Breaking Down Barriers – Women In Sport – An IFSEA Evening Event

Join us for a special evening with an excellent panel who will be discussing the gender equity barriers faced by women in sport, the role that diversity & inclusion is playing and will play to overcome them and the barriers that are being smashed. We will have an honest conversation on the biggest news stories and challenges for women in sport from pay equity to periods, from the effects of trolling on female athletes to the role of allies. This important discussion is relevant for women in all professions and those interested in bringing about change. 

Our brilliant panel of experts include Cindy Butts, Chair of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), who leads the ICEC, taking forward its independent examination of equity in the sport, with the role bringing together both her passion for cricket and the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion; Becky Grey, BBC Sport journalist who recently reported on the BBC’s Elite British Sportswomen Study 2024; Emma Dodds, Sports Broadcaster covering football in the Champions league, Europa and Premier league football, rugby and golf at home at internationally – dedicated to sports and outspoken on issues such as the gender pay gap; Sam Murray-Hinde, sports lawyer, chaired by Emma Bartlett, lawyer, co-host of our Women in Sport podcast.  

There are huge parallels to be drawn between sport and other professional organisations. Changing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive culture is not impossible, but it’s not easy. Women in sport have experience, by no small effort, a shift in access to, support for and overall inclusion in sport. With the help of our exceptional speakers, we will look at how cultural change has occurred and what is required to maintain momentum. We will look at: 

• What barriers have been broken down by women in sport and the role that inclusion has played in that

• Is a speak up culture helpful to improving culture, and how can a genuine speak up culture be achieved?

• What part does pay equity play, how can the barriers to pay equity be identified and is it appropriate to challenge / remove these?

SPEAKERS:

• Cindy Butts: Cindy is Chair of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) and is also a Lay Member of the House of Commons Speaker’s Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and a Lay Member of the House of Lords Conduct Committee. She previously held a Crown appointment as a Commissioner at the Criminal Cases Review Commission and formerly served as a Commissioner at the Independent Police Complaints Commission. Cindy has also served as a Trustee of the charity Kick it Out which is striving to eradicate all forms of discrimination in football.
• Becky Grey: Becky is a BBC Sport journalist involved in the recently launched BBC Elite British Sportswomen’s Study 2024, which covered topics such as the cost of living, social media trolling, maternity in sport and disordered eating, which she recently discussed on Women’s Hour with Emma Barnett. Becky is also a steering group member for Queen Bee Coaching, which provides free coaching for women from diverse backgrounds, to get more women into positions of influence in Greater Manchester.

• Emma Dodds: Emma is a leading broadcaster and presenter on TNT Sports, currently presenting Champions League and Europa League shows, Premier League coverage and presents Viaplay Sports’ International and Scottish football, as well as their United Rugby Championship games. Emma was the first female to be appointed Head of Sport for the Arab Media Group in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2014. Emma is also an ambassador for DEBRA UK, the butterfly skin charity.

• Sam Murray-Hinde, Employment Partner, Howard Kennedy: Sam advises employers on workplace issues and litigation, with particular specialisms in industrial relations, sport, investigations, employment issues in insolvency, and state and diplomatic immunity. In the field of sport, she routinely advises clubs, governing bodies, sport organisations, sportspersons and agents on a variety of issues, acting in high-profile matters.

• Emma Bartlett, Partner and Diversity and Inclusion lead, CM Murray LLP (Chair): Emma specialises in employment and partnership law and acts for employers, senior executives, partners, partnerships, LLP members, LLPs and trade unions/associations. Emma is co-host of CM Murray LLP’s Women in Sport podcast, discussing with sportswomen their stories, initiatives and issues faced and the associated legal implications.

This fascinating panel discussion is designed for:
 
💼 Senior executives and founders
💼 Lawyers and other professional advisers
💼 Reputation management specialists
💼 HR professionals
 
REGISTRATION:

Space is limited. Confirm your attendance as soon as possible to secure your spot at this event. Register here
 
Attendance is free for IFSEA Members, and also for First Time Attendees at an IFSEA mid-year in- person event (apply for First time Guest Pass here). 
 
Non-Members and non-First Time Attendees: attendance fee – £50 plus VAT.
 
IFSEA Membership:
Apply to become an IFSEA Member, and part of this very vibrant community of professionals interested and involved in senior executive and founder issues around the world, by clicking here.