Mindful Transitions: Perimenopause x Neurodiversity
2025-11-06 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Jess Rad.
Explore the complex intersection of being neurodivergent and going through perimenopause, with Jess Rad, Founder of The WomenHood and National Diversity Award winner 2024. An AuDHDer, parent carer and diagnosed with premature menopause aged 38, Jess helps guide you through the latest research, shares candid lived experiences and plus a toolkit if this is your experience or you’re supporting as an ally at work or home. Come with curiosity and leave with hope.
WHO’S IT FOR:
* Women and AFAB folk curious about the intersection of neurodiversity and perimenopause.
* Men and all allies who want to better support and understand those experiencing these challenges.

About Jess
Jess Rad founded The WomenHood to support women through the unspoken challenges of womanhood, and now partners with organisations to promote gender equity through talks, programmes and human connection. As host of Unspoken Women Live and creator of The Unspoken Sessions, she connects women with experts to encourage self-advocacy and micro changes. In Brighton and Hove, Jess grew a community of over 300 women to combat the loneliness of motherhood. Her personal challenges, including premature menopause, divorce, neurodivergence, and advocating for her children, have only deepened her empathy and fueled her mission. Jess is also a business mentor, ambassador for the SEND charity Amaze, a UN Women Delegate #CSW68, a co-parent, and Swim-Runner. She is honoured by this nomination and devoted to uplifting women everywhere for the benefit of all genders.

The HR Hangover: Rethinking Alcohol at Work Events
2025-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Ask any seasoned HR professional what their busiest day of the year is, and they’ll regale you with horror stories of the day after the annual office Christmas party: fights, verbal abuse and sexual harassment claims resulting in disciplinary action and dismissals are commonplace.
No one wants to be a party pooper or tell people not to drink, so how can employers get the balance right between festive celebrations and managing the risks?
As the Employee Rights Bill places increasing pressure on employers to protect workers from sexual harassment, it’s more important than ever for employers to understand the role that alcohol plays in their workplace culture, to evaluate the messages they are sending to their employees about alcohol, and to implement strategies to promote inclusion for the growing population of employees who choose not to drink.
You’ll leave this webinar with:

A greater awareness of how alcohol contributes to employers’ risk
The latest data revealing changing attitudes towards alcohol
Increased awareness of how alcohol is increasing seen as an inclusion issue
An appreciation of the importance of making changes in the workplace
Some practical tips that you can put in place in your own workplace today
A set of questions to ask to implement your own alcohol-culture audit

Meet Janet Hadley
Janet Hadley had it all – the happy marriage, the successful career, the nice house, the kids doing well at school, the gym subscription… but she was regularly used to wake up at 3am, dry mouth, head banging and promising herself she’d learn to moderate her drinking. In June 2020 she sent the Wine Witch packing for the final time and opened her mind to the possibility of living alcohol-free. She hasn’t looked back.
Janet went on to become the founder of Choose Sunrise Limited, whose mission is to eliminate the stigma associated with alcohol addiction. Janet has developed a reputation as a standout speaker, combining her 25 years of senior management roles with her insight into ‘coming out’ as sober in the workplace. A subject matter on all things sobriety, Janet is the keynote speaker that everyone is talking about.
www.choosesunrise.co.uk
Connect with Janet on LinkedIn
Follow Choose Sunrise on Facebook
Follow Choose Sunrise on Instagram
Listen to the Professional Drinkers Podcast

Inclusive Awards 2025
2025-11-27 18:30 - 23:30 | The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London, SW6 3PR, United Kingdom
On November 27th, a collection of the nation’s most inclusive organisations & diversity influencers will gather to honour those that lead in diversity, inclusion and fairness in all aspects of diversity.

What Are The Awards All About?

The Inclusive Awards is the only awards ceremony that rewards organisations for harnessing a truly diverse workforce, thus recognising the significant efforts of organisations nationwide that excel in their commitment to equality and inclusion across all strands of diversity.
The Inclusive Awards will cover excellence in all areas of diversity including age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race and religion, as well as highlighting diverse employers and employees across a wide variety of sectors including housing, public, private, charity and education.

