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DEI workshop: Inclusive recruitment & hiring practices
We know that diverse teams are more successful in driving the innovation and problem solving we need for a successful business. Yet we still use traditional recruitment methods over an emphasis on bringing diverse talent and new thinking into our organisations. For example BIA evidence showed a lack of women recruited in to senior leadership and c-suite roles, a lack of talent within the sector from Black backgrounds and differences in social mobility across departments and roles. It's 'easier' to approach the same pipeline of people, using experience with the same talent pools and those with experience that we find ‘culturally fit’ during the interview process. So how do we access and grow a broader pool of talent within UK biotech, and what can we learn from those who have challenged traditional recruitment practices? In this first workshop we will discuss current challenges, explore solutions and, hear from fellow companies leading the way in our sector.
Please note: this is a free, invite only event for BIA corporate SME members with a focus on talent within their organisations. We have limited space available so kindly ask you only register if you are available for the whole event and have a strong intention of attending the event in full. If you are unable to attend, please do let us know ASAP so we can offer your place to someone else.
Apply to register by emailing the BIA Events team.
Dr Kate Barclay
What does your role at BIA involve?
As an experienced Biochemical Engineer, Kate leads skills and talent programme development across STEM industries using over 30 years of experience within large pharma and small company networks. Working with BIA, she represents the sector ensuring access to the incredible talent and addressing skills gaps to start, grow and scale innovative life sciences and biotech organisations.
Previous experience & achievements
In addition to her role at BIA, Kate works as an independent consultant supporting organisations to develop their skills and talent strategies. She has oversight for quality governance of technical and professional education as IfATE Non-Executive Director and is a Board member of North Hertfordshire College. Kate holds MBA from Open University and a PhD in Bio-Chemical Engineering from UCL. As a Chartered Engineer (CEng FIChemE), she held previous senior leadership roles across diverse pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D portfolios including Solid Dose, Parenteral & Inhaled Devices.
If you could invite any scientist or entrepreneur to dinner, who would it be and why?
Rosalind Franklin, as she made contributions to the understanding of the fine molecular structures of DNA and RNA. She studied science at a time when few women attended university and led pioneering work on multiple viruses. Kate would love to know what she thinks about what we know now!
Ana Delgado
Senior global executive search research and execution across the breadth of life sciences, covering the whole drug development cycle. Ana draws on over seven years’ senior executive research and business development expertise. Most recently a Head of Search, Ana brings experience in sectors including life sciences, education, human rights, training and legal. She manages research teams with a strong focus on assignment delivery, as well as employee development and wellbeing. A native of Mexico, Ana holds a BA in European Studies from Royal Holloway University of London and is finalizing an Advanced Certificate in Human Resources & Talent Acquisition from Cornell University. She is fluent in English and Spanish and basic knowledge of French.
Fiona Irvine
Fiona joined Sitryx as Head of People & Culture in September 2022. She has 25 years of HR experience working across a range of industries including life sciences, broadcasting, management consultancy and engineering. Fiona also holds an Associate Lecturer position in the business faculty of Oxford Brookes University, and is a Chartered Fellow of the chartered institute of personnel and development.
Hsin Loke
Hsin Loke joined OMass Therapeutics in July 2018 as Vice President, Finance & Operations. Previously she spent 16 years at GSK in a variety of leadership roles; most recently leading Finance, Strategy and Operations for the Company’s Rare Diseases Unit, which developed and commercialised a portfolio of innovative medicines, including gene therapies. Prior to this, Hsin led Strategy and Operations for GSK’s biopharm unit, and has held roles within an internal consulting group, commercial finance and internal audit. Hsin qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC, and completed her BA (Hons) in Biological Sciences and D.Phil. in genetics and immunology at Oxford University.
Stephen Stewart
Steve joined CGTC is May 2021 to head up the ATAC apprenticeship programme and the ATSTN skills programmes. These skills programmes have recently been recognised in the Princess Royal Trust Awards for excellence in training. Steve previously worked at GSK where he spent 10 years in their HR and Talent teams establishing several global programmes with a focus on DE&I and leading HR at a manufacturing Site. He has over 20 years’ experience in Human Resources. Steve recently completed his Level 7 Senior Leader MBA Apprenticeship with MMU and is a Fellow of the CIPD and a member of the Apprentice Diversity Champions Network.
Hannah Musisi
Organisational and leadership advisory services with a strong focus on digital health, drawing on deep expertise in commercial strategy, business development and growing new businesses. Hannah brings over 20 years’ experience across consulting, sales, and growth in diverse sectors including energy, media, and digital health. She specialises in the impact of digital transformation in healthcare. Hannah joined Coulter Partners in 2022, based in London. Hannah holds an MBA from Collège des Ingénieurs, Paris, France, a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Cambridge, UK, and a BSc in Biochemistry from Imperial College, London, UK. She is a native English speaker with business French.
11:15 – 11:30 Registration
11:30 – 12:30 Session 1
12:30 – 13:00 Networking lunch
13:00 – 14:15 Session 2: Panel and Q&A
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Fiona Irvine, Head of People and Culture, Sitryx Therapeutics
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Hsin Loke, Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations, OMass Therapeutics
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Steve Stewart, Head of Skills, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
14:15 – 15:00 Networking
Event Host
BIA Annual Supporters
