Open Tech Calendar

Join us for an interactive evening exploring how we can all contribute towards creating work cultures where people feel safe to speak up about inappropriate behaviour, especially in relation to gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment. We all have a role to play in helping to break the silence!

We will be joined by Dr Sarah Brooks from Sheffield University Management School who specialises in organisational behaviour. Sarah will share her research and help us to think about what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to creating workplace environments where everyone feels safe to speak up.

Christine Rose and the team from Know the Line Sheffield will then facilitate a more practical workshop aimed at helping us to find our voice and know how to respond when we experience or witness sexual harassment in the workplace. In break-out groups we will explore a variety of hypothetical scenarios and how we might best respond.

❕ We recognise that this is a sensitive and potentially triggering topic for some and we are keen to create an environment where everyone feels safe. No-one will be forced to participate in break-out conversations and at no point will you be asked to share your own personal experiences.

Whilst some of our events are more tailored towards those who identify as female – this event will also be particularly relevant for anyone who simply wants to know how they can be a better ally to their female colleagues in a male-dominated tech world.

Speakers

Dr Sarah Brooks
Sarah is a Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour at Sheffield University Management School. Sarah’s research focuses on understanding how employees can be better supported to speak up about things they are not happy with in the workplace. She is also an accredited professional coach helping professional females to find their authentic voice.

Know the Line

Women and girls should feel free to go about their lives without fear of sexual harassment or violence. The Know the Line campaign aims to raise awareness in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, support women, challenge perpetrators and encourage active bystanders to call out this behaviour.

Event Timings
5.30pm to 5.45pm – Participant entry, networking and event introduction

5.45pm to 6.15pm – ‘Breaking the Silence – Culture Setting’ Keynote and Q&A with Dr Sarah Brooks

6.15pm to 6.30pm – Intro from Know the Line

6.30 pm to 6.50pm – Break Out Room Discussion Groups

6.50pm to 7.00pm – Groups Feedback

7.00pm to 7.10pm – Final Notices and Goodbyes

Code of Conduct:
ShfWIT seeks to be a friendly community where everyone feels welcome and safe.

During the event we will be adhering to the Sheffield Digital Code of Conduct. Please take a moment to read it.

As with all of our events there will be no obligation to talk to others, should you wish to leave your camera/mic off and simply listen that is totally fine.