Although EDI initiatives have become a common part of the UK organisational landscape, recently they are facing increased resistance and backlash. From allegations of "reverse discrimination" in recruitment, to the spread of mis- and disinformation about EDI policies and practices, organisations must navigate complex challenges to maintain meaningful progress.
This interactive workshop will explore the context and narratives driving EDI resistance, and equip participants with practical strategies to "backlash-proof" their policies and practices. Through collaborative, case-based discussions, participants will:
Analyse common forms of EDI resistance and the messaging used to undermine initiatives.
Develop proactive communication strategies to counter backlash, misinformation, and claims of unfairness.
Share best practices for ensuring EDI policies remain robust, adaptable, and legally sound.
As resistance to EDI becomes more pronounced in the UK and beyond, this session will provide attendees with the tools to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to backlash effectively.
Together, our speakers will offer a comprehensive view of DEI strategies, blending real-world applications with scholarly analysis. Through their combined expertise, we will gain a deeper understanding of how organisations can drive positive change, and cultivate environments where individuals and organisations can thrive. We will explore the context and narratives driving EDI resistance, and equip participants with practical strategies to "backlash-proof" their policies and practices. Participants will have the chance to ask questions and debate the implications of the points raised by the speakers.
Sponsored by Edinburgh Napier University and the CIPD in South East Scotland Branch, this event is targeted at practitioners, policy makers and academics interested in sharing views and perspectives. The aim is to foster and encourage collaborative discussions exploring equality, diversity and inclusion from both theoretical and practitioner perspectives.
Speakers:
Dr Ciaran McFadden-Young, Associate Professor from the University of Stirling
Dr Ciarán McFadden is a Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management. His research interests include workplace diversity and inclusion, particularly related to LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse employees, and critical human resource development. He has published in numerous books and journals, authoring the textbook "Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: International Contexts, Policies and Practices", published by Kogan Page and featuring across different publications. He is currently an Associate Editor at Human Resource Development Review. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Human Resource Development, where he also co-leads the Research Committee, and is a Fellow of the Global Labor Organisation. Ciarán was a visiting Fulbright Scholar at The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy, at UCLA.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaranmcfadden/
Vicky Peakman, Founding Director, Fair Pay Partners
Vicky is the founding director of Fair Pay Partners Ltd. She is a Fellow of the CIPD and has more than 20 years’ experience in Human Resources as both a practitioner and consultant. For the last decade she has worked as a specialist in pay equity, providing consulting services to a myriad of businesses both independently and for leading consultancies. She now brings this expertise in pay equity and pay transparency to clients at Fair Pay Partners.
www.linkedin.com/in/vickypeakman
Free parking is available on site at Craiglockhart Campus after 17:00. Full details available from 
Craiglockhart Campus details for travel etc
.
Please note:
Reminder emails will be sent to you the day before, with a further reminder on the day of the event.
Photography and video production may be taking place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.
By attending the event, you are giving consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.
As we are supplying refreshments, if you can no longer attend, please cancel your place either on Eventbrite, or by responding to the confirmation email.
This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.
Please note that refunds for CIPD non-member tickets will only be available until seven days prior to the event, any cancelled tickets after this will not receive a refund.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to the confirmation email and we will do our best to accommodate.
Information Source: The CIPD Branch in South East Scotland | eventbrite

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

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Time:	Apr 29, 2025 (UTC+1) ENDED
Location:	Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus

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