Leading DEI in Universities: Sharing Best Practice
2025-12-02 11:30 - 13:00 | Online Round Table
Date: Tuesday 2nd December
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Format: Virtual Roundtable (Teams)
CONTACT
Universities are some of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the UK; with constantly evolving student populations, shifting staff teams, and unique cultural challenges. But with that change comes opportunity: the chance to rethink what inclusion and belonging truly look like across campuses.
This roundtable brings together Heads of EDI, People & Culture Leads, and inclusion professionals from universities across the UK for an open, honest conversation about what’s working, what’s not, and what meaningful progress really looks like in higher education.
We’ll explore practical approaches to sustaining inclusive cultures, supporting staff and students, and embedding EDI in fast-changing environments. This is a safe, informal space to share experiences, insights, and challenges and to connect with others who understand the realities of leading this work.
Expect:

Real conversations (no corporate jargon just insight and connection)
Shared experiences and tangible takeaways
A supportive community of peers championing inclusion in higher education

If you’re interested in attending, please contact abigail@inclusivecompanies.co.uk

Equity vs Equality: Are We Too Fixated on Equality?
2025-12-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Dan Biddle
The phrase “equal opportunities” has, over the years, become the cornerstone of the quest for greater equality, whether in the workplace or society at large. But do we truly understand the role that equity plays in achieving equality?
For us as a business we see equality as the paradise we aim to reach, while equity is the vessel that carries us there. Without equity, the fair allocation of resources, support, and opportunities tailored to individual needs, true equality remains an aspiration rather than a reality.
In this webinar, Dan Biddle, the worst injured survivor of the 7/7 terror attacks in London 2005, consultant and author, will cover:

Understanding the Difference Between Equity and Equality
Practical Strategies for Implementing Equity
Transforming Organisational Culture

About the facilitator
Dan Biddle is the worst injured survivor of the 7/7 terror attacks in London 2005. At the age of 26, he was a fit and healthy Projects Manager working in the construction field and was incredibly high on life when he heard the news that London had won the bid for the 2012 Olympics.
Standing right next to a suicide bomber on the ill fated tube that had just left Edgware Road station, Dan had no idea that his world would forever be changed. Unusually, Dan has full recollection from the moment the bomb went off to the aftermath being trapped in the tunnel to the moment he was sedated in hospital. He has seen, heard, smelt and tasted things that you could not possibly imagine unless you have been through something similar.
As a result of the bombing, he lost both legs, an eye, his spleen and had a whole catalogue of other life threatening injuries. On the day of the bombing he died three times and ended up having his chest cut open and a surgeon manually pump his heart.
When Dan realised things would never be the same again – that he would never work as a Projects Manager again, he began to try and turn things around from his hospital bed. During his 52 week stay in hospital in which he underwent 70 operations, he became a qualified Consultant through the NRAC with a growing realisation that the world was not geared up for a disabled person.
Unfortunately, it was not all plain sailing since the bombing. With a lack of support and years of bottled up torment, combined with constant nightmares and flashbacks – in 2013 he tried to take his own life on three separate occasions. After his third suicide attempt, his girlfriend sought help for Dan’s PTSD, two years later he went on to marry the love of his life. In 2014 Dan set up his own award winning business, dealing with accessibility and inclusion issues. He has become an advocate for Gwent Police, giving training to new recruits around disability awareness and hate crime and also sits on the Independent Advisory Group for the police.
Dan constantly demonstrates that despite horrendous circumstances, it does not have to be the end. He says “It does not mean that you have to say goodbye to your hopes, dreams and aspirations!”
As such Dan has built a company that specialises in promoting equity in employment and supporting disabled people in to work, as well as working with employers to make their recruitment processes more accessible and inclusive, for Dan believes that “It is not a lack of capability but more a lack of opportunity”.

Why we all benefit from disability inclusion
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Jackie Carter
24% of the working-age population are disabled (Labour Force Survey, 2025). It is estimated that 80% of disabilities or long-term conditions are hidden.

In the webinar ‘Why we all benefit from disability inclusion” Jackie will speak about her own struggles being a disabled women, how she has worked to demystify disability at the University of Manchester, and offer a provocation for why we need to all improve our efforts in this space. She will draw on her Let’s Talk Disability podcast, her lived experience and the work she has led on to hold those in positions of influence and power to account. It will be an open and honest conversation – and comes with a strong trigger warning – but the aim is to go beyond paying lip service to disability inclusion and give it the attention it deserves in the EDI space. She will also draw on findings from her latest book “Practitioner, Professor, Researcher, Reformer: Women’s Atypical Stories” to reflect on the multiple and intersectional nature of disadvantage, and encourage discussion around how we can all learn from listening to others, being positive disruptors, and becoming torchbearers for the minoritised and marginalised.”
About the facilitator
Jackie self-describes as deaf, dizzy and disabled and as an atypical academic of working-class heritage. Since 2023 she has been the academic lead for EDI Disability at the University of Manchester and is a Disability Inclusion champion. She was named a Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 winner in 2023 in the Education category and won a Culture Shift award in 2025 for her commitment to leadership in Disability Inclusion. Jackie is also known for creating the Let’s Talk Disability podcast series which moves from dialogue to action through conversations with staff at the university. Most recently she presented the findings from this initiative in a paper called Let’s Talk Disability: A Podcast with a Purpose to a Disability Rights workshop. Jackie has written books, given academic and industry presentations, inspired strategic change in her own institution and is involved with disability inclusion at a national level.

