Inclusive Employment Trailblazer Conference

Join us for an informative and engaging event focused on creating workplaces where businesses and people can thrive. This session brings together legal experts, HR professionals, and businesses with lived experience to share practical strategies. Whether you’re an employer, HR practitioner, or business leader, this event will help you foster diversity, build inclusive practices, and access support to make your organisation stronger.

Hear the findings from the Inclusive Employment Focus Groups delivered in late 2025 and discover how these insights can shape future support for employers.

Why attend?

• Learn about the Equality Act and upcoming contractual changes
• Hear stories from local businesses that have embraced inclusive practices
• Explore resources and support available through local initiatives
• Network with peers and connect with organisations offering practical help

This project is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions' Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.

Info: Marketplace stands featuring partner organisations and subject experts, offering resources, advice, and practical support for inclusive employment

Info: An insightful 30-minute session led by Marie Walsh of Consilia Legal. With over 24 years of experience advising businesses from SMEs to multinational organisations, Marie brings a wealth of expertise in employment law. As CIPD Regional Chair for Skipton and the Regional Employment Lawyers Association representative for Yorkshire and the Humber, Marie will provide clear, practical guidance and actionable advice to help employers navigate legal requirements and strengthen workplace practices.

Info: Louise will share the key outcomes from the sector-specific forums hosted by Business North Yorkshire and facilitated by People Savi in late 2025.
These forums invited North Yorkshire businesses to share their views, current practices, and challenges around inclusive employment. The findings have been brought together by People Savi to explore opportunities and ideas for creating workplaces where businesses and people can thrive.

Info: Facilitated by People Savi, two North Yorkshire businesses will share their inclusive employment experiences.

Info: Find out about the MSK Hub, a free service offering 12 weeks of tailored support for working-age people in the Harrogate and Selby areas who are experiencing musculoskeletal pain or mobility challenges that affect their ability to work and stay active.

Info: Hear from Paul Cliff, Head of Adult Learning and Skills at North Yorkshire Council, as he shares an overview of the employment support services available to help individuals and businesses across the region.

Info: Enjoy a buffet lunch while connecting with fellow attendees, speakers, and partner organisations. Take this opportunity to visit marketplace stands and speak with subject experts about inclusive employment resources and support.

Info: Join interactive breakout sessions designed to gather feedback from employers and business leaders on the support they need to advance inclusive employment and shape future Trailblazer programmes. Share your views, challenges, and ideas in a collaborative setting.

Info: Hear about the wide range of initiatives available in North Yorkshire to support both businesses and job seekers through the Trailblazer Inclusive Employment Programme, designed to promote diversity and create thriving workplaces• Ex-Offenders & Employment Opportunities – Clean Slate
• Armed Forces Covenant
• Women in the Workplace – Smart Works
• Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace – Better Connect / Speak Training
• Access to Work & DWP Support – DWP Representative
• North Yorkshire LEAP Wage Subsidy programme

Info: Wrap up the day with key reflections and takeaways from our speakers. This closing session will highlight the main insights shared throughout the event and outline next steps for supporting inclusive employment across North Yorkshire.

Info: Your final opportunity of the day to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and partner organisations.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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