2012 Inclusion Summit

The Parliamentary Information Office has watched with considerable interest the changes in attitudes and the effect of the London Paralympic Games as part of its commitment to monitor community action to increase diversity and inclusiveness in our business and social activities

As the world gathers to experience the inspiring Paralympic Games in London, business leaders, governments and the Paralympic Movement have come together for a two day summit to discuss inclusion and accessibility, how this impacts on society, and what the Paralympic Games represent as a catalyst for societal change.

The summit aims to build on the success of the Accessibility Summit in Vancouver in 2010 and is being run by the IPC Academy and held in Lancaster House from 6^th to 8^th September.

Just opposite Buckingham Palace and close to St James’ Palace, Lancaster House is a stunning venue. A classic example of opulent Victorian design, with its ornate decoration and the dramatic sweep of it’s great staircase, Lancaster House has set the scene for what is an important and vital occasion.

At the London 2012 Paralympic Games the world has been inspired by the remarkable performances of Paralympians. Indeed, the Paralympic Games are first and foremost about elite sport as the pinnacle of achievement for these athletes and teams. More broadly the Games provide a platform and a point in time for the world to reflect and appreciate the diverse nature of the people around us. As such, the Paralympic Movement inherently creates an inclusive and accessible ethos which leads societies it touches towards progressively inclusive communities.

Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General said of the paralympic movement:

“The United Nations convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities aims to achieve human rights and development for all. The Paralympic Games are a powerful force for advancing this objective; they inspire not only athletes, but all of us, to recognize the unlimited potential of all persons”.

Presenters at the Summit include:

• Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee
• Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Olympic & Paralympic Games
• Stevan Griffiths, Head of Technical Services, International Rugby Board
• Dmitry Chernyshenko, President, Sochi 2014 Organising Committee
• Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President, Rio 2016 Organising Committee
• Stephen Frost, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, LOCOG
• Margaret Hickish, Inclusive Design Director, Movement Strategies
• Peter Searle, CEO UK and Ireland, Adecco
• Keith Williams, CEO, British Airways
• Gerry Walsh, Head of Procurement, LOCOG
• Patrick de Maeseneire, CEO Adecco Group
• Bruce Roch, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Adecco Group, France
• Steve Girdler, Director of London 2012 Partnership, Adecco
• Katja Saarinen, active paralympic athlete
• Aileen McGlynn OBE, active paralympic athlete
• Florence Gravellier, retired paralympian athlete
• Jayne Pletser-Dent, Curriculum Manager for Inclusive Education, International Baccalaureate
• Patrick Glennon, Senior Vice President for the International Paralympic Committee
• Daniel Moylan, Chairman, London Legacy Development Corporation

The Summit is being presented in partnership with the Adecco Group, one of the world's leading provider of HR solutions, and UK Trade & Investment, the UK Government department that works with businesses based in the UK to ensure their success in international markets.

Patrick De Maeseneire, CEO Adecco Group said:

"The skills, drive, commitment and resilience that Paralympians bring to the workplace are truly unique. We experience this first hand at Adecco, where Paralympic athletes are a part of our team. Through our involvement in the IPC Athlete Career Programme, we are able to share with other companies how valuable Paralympians are for their workforce while we support the athletes themselves on their career paths beyond elite sports. The inclusion of people with disabilities in the working world is high on our agenda and we are proud of Adecco UK’s role as the Official Recruitment Services Provider for the London 2012 Games. With a key focus on diversity and a disability talent pool, this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games can be assured of a truly diverse and inclusive workforce.”

The Parliamentary Information Office will continue to report on inclusiveness as we go through the months ahead.

Web: www.parliamentaryyearbookinformationoffice.co.uk
Email: parliamentaryyearbook@blakemedia.org
7^t September 2012