Reimagining Change: Power, People & Progress
2026-01-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by: Talycia Nayee (she/her)
After eight years driving impact in the non-profit sector, Talycia is taking a closer look at how change management really works — and where it often goes wrong. Drawing on her experience delivering corporate accreditation programmes and DEI training across topics including menstrual equity, LGBTQIA+ health, mental health and neurodiversity, Talycia invites us to explore what it truly takes to build lasting, equitable change in the workplace.

In this session, we’ll unpack:

The true aims of change management structures
What effective, inclusive initiatives should look like
Why even the best-laid plans sometimes fail
How to navigate repair when things go off course
Best practice insights and achievable quick wins

Join us for a reflective, forward-thinking conversation about how we can design change that doesn’t just look good on paper — but actually transforms the way we work.

Engineering Equity: The Power of Inclusion Moments
2026-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by: Poggy Murray Whitham
Engineering, construction, and manufacturing are facing a mental health emergency. Research has shown that people working in these sectors are more than three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. This is a shocking finding that highlights a culture where silence, stoicism, and fear of judgement remain deeply embedded, demonstrating how vital it is that we recognise the importance of psychological safety and mental wellbeing in these sectors.
In this webinar, professionally accredited engineer and multi-award-winning DEI expert and researcher Poggy Murray Whitham explores what these insights mean for workplace culture, not only in engineering but in any male-dominated environment shaped by traditional norms and expectations.
Drawing on professional and lived experience, multiple research studies they have led, and stories from their bestselling book Inclusion Moments, Poggy shows how systems thinking and human storytelling combine to reveal the everyday interactions that shape belonging, behaviour, and organisational safety. Inclusion does not need grand gestures. It starts in the smallest moments, often the ones we overlook, but which define how people show up, speak up, and stay.
This webinar will:
• Highlight the current mental health emergency in the engineering, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
• Share key findings and recommendations from research within this industry.
• Demonstrate how storytelling drives behavioural change by helping people feel, not just intellectually understand, the realities of exclusion and allyship.
• Show how Inclusion Moments can be used to reflect, intervene early, and inspire meaningful and sustained cultural change.

About the facilitator
Poggy Murray Whitham
Director, OutEngineered

Poggy Murray Whitham is a multi-award-winning DEI expert, researcher, and keynote speaker who helps organisations turn inclusion into a strategic advantage.
A professionally accredited engineer by training and Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, Poggy was recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Manufacturing Professionals and as a National Diversity Awards finalist from over 85,000 nominations in 2025, bringing both professional and authentic lived experience to every stage they step onto.
A former senior manager in automation engineering, Poggy now works at the intersection of technology and inclusion, showing how embracing diversity drives innovation, productivity, and culture change. They combine deep strategic insight with the lived experience of being Black, Queer, Disabled, and Autistic, delivering talks that are as thought-provoking as they are practical.
Poggy recently delivered their TEDx talk ‘Engineering Equity with Automation’, and released their debut book, ‘Inclusion Moments’, which instantly became an Amazon Best Seller in multiple categories, cementing their reputation as a sought-after voice on the future of inclusive engineering. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in DEI in Engineering alongside their work, Poggy continues to work with companies nationwide to embed inclusion into the heart of their success.

