Following the outstanding success of Team GB at the Paralympics this summer and the emphasis on legacy, the topic for LAIBS bi-annual HR Forum in conjunction with Pretty's Solicitors and Reed Employment focused on "Developing Disability Inclusivity in your Organisation's HR Strategy".

The forums held in Chelmsford aim to provide information and networking opportunities for senior HR professionals working or living in the area. Over 35 professionals attended the event on Thursday 24th January. Tab Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of EmployAbility, illustrated to delegates the benefits and importance of valuing diversity in the workplace and outlined the strong business case for employing people with disabilities. Attendees were also provided with the recent legal issues and trends relating to equality and diversity in the workplace from Mathew Cole, Partner at Pretty's.

Our final speaker on the day was to be Fran Williamson, a Paralympic Medal winner from the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games and an alumnus of Anglia Ruskin University. Unfortunately due to a nasty fall, Fran was unable to attend. However, her agent Chris Whitaker kindly stepped into her place. Chris has worked with both Olympic and Paralympics athletes since 2010 and managed Fran Williamson in 2010 to raise her profile and ensure her successful transition from competitive sport to retirement. Chris provided an inspirational presentation on 'treating the individual as an individual'.