The Inclusion Initiative has joined forces with HSBC UK and Progress Together to delve into strategies for fostering inclusive work environments.

This event includes pre- and post-event networking, with a full running time of 18:00-20:30

Co-authored by Nikita and Grace Lordan, our latest report, VOICE, scrutinises the barriers and opportunities encountered by employees from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It presents actionable steps for individuals, managers, and organisations to mitigate these barriers, promoting the career advancement and retention of these employees.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the VOICE report's findings. This event will equip attendees with practical tools and insights to foster inclusion and support colleagues from lower socio-economic backgrounds throughout their professional journey. Learn actionable strategies to dismantle barriers and cultivate a more equitable work environment for everyone.

Don't miss this chance to learn from experts, engage in meaningful conversations, and acquire strategies to enhance inclusion within your business.

VOICE stands for: Voice and Visibility, Open-mindedness, Inclusion, Chance of Success, Empowerment

Meet our speakers and chair

Nikita is a research officer in Behavioural Science at The Inclusion Initiative. She serves as the Head Tutor for the Inclusive Leadership Through Behavioural Science LSE Online Course, a program she co-developed, tailored specifically for industry professionals. Prior to LSE, Nikita had experience in leading Human Resources strategy in a multinational corporation, where she designed and implemented award-winning employee initiatives for Talent Management and Culture Change.

Sophie Hulm (@PrgrssTgthrCEO) is the CEO of Progress Together, a not-for-profit aiming to level the playing field in UK financial services. As Head of Skills Policy at the City of London, she founded a Government-commissioned Socio-Economic Diversity Taskforce. She links skills and labour challenges to the need for greater socio-economic diversity at senior levels. Sophie joined Progress Together in September 2022 and sits on the SteerCo for the 30% Club. She lives with her partner and two children.

Zeeshan Hussain is currently the Operational Resilience Manager at Lloyds Banking Group. With over 8 years of experience in Financial Services, Zeeshan has navigated various roles within Lloyds Banking Group, starting from Customer Service to Change Implementation, and now focusing on Operational Resilience. Their journey through diverse roles has equipped them with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry. Zeeshan is passionate about promoting inclusivity and resilience in financial services, ensuring that the sector is robust and accessible to all.

Heather Melville(@HeatherM_OBE) has over 40 years of experience in financial, professional, and technology services, with a focus on international trade, corporate banking, and entrepreneurship. She is a thought leader known for building high-performing diverse teams and has advised FTSE CEOs across various industries. Heather is a sought-after speaker and has been recognized on the UK Black Powerlist. She was awarded an OBE for services to Banking and Financial Services and is the current Chancellor of the University of York. Heather also holds leadership roles in multiple organizations, including Women in Banking & Finance.

Stuart White is the Chief Executive Officer and Board Director of the HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Ltd. Stuart is the accountable executive for the firm’s global Diversity Equity & Inclusion programme, including 16 workstreams with over 300 volunteers across 14 countries, including sponsoring the Mental Health & Wellness workstream. Stuart has been with HSBC Global Asset Management since 2010 and has held roles such as: Trustee Director of the c.£27 billion HSBC Bank Pension Trust (UK) Ltd (HSBC Bank UK DB & DC Pension schemes), for 10 years (from 2014-2024) including being Chair of the Trust’s Investment Committee for 4 years; Global Head of Strategy & Chief of Staff of HSBC Global Asset Management Ltd; CEO of International; and Head of UK Institutional. Stuart is married with two daughters. Stuart is also a keen advocate of removing the stigma of mental health in the workplace and society and has raised over £50,000 for mental health charities.

Grace Lordan (@profgracelordan) is the author of Think Big, the Director of The Inclusion Initiative and Associate Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her academic writings have been published in top international journals and she has written for the Financial Times, Fortune, Fast Company and Harvard Business Review.

More about this event

TII (@lse_tii) is a research center at LSE that is creating Inclusive leaders. TII does this by bringing together teaching, research and practice to build more inclusive work environments.

Twitter Hashtag for this event: #LSETII