DEI Leaders Afternoon Tea
2026-01-28 14:30 - 16:30 | EY Offices, 2 St Peter's Square, Manchester, M2 3DF, United Kingdom
Gather with a select group of DEI leaders for an inspiring afternoon designed to spark meaningful connection, thoughtful collaboration, and practical insight.
Following the success of our DEI Leaders Breakfast in London earlier this year, we are delighted to bring this community together once again—this time to pause at the start of the year, reflect on priorities, and reignite our shared commitment to advancing inclusion.
We know that driving DEI forward can often feel like a solitary effort, particularly amid heightened scrutiny, budget constraints, and shifting organisational focus. This is why we’ve created an intimate, energising space for leaders like you to recharge, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible.
During this afternoon tea, you’ll have the opportunity to:
• Spark powerful conversations with fellow DEI changemakers who are shaping the future of inclusion
• Dive into real, unfiltered challenges and discover fresh, practical solutions you can take back to your organisation
• Uncover new ideas and bold perspectives that will elevate your strategy and amplify your leadership impact
If you’re interested in attending, please contact info@inclusivecompanies.co.uk

The Invisible Juggle: Balancing Caring Responsibilities
2026-02-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Jess Rad | The WomenHood
This 60 minute session exposes the often hidden and unpaid demands of caring – from raising children and supporting neurodivergent loved ones to looking after aging relatives, partners, and pets. Speaking from her lived experience as a solo mama and parent carer of two children, along with others stories to diversify the experience, Jess brings a candid, human lens to the emotional and logistical pressures carers face, showing how these responsibilities affect wellbeing, productivity, and retention in the workplace.
Drawing on research, personal insight, and best practice, Jess outlines practical steps organisations can take to recognise and reduce the burden, close support gaps, and embed care-aware strategies into everyday culture.
Session Outcomes
In this 60-minute talk, participants will:

Understand the emotional and logistical realities of caring roles.
Learn how hidden labour impacts employees and organisations.
Identify common gaps in workplace support for carers.
Discover practical, low-cost strategies to create care-aware environments.
Gain clarity on how to talk about caring responsibilities with empathy and respect.

About the facilitator
Jess Rad is an award-winning speaker and founder of The WomenHood and NeuroCurious. Winner of the 2024 National Diversity Award for Gender and recognised by The People’s Honours 2025, she is a late-identified neurodivergent woman and Solo Mum navigating premature menopause, getting outspoken about the unspoken.
The WomenHood partners with organisations to advance gender equity across women’s health, financial wellness, neurodiversity, and relationships through impactful talks, workshops, and programmes. NeuroCurious creates spaces where individuals and organisations celebrate neurodiversity and foster allyship.
As an Ambassador for SEND charity Amaze, Jess amplifies the voices of parent carers whilst reshaping how society views neurodiversity.

Embeddedness and Belonging: Global Majority Heritage, Belonging, and the Church
2026-02-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Rev. Mark Nam 甄英深
National institutions shape everyday life in quiet but powerful ways—through what they name, remember, and choose to make permanent. In this reflective session, Revd Mark Nam explores how deeply embedded institutions such as the Church of England influence belonging far beyond their immediate settings.
As the established church within the UK’s constitutional settlement—interwoven with state, crown, and public life—the Church of England remains a vital participant in national conversations about identity, memory, and belonging.
Drawing on his journey as one of the first British-born Chinese priests in the Anglican Church, Mark reflects on how inclusion can be sustained—or quietly lost—over time. From discovering Li Tim‑Oi, the first woman ordained in the Anglican Communion, to the restoration of his ancestral name at ordination, he shows how progress fades when stories are not institutionally embedded.
The session highlights the importance of permanent markers—memorials, academic scholarship, and liturgical recognition. Referencing his contribution to Chinese Heritage and British Christianity (SCM Press) and efforts to establish a memorial at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mark invites participants to consider how organisations can move from symbolic gestures to lasting inclusion.

About the facilitator
Revd Mark Nam is a British-born Chinese vicar in the Church of England, writer, and national advocate for Global Majority Heritage inclusion. He is the founder of The Teahouse, a network raising the profile and participation of Chinese-heritage communities and serves as UKME Dean for the Diocese of Oxford. A commissioned portrait of Mark featured in a six-month exhibition at the British Library exploring British Chinese communities and culture.
Mark writes academically, including a chapter in Chinese Heritage and British Christianity (SCM Press), lectures at Anglican theological colleges, and has contributed to an upcoming volume on artificial intelligence and theology with Bloomsbury(2026). He is a regular speaker on BBC local radio and faith-based media, a trustee of SPCK Publishing and the Li Tim-Oi Foundation, a recipient of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lambeth Award in 2023, and a 2025 National Diversity Awards winner. Mark tweets @marknam.

