Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion

Please take the following aspects into account when planning your event: 

• Speakers and panels: To make the event as interesting and rewarding as possible, make the list of speakers and panellists as diverse as possible. 
  Here are some aspects to keep in mind: 
• Gender equality: Ensure a balance between genders; no gender should be represented by more than 60%.
• Diversity: Include people from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, for example, as well as people from different age groups and professions. Ask yourself, “What perspectives are included and what perspectives are missing?”  
  
  
• Addressing guests/audience: Use gender neutral greetings such as “Dear guests” or similar instead of “Ladies and Gentlemen”. Inform any moderators or speakers that they should do the same.
  
  
• Dress code: Any dress code that is indicated should be gender neutral. For example, state “white tie or evening dress” and avoid specifying which gender each applies to. 
  
  
• Offensive content: We often have artists performing at our events. We recommend reading through any song lyrics or texts, as well as asking for a brief description of the performance. This should be done to avoid any offensive or inappropriate content that is not suitable for the occasion.
  
  
• Accessibility at a venue: 
• Provide guests with the opportunity to specify any accessibility needs in the invitation.
• Use Bertil Ohlins gata as the official SSE entrance. 
• Review the venue to ensure that disability accommodations (such as hearing loops and wheelchair accessibility) are available for attendees.
• Provide access to at least one gender neutral/ all gender bathroom. 

• Accessibility online: 
• All video material should be subtitled. For digital events, the person speaking should always be visible to make it easier for people with hearing impairments to follow the presentation.  

• Food and drink: 
• Provide guests with the opportunity to specify any dietary needs in the invitation (allergies, vegetarian/vegan, etc.).
• Ensure that non-alcoholic beverages are available and of the same standard as any alcoholic beverages that are served.

• Seating arrangements: Avoid stereotypical seating arrangements, such as alternating female and male guests next to each other.
  
  
• Offensive behaviours: If you, or anyone else, experiences any form of offensive behaviour – whether from SSE employees/students, event guests or suppliers – report the offense to Stakeholder Events (events@hhs.se) or the SSE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager (karol.vieker@hhs.se) for actions in line with SSE’s routines and relevant legislation. Your report will be handled in strict confidence.