The Guardian and The Observer are holding a one-day conference on Diversity

The Guardian and The Observer are holding a one-day conference on Diversity at Church House Conference Centre, Westminster London on Tuesday 19 October 2004.

The conference, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, will examine effective ways to implement diversity and equality policies. Keynote speaker Cathy Downes, Director of Human Resources at the Department of Industry in Canada, will bring an international perspective to the day. In his new post Waqar Azmi OBE, will set out the Governmentís vision for diversity.

Delegate places range from 185-525, telephone 0870 765 7488 or book online at societyguardian.co.uk/conferences/diversity

A limited number of press places are available. Please contact Julie Taylor on 020 7713 4087 or e-mail Julie.taylor@guardian.co.uk

The programme follows:

9.20 ñ Welcome by conference chair, Samira Ahmed
9.30 ñ Sponsorís welcome
9.40 ñ Setting the scene: Kay Carberry, assistant general secretary of the TUC asks what do we need to do to turn policy statements into a reality for employees in our organisations? 10.15 ñ Strategies and Outcomes: International Comparisons Keynote speaker Cathy Downes, Director General, Human Resources, Industry Canada shows what we can learn from the North American experience. Lutfur Ali, UK Director of Diversity and Equality at Tribal will respond from a UK perspective. 11.10 ñ Tea and Coffee 11.30 ñ Breakout sessions
A1) Religion and Belief
A2) Sexual Orientation
A3) Age

12.45 Keynote Speaker: Waqar Azmi OBE, Government Advisor on Diversity, Cabinet Office

13.10 Lunch
14.10 - Breakout Sessions
B1) Disability
B2) Race
B3) Gender

15.25 Tea and Coffee

15.45 Implementing Policies: What can organisations in different sectors learn from each other?
Speakers: Kay Allen, Diversity Manager, BskyB
Olu Alake, Head of Cultural Diversity, Arts Council of England

16.30 The Challenges Ahead: What can we realistically expect to achieve?
Speakers: Colm OíCinneide, Commission for Equality and Human Rights Task Force Julie Mellor, Chair, Equal Opportunities Commission

17.15 Conference Summary and Close
17.30-18.30 Drinks reception