Beyond Awareness: Creating Truly Autistic-Friendly Workplaces
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Jess Garner | GROVE
In this session, Jess will introduce the most up-to-date, affirming autism theory, covering key areas such as Monotropism, the Double Empathy Problem, sensory processing, communication, and social interaction.
She will bring this theory to life by exploring its relevance in real workplace contexts. Together, you’ll consider the barriers Autistic staff may encounter and practical ways to build environments that are friendly, accessible and genuinely supportive — workplaces where Autistic colleagues can feel happier, more understood, and able to thrive.

About the facilitator
Jess is a late-identified Autistic ADHDer, a mum to two neurodivergent children with very different support needs, and a former secondary school teacher. She now leads GROVE, an Autistic-staffed online organisation that supports Autistic young people.
She holds a Masters in Autism (Distinction), where her academic work explored themes such as community connection, developing self-understanding, and nurturing positive identity. Her studies culminated in a unique research project centred on young people’s experiences of joy.
Learn more about GROVE:
https://linktr.ee/gr0ve.org

Everyone Has a Part to Play: Empowerment and Allyship for International Women’s Day
2026-03-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Alex Knight MBE FIMechE & Jemima Wade
Empowering women at work is not just the right thing to do. It delivers measurable impact for individuals, teams and organisations. Evidence consistently shows that when allyship is active and intentional, women are more likely to stay, progress and thrive.
This International Women’s Day, we’re focusing on what empowerment and allyship actually look like in practice, and how everyone has a role to play.
What to expect
Jemima’s session: What empowerment really looks like
Jemima will explore what genuine empowerment means beyond policies and pledges. Drawing on her experience at Heineken, she will share how allyship is built into everyday behaviours, the mindset shifts that have made a real difference, and what senior leaders and men in particular need to understand if allyship is going to move from intention to impact.
Alex Knight: Visibility, role models and changing systems
Alex will share the impact of STEMAZING and why representation and role models matter so deeply. She’ll explore how visibility empowers women individually while also challenging and reshaping systems, and share a real story that brings the importance of allyship and representation to life.
Mini panel discussion: Allyship that works
In a practical panel conversation, we’ll unpack the biggest misconceptions about allyship, highlight small actions that can have a big impact, and focus on what attendees can realistically start doing tomorrow. This session is designed to move the conversation from awareness to action.
Live Q&A
We’ll close with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, reflect on their own role, and leave with clear, practical takeaways.
Who should attend
This webinar is for anyone who wants to better understand how empowerment and allyship work in real workplaces, including leaders, managers, men who want to be effective allies, and anyone passionate about creating more inclusive environments.
Join us this International Women’s Day to explore how small, intentional actions can create lasting change, and how everyone truly does have a part to play.

About the facilitators
Alex Knight MBE FIMechE
Founder, STEMAZING
Alex is a multi-award-winning Engineer and Entrepreneur. After a career of almost 20 years in Industry working in engineering consultancy and innovation, she founded STEMAZING – a social enterprise dedicated to inspiration and inclusion in STEM.
Through STEMAZING Alex leads several not-for-profit initiatives to empower women in STEM and link this to inspiring our future generations of innovators and problem-solvers. In the last 5 years STEMAZING has trained over 700 women in STEM globally on their Inspiration Academy programme to level-up as visible role models and they have collectively delivered over 190,000 STEMAZINGKids engagements for 7 – 9-year-olds in areas of deprivation.
Alex is also Mentor, Trainer, Visiting Professor and TEDx speaker. Her TEDx Talk – “Why Courage, Visibility and Sex Matter in Engineering” has been viewed over 350,000 times on the TED YouTube Channel. She is a regular keynote speaker at events and schools and has featured on engineering TV shows on Channel 5, Prime and CuriosityStream.
In 2026 Alex was recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List with an MBE for Services to Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering. In 2025 Alex was awarded the prestigious Rooke Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering for promotion of engineering to the public and also won the National Diversity Award for being a positive role model for gender diversity. In 2023 Alex was named as one of the top Inspirational Businesswomen in STEM at the House of Lords.
Jemima Wade
Head of Togetherness & Wellbeing @HEINEKEN UK
Meet Jem, a trailblazing voice in inclusion for FMCG.
In addition to her HUK role she serves on the UK Steering Committee of D&I in Grocery, after previously Chairing LEAD – the industry’s largest UK & Europe-wide gender equity body – whilst leading EDI for PepsiCo Europe.
Jem is fiercely committed to developing future talent, mentoring early-career women and championing cultures where care is key and everyone can thrive. Her leadership combines strategic clarity with decisive action, delivering measurable progress on gender parity, pay equity and community impact. Renowned for her storytelling and ability to de-bias systems at scale, she designs and delivers programmes that create conversation and impact.
A regular speaker (try and get her off the mic!) and advocate, Jem’s thought leadership – recognised by the European Diversity Awards – is focused on removing barriers to togetherness. As someone who identifies as a women (she/her), alongside being a parent, neurodiverse and bi-sexual – she sees her work and the world through many lens and uses lived experience to drive change.

