Workplace Culture, DEI, and the Law
29 Apr 2025
Location: 1:00 - 2:00pm UK Time (Zoom) Members: - Book by 29 Apr Non Members: - Book by 29 Apr
Highlights
Companies that are moving away from internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies have been making the headlines recently. Against this backdrop of changing priorities, DEI remains a legal and reputational imperative. When companies fail to address workplace inequality, they risk not only employment claims but also intense public scrutiny that can damage trust, investor confidence, and employee morale.
From allegations of discrimination and harassment to pay equity and systemic bias, organisations must navigate a rapidly evolving landscape where legal risks and public expectations often collide. Even as some companies reassess their commitments, how can employers ensure their DEI policies align with their legal obligations? And what happens when internal policies are tested in the public eye?
In this interactive discussion, Sarah Mason, Senior Director at DRD Partnership, and Edward Kemp KC, Barrister at Matrix Chambers, will explore the intersection of workplace culture, DEI policies, and employment law. Together, they will discuss the legal risks of failing to address discrimination claims, how to manage reputational challenges, and best practices for communicating DEI efforts authentically. From internal investigations to handling press interest, this session will provide essential insights for organisations seeking to balance compliance, culture, and credibility.
Senior Director
DRD Partnership
Sarah is a highly experienced communications strategist, seasoned in developing and executing corporate reputation management campaigns and protecting brands across multiple sectors. She has advised organisations handling issues around DEI, high profile court cases, restructurings and redundancies in industries including financial and professional services, retail, FMCG, healthcare and technology.
Sarah has over a decade of national journalism experience, including seven years as Assistant Editor at the Sun, giving her an in-depth understanding of the sharp end of media relations. She is also a media and presentation trainer and qualified coach, and has devised and delivered a media readiness programmes for organisations including Bloomberg, where she identified and trained over 20 female spokespeople from the world of finance to appear on its TV and radio channels in order to increase diverse representation.
Previously Sarah has worked for global PR agencies (BCW and Hill & Knowlton) and in-house in the Corporate Affairs team at News Corp (UK), where she managed internal communications and media relations.
She has a BA in History from Exeter University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from City University.
DRD Partnership
Barrister
Matrix Chambers
Before taking silk, Edward was recognised as a tier 1 leading junior for his work in both the UK and in the Middle East. Edward was also highly commended for Junior Counsel of the Year at the inaugural International Employment Lawyer Awards 2023 and he was shortlisted for Employment Junior of the Year in the Legal 500 Awards 2020.
Edward is particularly sought after for challenging cases raising novel points of law and sensitive factual disputes requiring creative thinking and flexible advocacy skills. He is singled out for his exceptional legal ability having been consistently described as “extremely bright…always does a first class job” (Legal 500 2021), “extremely intelligent” (Legal 500 2018), “exceptionally talented” (Chambers and Partners 2013) and “one to watch” (Chambers and Partners 2016).
Edward has a strong practice as both a trial and appellate lawyer. He has been instructed as sole or leading counsel in many reported appellate cases in the EAT and the Court of Appeal. Edward has also appeared as junior counsel twice in the Supreme Court and he has experience of litigating cases and interventions before the European Court of Human Rights.
Matrix Chambers
Agenda
Speakers:
Sarah Mason - Senior Director - DRD Partnership
Edward Kemp KC - Barrister - Matrix Chambers