A free to attend legal conference hosted by Birmingham Law Society, Commonwealth Lawyers Association and University of Birmingham, will explore the themes of equality and diversity inside and out of the world of sport ahead of the city hosting the Commonwealth Games 2022.

With keynote speakers including former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Brian Speers, President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and Chair of the Commonwealth Games Federation Ethics Commission, amongst others.

The event will take place on 21st and 22nd July and will see delegates come together from across the globe. The conference, which will be held at the University of Birmingham’s Teaching and Learning Centre, is free to attend and includes lunch and refreshments throughout thanks to the generous backing of a number of key sponsors, including the CLOUD SYSTEMS Group, Gowling WLG, No5 Barristers’ Chambers and Cornwall Street Barristers.

Over the two days, attendees, who can choose to attend all or any part of the two-day event, will be involved in critical conversations covering a range of topics including exploitation, ethics, privacy, race, and gender equality.

Tony McDaid, Vice President of Birmingham Law Society, commented: “There are a number of extremely important topics that require joined up thinking across territories. In bringing legal professionals together, we hope to spark actionable outcomes for equality and diversity inside and outside of sport, for the future.”

Day one will start by exploring law in sport and its place in the modern game. Delegates can then attend sessions on child abuse and exploitation, including prevention. Other topics such as data and privacy will examine how individuals can be protected against the unsolicited use of their images, as well as race and what it means to the Commonwealth.

Day one will end with an optional gala dinner featuring special guest speaker, former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster. The dinner will offer delegates an invaluable opportunity to network, share ideas and discuss the topics raised by day one. Hosted in the historic and prestigious Great Hall at the University of Birmingham, tickets for the evening include entertainment and dinner and can be purchased here.

“Instances of sexual abuse and exploitation in children’s sport as well as unsolicited use and sharing of data on a broader scale are threats that sadly still exist. By prompting game-changing conversations we hope to inspire the legal sector to focus on preventing such crimes,” Tony explained. “There are other factors in play too, which we’re keen to dive into on the second day of the conference.”

Day two is about creating a level playing field and leads with arbitration and mediation. Subsequent sessions will explore gender equality and its legal and policy challenges, sports contracts, and ethics and conduct in sporting regulation.

“Professionals attending will get the opportunity to enhance their visibility and reputation throughout the Commonwealth legal community, while networking and gaining access to top tier knowledge and insight,” Tony added.

Individuals can register to attend here.