Discussions on attracting younger readers and increasing newsroom diversity are set to form part of the forthcoming Society of Editors Conference.

The SoE has unveiled the first speakers for next month’s conference, which will focus on the future of news.

Daily Mirror editor Alison Phillips, pictured, and Joseph Harker, senior editor for diversity & development at The Guardian, will lead a discussion on diversity and inclusion.

The debate will question whether initiatives to improve representation have worked and what’s next.

Kamal Ahmed, former editorial director of the BBC and editor-in-chief and co-founder of The News Movement, will also lead a panel of industry figures to discuss how to engage young people and new audiences in news on social media platforms.

Warren Nettleford, co-founder of the RTS award-winning youth platform Need to Know, will be among those to feature on the panel.

The one-day conference will take place on Wednesday 11 May 2022 at Mary Ward House, in London.

Dawn Alford, executive director of the SoE, said: “We are delighted that distinguished journalists such as Alison, Kamal, Joseph and Warren will be joining us on 11 May to discuss some of the important issues and exciting opportunities for the UK news media.

“More speakers will be announced in the coming days alongside a programme and we are looking forward to our industry colleagues joining us next month in London.”

Day delegate prices are £150 + VAT for SoE members and £160 + VAT for non-members.

The organisation will not be providing accommodation but it has secured a delegate room rate at the nearby Hilton at London Euston.

Places can be booked by contacting Angela Upton at [email protected].