ISPA’s Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Events Policy

ISPA is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equal, and inclusive environment within the telecommunications sector. This commitment extends especially to our events, diverse perspectives shape responsible internet practices, and that we all have a responsibility to contribute to a more inclusive sector overall. 

Therefore, we are pleased to be launching our new diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I) events policy, which includes commitments around: 

  • Ensuring that diversity and accessibility are prioritised during the event planning process.
  • Fostering new and different voices throughout the sector to share knowledge.  
  • Fostering a welcoming and respectful environment at events. 
  • Consistently from and our approach to ensure its continued efficacy and relevancy. 

Promoting DE&I is not just good business practice; it's also essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive society. ISPA's policy contributes to this broader goal by fostering a culture of respect and understanding within the telecoms sector.

We believe ISPA's DE&I events policy is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and representative telecoms sector in the UK. By prioritising diversity, accessibility, and respect, ISPA is helping to shape a more equitable and innovative future for the industry.

Policy Outline

Pre-event planning and coordination

When planning our events, making sure that the speaker selection is diverse, and the event is accessible to everyone who might want to attend.

Event calendar and agenda creation

We commit to…

  • encouraging input on our event themes and focuses from ISPA members, and in so doing specifically referencing our DEI commitments.
  • integrating our DEI policy into the event planning process, including within the purpose, goals, and target audience.
  • integrating our DEI policy into the onboarding process for ISPA partners and sponsors in the partner programme.
  • sharing our DEI policy with members, partners and potential sponsors and hosts, requesting their support and compliance.
  • dedicating at least one event or event theme (i.e. panel) per calendar year which focuses on an aspect of DEI in the telecoms sector.
  • reconsidering the focus of an event which lacks diversity.

Speaker selection and support

We commit to…

  • actively seeking and inviting speakers who represent a broad range of perspectives and representing protected characteristics.
  • doing everything in our power to avoid all-male panels and ensure balanced gender representation at all our events.
  • managing an internal speaker database with particular regard to this policy. requesting organisations to nominate multiple individual speakers, making known and with specific regard to ISPA’s DEI policy.
  • when coordinating external events, inquiring about the organisers' DEI efforts and prioritise events that demonstrate a commitment to inclusion.
  • exploring options to provide training and support sessions for individuals who lack speaking experience, in order to encourage new voices at our events.

Accessibility and environment

We commit to…

  • communicating our DEI policy and conduct requirements to all attendees ahead of our events, outlining expected behaviour and procedures for addressing any concerns.
  • ensuring a welcoming and respectful environment at all events, free from discrimination, harassment, or bias. Complaints are taken extremely seriously and dealt with in an appropriate manner.
  • making available venue accessibility information (i.e., step-free access) to attendees ahead of events, and doing everything in our power to make appropriate accommodations for individual needs.

Post-event

Outside of and around our events, maintaining and continually improving our approach to encouraging diversity and inclusion.

Ongoing learning and accountability

We commit to…

  • continuously implementing learning and feedback on DEI best practices into our events, including by reviewing this policy every six months to ensure it remains effective and relevant.
  • coordinators and managers being held accountable to Council for implementing and upholding this policy, ensuring that DEI is integrated into all aspects of event planning and execution.
  • ensuring that all ISPA staff familiarise themselves with this policy, which will be readily available on the company website.
  • if this policy has been insufficiently implemented, considering additional measures, such as external DEI training courses for ISPA staff.

Data Collection and Analysis

We commit to…

  • sharing a voluntary diversity monitoring form to all speakers and attendees to help us understand and improve representation. This data will allow us to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • in addition to the speaker form, consider gathering anonymous feedback from event attendees about their experiences and perceptions of inclusivity.

You can read the entire policy document here