The Speeches:
As well as the interesting and informative panel debate, there were speeches
from Tim Taylor, from Lloyds Banking Group, Liz Sayce – Radar’s Chief
Executive Officer, and Philip Rutnam - Director General, Business and Skills
Group, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Tim Taylor, who also introduced the evening, spoke about the relationship
between Lloyds Banking group and Radar, where joint working two years ago
had resulted in the Radar publication called, “Doing Seniority Differently”. On
the back of that publication and working relationship, ‘radiate’, Radar’s
network of high-flyers with disabilities or health conditions, was founded.
Liz Sayce offered thanks to Lloyds Banking Group for hosting the evening,
saying that they have a real commitment to equality and diversity, as well as
Skills Funding Agency and Microlink for getting the work out to disabled
graduates. Liz also recounted the ‘critical turning point’ of her own career,
when she was asked if it ‘was a joke’ when she went for a promotion during
her time as a care assistant.
Liz spoke about ‘peer support’ and how very important this is at work, and in
conclusion, she thanked all those people who had shared their experiences.
Philip Rutnam, Director General, Business and Skills Group, Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills, highlighted an important connection between
DBIS (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) and individuals
succeeding and flourishing; an interesting and important link that could be
developed further. He stressed that supporting the careers of disabled people
was vital to the success of the economy, as the number of disabled people
succeeding in the workplace is too low. Philip stated what a fascinating and
inspiring document “Doing Careers Differently” is, and that it has an important
role to play in rectifying this ‘great waste of human talent’.
Many thanks to Lloyds Banking Group how hosted the event at their head
office in Gresham Street, London