Neurodiversity and Hormones
2026-03-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Dr Alice Siberry
Overview: This informative and engaging webinar will introduce attendees to the foundations of neurodiversity and will focus on understanding how hormones interact with different neurotypes.
Key content areas:
01. What is Neurodiversity?
We will begin with a broad definition of neurodiversity and outline some commonly recognised diagnosable neurodivergent differences.
02. The Role of Hormones
A central part of the session will examine how hormones influence the brain, especially in neurodivergent people. Topics will include: menstrual cycles and ovulation, puberty, pregnancy and menopause, post-natal depression and Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder (PMDD). This webinar will also discuss how hormonal fluctuations affect men’s cognitive functions, emotional regulation and behaviour.
03. Best practice for support and inclusion
While hormonal fluctuations are part of the human experience, the webinar will share best practices for supporting people who may face compounded challenges due to neurodivergence and hormonal shifts. This includes workplace strategies and practical adjustments.
Language in this webinar will be clear, direct and rooted in scientific accuracy. We will be talking frankly about bodies and biology.
We do use gender-neutral language to ensure inclusivity. This includes recognising that people of all genders experience hormonal changes and neurodivergence. As such, we will avoid gendered assumptions, particularly related to issues like menstruation and pregnancy.
Some topics in this session include sensitive content related to mental health.
About Facilitator: Dr Alice Siberry
Alice received her PhD in Criminology and Law from the University of Sheffield in July 2021. She also holds a first-class degree in Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring and an MSc Psychology degree.
Throughout her studies, Alice continued to gain experience in the Criminal Justice sector and the neurodiversity sector. She has worked with North and West Yorkshire Police, and the Independent Office of Police Conduct. She also lectured at the University of Sheffield and York St John University, where she worked primarily with neurodivergent students.
Alice is a Specialist Criminal Justice Neurodiversity Consultant at Creased Puddle. Continuing her personal and professional passion for neurodiversity, she delivers training and consultancy to a wide range of businesses and organisations, including police organisations. Alice is also highly experienced in managing the most complex and high-profile Workplace Needs Assessments across the Criminal Justice sector.
As Academic Lead, she bridges academic research with practical applications, ensuring innovative and evidence-informed approaches to neurodiversity in the workplace. She also collaborates with universities on consultancy research projects, providing tailored solutions informed by her academic and practical experience.
Alice is also a Research Affiliate with the ESRC Vulnerability and Policing Futures Research Centre and in recognition of her research contributions, she was awarded the Translational Fellowship in 2024 to investigate Counter Terrorism practitioners’ perspectives of neurodivergent people and their vulnerability to radicalisation by online algorithms. This fellowship supports her ongoing research into neurodiversity, particularly within policing. Her first book, “Diversity, Difference or Disorder: Neurodiversity in British Policing”, is currently in development and will be published in early 2026.

ADHD Babes: The Vital Work We Do
2026-04-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Vivienne Isebor | ADHD Babes
ADHD Babes – An introduction to a 100% equity-led community focused approach to disability justice. We will explore who we are as an organisation, why we started and how we created an international culturally-sensitive approach to neuro-inclusive care.

About the facilitator
Vivienne Isebor is an award winning Creative Social Entrepreneur & Womanist, blending community activism, advocacy, psychology, and the arts to drive social change. She is the founder of ADHD Babes, the UK’s only community organisation dedicated to supporting Black women and non-binary people with ADHD, and a qualified Clinical Associate in Psychology from UCL.
Beyond her advocacy and psychological work, Vivienne is a combined performing artist, incorporating storytelling, music, poetry, spoken word, and performance to create immersive, community-driven experiences. Through her initiative love&music, she organises and facilitates events and creative workshops that foster connection, self-expression, and healing. Her work consistently centres on uplifting marginalised voices, using both clinical expertise and artistic expression to build safer, inclusive spaces.

