The new normal – what does this mean for diversity and inclusion?

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2020 has seen a dramatic and sudden change in many people’s working conditions as well as a deep economic recession as many countries entered into Covid-19 lockdowns. Our expert panel looks at the challenges and opportunities that this presents for embedding diversity and inclusion in organisations. Our speakers share insights, war stories and offer practical suggestions on how to navigate these issues given the changed environment. Some of the themes are:

• What is the purpose of your organisation and how does diversity and inclusion fit with this purpose? How important is diversity at board level?
• What cultural changes are required to ensure diversity and inclusion is not just about one-off programs?
• Difficult decisions are being made given the current economic conditions: how do we ensure that this does not reduce the diversity of our workforce?
• How can organisations retain a pipeline of diverse talent and continue to foster career development in this environment?
• How do we discuss sensitive topics respectfully given increasing social polarisation fostered by social media?
• How do we address the challenges of working remotely: isolation, visibility, wellbeing, development, team cohesion?

The panel:

• Amanda Lees, Partner, Simmons & Simmons, based in Singapore. Amanda spearheads the firm’s efforts in diversity & inclusion, LGBTQ+ issues and pro bono work in Singapore. She also founded the Singapore Arbitration Women’s network.
• Jonathan Hammond, Simmons & Simmons Head of Asia, based in Hong Kong. Jonathan is a passionate advocate for social mobility and social diversity, and has participated as a mentor to Network for Knowledge, a UK based networking group for women working in the financial services sector.
• Karen Loon is a Non-Executive Director of profit, professional and not-for-profit organisations. She is a Committee Member of BoardAgender amongst many other appointments. Previously Karen had an extensive career at PwC Singapore for 29 years where she was an assurance partner. She spent 5 years as its Banking and Capital Markets Leader and spearheaded diversity and inclusion in APAC.
• Dessi Berhane-Silassie EVP, is the Chief Diversity, Equity Inclusion officer for IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO). She also leads the legal, risk and compliance function for Asia Pacific, IP and Financial Services. She currently serves as President of Singapore Corporate Counsel Association. Dessi hails from Eritrea and is a mother of two sons.
• Lynette Lim is Hilton's Senior Vice President & Assistant General Counsel who heads their Asia Pacific Legal function. At the same time, she is the executive sponsor of their Women Team Members Resource Group. Lynette is also a member of the Board Diversity and Appointments Committee at the Singapore Institute of Directors.

Watch previous webinars in our ‘Working from home – a legal roadmap’ series here.