Graphic with text and image. Text read SUSE Annual Conference, the Inclusive Employer, sponsored by Diversity Scotland. Tues 16th May, Murrayfield Edinburgh. Image shows group or people chatting at a conference.

This year’s annual conference , in partnership with Apt PSP, took place on Tuesday 16th May 2023 at BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. 

Our theme was ‘The Inclusive Employer’ and it was a fantastic opportunity to bring together SUSE members, organisations and employers from across Scotland.

Here’s what the day looked like…

SUSE Annual Conference 2023 on Biteable.

Conference Overview

This document summarises the emerging themes from the day, including all the key discussions and learning points from the breakout sessions. Read it here: SUSE Annual Conference 2023 Overview

If you would prefer a Text Only version, please click the following link: SUSE Annual Conference 2023 Overview TEXT ONLY

 

 

Watch the speakers, panel discussion and main stage breakout sessions:

 

Sponsorship

We would like to thank our Sponsors and supporters, who helped to make the day as inclusive, engaging and interactive as possible for all delegates.

Photograph of 3 people chatting and laughing at a exhibition stand

Our sponsors not only engaged with delegates on the day, but their participation allowed us to provide complimentary tickets and travel for our Experience Network and provide all the necessary assistive technology to ensure the day is as accessible as possible.

Thank you to our Headline Sponsor  Diversity Scotland

Diversity Scotland logo

Photograph of people chatting at a conference exhibition stand.

 

This year’s Workshop Sponsors were Fedcap Scotland and ENABLE Works

Fedcap Scotland LogoEnable Works logo

 

We are also pleased to welcome the following organisations who exhibited at the conference:

Collection of logos from exhibitors at SUSE Conference 2023

We would also like to thank our other supporters:

  • LAMH
  • Brett Nicholls Associates
  • The Alliance Scotland
  • Unite the Union Glasgow Not-for-profit branch
  • The James T Howat Charitable Trust

Photograph of 2 people talking at a conference. 1 person has their back to the camera and is listening to another person talk animatedly.

The Conference Day

It was another packed agenda! There were keynote speakers, a variety of workshops and, following feedback from last year, we also be offered selected training sessions as part of the day.

Please download our Conference Programme here:
SUSE Conference Programme 2023
Large font and Easy read versions are available.

Photo of the main stage at a conference. Delegates are sat at round tables looking at the speaker, who is standing behind a lectern. There are 3 other people on stage. 1 is a BSL interpreter and the others are holding microphones.

Agenda:

9.00Registration Opens / Workshop Selection
9.15Morning Refreshments
9.45Welcome – David Cameron, CEO of SUSE
9.50Introducing the Inclusive Employer – Dr Danielle Farrel and Alyson Woodhouse
10.05Apt Award Presentations
10.30Keynote Speaker – Jenny Hinde, Board Director at The Clear Company
10.45Breakout Session – Workshops 1-3
11.45Refreshments
12.00Panel Discussion – Do we need a new New Deal?
13.00Lunch and Networking
14.00Breakout Session – Workshops 4-6
15.00Refreshments
15.15Breakout Session – Workshops 7-9
16.15Plenary and Closing Speech – Mike Brown, CEO and Creative Director, Maverick Games

 

Speakers:

Dr Danielle Farrel Managing Director of Your Options Understood 
Chair of the Experience Network and Lived Experience Co-ordinator with Apt PSP

Alyson Woodhouse Experience Network Vice-Chair
Theatre Practitioner specialising in creating drama which is fully accessible for Blind and Visually Impaired audiences and performers.

Keynote Speaker
Jenny Hinde Board Director at The Clear Company
25 years’ experience as a HR and Change Director, leading successful global DEI programmes.

Mike Brown CEO and Creative Director, Maverick Games
Award winning creative director for Innovation in Accessibility.

Workshops:

There were 9 workshops available during the conference. Each delegate had the option of choosing 3 to attend.

Workshops were run by the University of Strathclyde, Values Into Action Scotland, Fraser of Allander, BASE, Cole AD, ENABLE Works, Fedcap Scotland, The Clear Company and 50 Degrees.

Full details of the workshops are available here.

Panel Discussion:

Do we need a new New Deal?
There are  5.3 million people of working age who are not currently in employment, a record number.  In the run up to the general election 2024 we can expect a vigorous debate on how we can ensure everyone who wants to work has the opportunity to do so.

Ian Bruce, Equality Mainstreaming Manager (Skills Development Scotland) will be chairing the panel, which includes:

  • Catherine McWilliam, Nations Director – Scotland (Institute of Directors)
  • David MacDougall, Managing Consultant (50 Degrees)
  • Susan Paterson, Operations Director (Fedcap Scotland)
  • Lianne Williams, Depute Director (ENABLE Works)
  • Lewis Hedge, Interim Deputy Director, Fair Work and Labour Market Strategy (Scottish Government)

Photo of a panel of people sitting on a conference stage. They are facing the audience and have a large screen behind them.

NEW for 2023 – The Apt Awards!

Graphic of a woman cheering and holding a trophy.

We are pleased to host the first Apt Award! These awards recognise organisations and individuals’ contributions towards creating inclusive workplaces and reducing the Disability Employment Gap.

The Winners were:

  • Apt Employer of the Year – Outstanding Commitment to Diversity – Into Work
  • Apt Employer Champions – organisations who have demonstrated progress in becoming a diverse workplace – Historic Environment Scotland and Ambassador Theatre Group
  • Diversity Champion – an individual who has led the way in their organisation – Michael Cusack, ACS Clothing Ltd and Amy Brydon, Borders College
  • Provider of the Year – an Apt Partner who has made a meaningful contribution to progressing the PSP and working towards a Centre of Excellence – Values Into Action Scotland (VIAS)
  • Outstanding Contributions to Apt – an individual who has made significant contributions within the PSP – Dr Danielle Farrel

What an inspiring group!

A photo of 5 people on stage. 1 person is presenting an award to another. Everyone is smiling and looking at the camera.

Congratulations to all the nominees! Click here to find out who the nominees are!

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