Prof Jacqueline O'Reilly (credit: Simon Callaghan Photography)

Michelle Gordon (Director of External Relations) introduces the event.

Members of the local business community and the University of Sussex came together this week (Wednesday 2 May) to debate the future of work.

The event, attended by over 120 people and organised by Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce, was an opportunity for the University to engage with local businesses and contribute to Brighton & Hove City Council’s 2030 Vision.

An expert panel of futurists, education leaders and business owners shared their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges presented by a changing technological, social and political landscape. This was followed by a lively Q&A session where representatives from some of the region’s most exciting and innovative businesses discussed the issues raised by the panellists.

Attendees considered topics such as how to train for the jobs of the future, creativity and education, as well as looking at new ways of working and the role of technology. Sustainability in business, the affordability of adult education, and the importance of leadership were also discussed.

Ongoing theme of equality in the #bigDb8 and how we can plan for future skills economy that supports that @brightonchamber

— Morgan McCarthy (@mccarthymorgan) May 2, 2018

Jacqueline O’Reilly, Professor of Comparative Human Resource Management at the University, joined the panel. Professor O’Reilly discussed her research into youth employment in the EU and highlighted the need for cohesion between education policy and industrial strategy.

Professor O’Reilly was joined by Nick Juba (Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Brighton Metropolitan College), Matt Parkinson (Managing Director at Gene Commerce), Catherine Parkinson (Director of Goldfinch & Associates) and Steve Wells (Chief Operating Officer of Fast Future Publishing). The event was chaired by Richard Freeman, founder of Always Possible.

Sarah Springford, chair of the Brighton Chamber, commented: “It was great to have a mix of businesses, education and third sector organisations all wanting to pull together to solve challenges and take advantages of opportunities.”

There was discussion between the audience and the panel on how to engage the next generation of workers as well as supporting those returning to work. There was particular interest in how educators and businesses can help people to develop the skills required to take advantage of opportunities created by new technologies.

Millennials expect work and life to not be so separate. In the world of next day delivery they expect fast turnaround. Leaders need to coach them patience & to expect bumps in the road #BigDb8

— Brighton Chamber (@brightonchamber) May 2, 2018

Michelle Gordon, the University’s Director of External Relations, also spoke at the event. In her opening remarks she highlighted the need for educators, such as the University, to work closely with businesses to prepare young people for the workplace of the future.

The Big Debate was organised by Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce and was sponsored by the University and Brighton & Hove City Council.