The Double Rainbow - Intersecting Identities
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Charlie Hart — AKA Ausome Charlie
Many neurodivergent people are also LGBTQIA+ yet workplace inclusion often addresses these identities separately. This session explores this ‘Double Rainbow’ intersection — combining research, lived experience, and practical inclusion strategies.
Participants will:

Understand the link between neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ identities
Explore minority stress, and the impact of intersecting marginalised identities
Learn practical inclusion and allyship strategies
Gain insights into creating psychologically safe, neuro-inclusive environments

About the facilitator
Charlie Hart — also known as Ausome Charlie — is an autistic and ADHD professional speaker on inclusion, with a 20-year background in HR Analytics. Charlie specialises in neuro-inclusion at work, intersecting identities, psychological safety, and translating lived experience into practical, evidence-based inclusion strategies.
Drawing on her lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic, bi/pan, and gender non-conforming woman, Charlie speaks candidly about identity, minority stress, and community power. Her work helps organisations move beyond tokenism, to meaningful inclusion.

Round Table: Accountability and Strategy – Moving Beyond the Tick-Box
2026-04-16 12:00 - 15:00 | TalkTalk, The Soapworks, Manchester, M5 3TT, United Kingdom
You’re warmly invited to join us for an exclusive roundtable discussion, “Accountability and Strategy: Moving Beyond the Tick-Box,” on Thursday 16 April, 12:00–15:00, hosted at TalkTalk, The Soapworks, Ordsall Lane, Salford, Manchester, M5 3TT.
This session will bring together a select group of DEI leaders for an engaging afternoon of meaningful conversation, collaboration, and practical insight.
Following the success of our DEI Leaders Afternoon Tea earlier this year, we’re delighted to reconvene this community, this time focusing on moving beyond awareness and into measurable accountability, strategic action, and tangible change.
We recognise that advancing DEI can often feel like a solitary effort, particularly amid increased scrutiny, budget pressures, and shifting organisational priorities. This roundtable is designed to create an open, energising space for leaders to connect, reflect, and explore new approaches together.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE

To help shape the conversation, please select two of the following topics that interest you most:

From Optics to Outcomes: How do we move from DEI statements to measurable progress in 2026?

Embedding Inclusion into Performance: Should inclusive leadership behaviours form part of performance reviews and promotion criteria?

Diagnosing Your Starting Point: How can organisations use internal data, not just benchmarking, to shape more effective EDI strategies?

The Business Case Reinvented: How can EDI metrics be linked to retention of scarce talent and team performance?

Pay Transparency and Reporting: Preparing for evolving requirements, including ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting.

ERGs: How can we reignite momentum and impact across employee networks?

Lunch will be provided, so please share any dietary or allergy requirements when registering.
Places are limited.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE
If you would like to contribute ideas or themes to the discussion, we would welcome your input.
We look forward to welcoming you.

Stephen Lawrence Day: What does it mean to be anti-racist?
2026-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Anuli Changa (she/they)
Recognise Stephen Lawrence Day by exploring his powerful legacy, what his story can teach us about different forms of racism, the need for inclusivity and active allyship. From name pronunciations, to representation, to language, we can all play a part in anti-racist practices.
This webinar will include:

Learnings from Stephen Lawrence’s legacy
Exploration of racism in different forms
How we can make biases conscious
The importance of recognising power and privilege
The importance of small acts of allyship
Anti-racism tools and intersectionality

About the facilitator
Anuli Changa is a multifaceted UK-based creative, educator, consultant and advocate whose work spans education, heritage, the arts, healthcare, corporations and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She creates and delivers DEIB training for adults and young people, incorporating exploration of microaggressions and Active Bystander education.
Anuli holds a Law degree from the University of Manchester, is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and trained in trauma-informed practices. She is also the Inclusion and Representation Trustee for Bi Pride UK.
Anuli also writes/directs Theatre in Education programmes exploring anti-racism and Black history delivered in Schools across the country. Anuli champions intersectional anti-oppression and active allyship across her work. She is frequently invited to moderate/speak on panels to share her professional and lived experience as a Queer, Neurodivergent, Woman of Global Majority, as well as exploring these experiences in her writing (@wordsbyanuli)

Equal Parenting Week: Panel Discussion
2026-04-29 12:00 - 13:30 | Online Webinar
As part of Elliott Rae’s groundbreaking Equal Parenting Week, Inclusive Companies is proud to host a powerful fireside conversation exploring the realities, challenges, and opportunities of modern parenthood. This session brings together lived experience, global advocacy, and practical insight to spark a meaningful dialogue on what equal parenting truly looks like today.
Your Host
Lucian Main – Account Manager, Facilitator & Webinar Host, Inclusive Companies
Lucian will be responsible for guiding this conversation with openness and authenticity, drawing on his own lived experience as a stepparent. As Lucian reflects, “being a stepdad came suddenly… overnight I became the parent of a three‑year‑old, and at times it was a really lonely experience.” His perspective sets the tone for a session rooted in honesty, empathy, and real-world understanding.

