for employers and businesses to be focussing on these issues and what their obligations are in the modern working world and how these changes can, potentially, have a wider positive impact on their communities. 

Sponsored by the Kingswood Group 

Meet the Panel

Panel Host - Etholle George, Former BBC Radio & Television Presenter          

Etholle spent almost 25 years working as a full time broadcaster and presenter and during that time worked locally here in Essex for BBC Essex, as well as further afield, presenting a wide range of mostly all speech programmes. At BBC Look East TV she was not only a newsreader, but also presented Sunday Politics live for many years. Etholle also worked as a continuity announcer at Radio 4 Extra, and has hosted all manner of corporate presentations, events and videos. Today Etholle works locally in Chelmsford as the Head of Strategic Partnerships at International Property Media, home of the International Property Awards and International Property & Travel Magazine. She is delighted to be hosting our panel discussion. 

Gemma Todd, Senior HR Consultant at Kingswood Group

Gemma is an experienced HR professional with over 25 years’ experience gained across a broad range of sectors including finance, defence engineering, environmental management, professional services, education, manufacturing, adult social care, and hospitality. She has held senior HR roles, up to Board level, and is a well-respected member of the HR community who is committed to delivering high quality, values-driven, innovative, and accessible HR solutions and services. 

A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Gemma has a proven track record in managing all aspects of HR, from recruitment to redundancy, and is a specialist in managing complex employee relations. She is a Six Sigma Green Belt, working with organisations of all sizes to secure process, organisation, and system improvements.  In 2021, she was appointed to the role of Lay Member for the Employment Appeals Tribunal Service in England, Scotland, and Wales, and since 2019 has held the position of Non-Executive HR Director and Trustee for an academy schools trust in North Essex.

Gemma is an accomplished workplace mediator, an executive coach, and a Master NLP practitioner. Her passion for continuous personal development has seen her recently take on the role of Bereavement Support volunteer for a national animal welfare charity.

David Burton-Sampson, Basildon Pride

David Burton-Sampson is one of the founders and the Chair of Trustees for Basildon Pride which he was instrumental in forming on the back of a series of hate incidents around the town in 2018.  He is also the Former Mayor of Basildon Borough serving from 2019 – 2021.  He chairs the Basildon Independent Advisory Group, acting as a critical friend to Essex Police.  He is also a School Governor.  David founded 2 residents association’s both of which are still going strong and reflect his desire to create a greater, more cohesive community for all.  

In his day job, David runs his own Financial Advisory business.  He has won 2 awards for his work in the diversity field, Stonewall Senior Champion for the East of England 2018 and was recognised in the international OUTstanding Top 50 LGBT+ Future Leaders List in the Financial Times in 2018. 

Vernal Scott, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Essex Police

Born at London’s St Mary's Hospital, Vernal Scott offers over 30 years public sector experience, which includes his June 2020 appointment as Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Essex Police. He had previously held similar roles at LB Havering, LB Islington, and LB Brent. His non-fiction book, God’s Other Children, was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize ( - currently being updated). In his early career, Vernal was appointed Head of HIV Services at a London borough and he recalls how “that virus back then was characterised by public prejudice, revulsion and stigma, whilst Covid-19 sufferers today are offered compassion and sympathy”. His early projects won the support of notables such as Princess Diana and involved George Michael, Whitney Houston, and Dionne Warwick. 

Vernal was sickened by the public killing of George Floyd in 2020 and, like his colleagues in policing across the UK, he was moved by the passion of the subsequent BLM protests. He loves policing and the men and women in blue who protect and serve so bravely every day. He sees his role as a long overdue opportunity to bring greater diversity to the service and to narrow the disparity and disproportionality experienced by Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups. His overall ambition is to see more B.A.M.E. heroes in uniform. 

Vernal Scott’s motto is simple: Dignity in blue, dignity for all!

Emma Gilson, Essex Cares Limited (ECL)

ECL’s Inclusive Employment scheme was launched in conjunction with Essex County Council in April 2020 and was designed to support adults with learning disabilities that want to work, to attain and sustain paid employment. Since then, the Inclusive Employment team has supported 119 individuals to secure paid employment and is on track to hit 150 by the end of April 2022 – that’s 150 individuals whose lives have changed for the better!

ECL’s Inclusive Employment service is unique in that the process doesn’t stop when a job is offered, the Inclusive Employment Consultants continue to work with employees and employers, offering job coaching and mentoring to ensure a successful outcome for both parties.

Emma Gilson is the programme’s Inclusive Employment Engagement Lead and with her background in both teaching and recruitment, she is perfectly placed to help take ECL’s Inclusive Employment offer to the next level. Emma herself has secured 45 jobs and is now responsible for developing links with businesses and to actively encourage them to become more diverse and inclusive employers.

Emma is proud to work for Inclusive Employment, she thrives on challenging misconceptions around employing people with disabilities and with the exceptional dedication and commitment of the whole Inclusive Employment team, she strives to create opportunities for individuals that make a real difference to their independence and quality of life.

Emma is grateful to the Chambers of Commerce for the opportunity to network with other organisations and to share the positive impact of inclusive employment on businesses across Essex.

 

Whilst we endeavour to ensure the attendance of our advertised speakers, exhibitors, vendors and displays, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes.
All timings are approximate and subject to change. We advise arriving as early as possible to avoid queues and missing any speakers or displays.