What to expect:

Insightful peer-led discussion on championing gender diversity in tech under the Chatham House rule. This Industry Roundtable is led by Royal London and focused on the question: “As AI becomes increasingly influential in shaping business and society, how do we ensure women are helping to shape the technology, rather than simply adapting to it?”

Overview:

We’re bringing together a group of tech leaders for a candid roundtable. This will be a discussion rather than a presentation, an opportunity to exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions and learn from how other individuals are approaching challenges inside their organisations.

To encourage an open and candid conversation, the roundtable will be held under the Chatham House Rule. Notes will be taken to capture key themes and insights from the discussion, but comments will not be attributed to individual participants or their organisations.

Roundtable Theme

AI is increasingly influencing how organisations hire, promote, design products and make decisions. As these technologies become embedded in everyday business, women should not only be users of AI but also play a central role in shaping how it is designed, governed and applied. 

Key discussion points: 

• AI is already shaping decisions
  From recruitment and performance management to customer experiences and product design, AI is becoming embedded in how organisations operate.
• Bias doesn’t start with the technology
  AI reflects the data, assumptions and priorities of the people who build it. Diverse perspectives are essential to avoid reinforcing existing inequalities.
• Representation matters
  Women need a seat at the table, not just as users of AI, but as leaders, designers, engineers and decision-makers influencing its direction.
• Responsible AI is a leadership issue
  Organisations must think beyond adoption and consider governance, ethics, transparency and accountability.
• Creating opportunities for the next generation
  How can businesses encourage more women and girls to pursue careers in technology, data and AI, and ensure their voices shape the future?
• Turning intent into action
  What practical steps can organisations take today to build more inclusive teams, products and AI strategies?

Who is it for:

This event is open to professionals in the Scottish tech community interested in improving gender balance within their organisation. Discussion will be particularly pertinent to team leaders and business/HR managers. Please note, as this is a roundtable event, places are strictly limited and allocated on a first come basis.

Timeline:

8.45am – 9am	Arrivals, networking, breakfast
9.am – 10.30am	Round table discussions
10.30am – 11am	Networking

Where:

The Business Suite, 4th Floor, The City of Glasgow College, 190 Cathedral St, Glasgow G4 0RF

When:

08:45 to 11:00 Thursday 24 September

How to Take Part:

Contact Anna and Claire at hello@ada.scot to register interest. 

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