Featured Speakers
Make Mothers Matter (MMM)<
Representing a global movement for mothers’ rights, Make Mothers Matter is an international NGO founded in 1947. With General Consultative Status at the UN and longstanding engagement with the EU and UNESCO, MMM champions the recognition of mothers’ essential contributions to society and advocates for systems that allow women to balance motherhood with personal and professional aspirations.

Angela Garcia – Projects Director, MMM
With a rich international career spanning law, music rights, philanthropy, and real estate, Angela brings a multidimensional perspective on inclusive development. Her work is grounded in human connection, care, and education, and she is dedicated to ensuring the often invisible contributions of motherhood are recognised and valued

Claire Wilde – Senior Associate, Blake Morgan
Claire brings a decade of lived experience navigating childcare, flexible working, and career progression since returning from maternity leave in 2016. As a Senior Associate in Real Estate, she will share candid reflections on balancing professional ambition with parenting a now ten‑year‑old, the challenges she and her husband have faced, and the strategies they’ve developed — sometimes successfully, sometimes not — to make it all work.

Ian Dinwiddy – Founder, Inspiring Dads Ltd
Ian specialises in supporting fathers through the personal and professional transitions that come with parenthood. Through Inspiring Dads, he empowers men to step confidently into equal parenting roles, making his voice an essential part of this conversation.

What You’ll Gain from This Webinar
This session will offer:

Real stories from parents navigating different paths — step-parenting, co-parenting, returning to work, and balancing responsibilities.
Global perspectives on motherhood, gender equity, and the societal structures that shape parenting experiences.
Practical insights into flexible working, shared responsibilities, and supporting parents in the workplace.
A deeper understanding of what equal parenting means — and how organisations, communities, and families can help make it a reality.

Whether you’re a parent, a leader, an HR professional, or someone passionate about inclusion, this conversation will leave you with fresh perspectives and actionable ideas.

Banter and Inclusive Language
2026-05-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Chris Allan
It’s Just Banter is a practical, interactive lunch-and-learn workshop that explores how everyday language, jokes, and “harmless” banter can impact inclusion, wellbeing, and psychological safety at work. The session helps teams understand where the line is, why it matters, and how to challenge problematic behaviour confidently and constructively — without fear of “saying the wrong thing.”
Key outcomes:

A clearer understanding of when banter crosses the line into exclusion or harm
Increased confidence to call in or challenge language in the moment
Practical tools and shared language to support a more respectful, inclusive workplace culture

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

About the facilitator
Hi, I’m Chris.
For years, I’ve worked with organisations for the past 9 years, who care about inclusion, but aren’t always sure how to put it into practice.
Many feel overwhelmed by the language, worried about saying the wrong thing, or frustrated by initiatives that look good on paper but don’t change everyday behaviour.
My approach is honest, practical, and grounded in real conversations. I don’t do jargon or judgement — just clear, supportive guidance that helps people navigate tricky topics with confidence and care.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

How Do We Continue Our Work: Repairing Narratives
2026-05-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Mabinty Esho
The conversation around inclusion is shifting, and the leaders who will continue to move this work forward are the ones willing to evolve how they do it. In this session, Mabinty will explore four anchors for repairing and progressing the narrative: better business partnering, data-driven DEI, linking the work clearly to ROI, and building the coalitions that make change durable. Expect a candid look at how culture and inclusion leaders can position themselves as genuine strategic partners rather than service providers, how data can be used to sharpen rather than soften the case for change, and how to articulate impact in the language the business already speaks. Mabinty will also share what she has learned about building the cross-functional coalitions that hold this work steady when the political weather changes. The session closes with 15 minutes for open Q&A.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

About the facilitator
Mabinty Esho is a Culture and Inclusion specialist, executive coach, and Head of Culture and Inclusion at Comic Relief. She works at the intersection of identity, impact and intention, helping leaders build workplaces where people and performance thrive together. Mabinty has led organisation-wide culture transformation, launched anti-racism and Cultural Intelligence programmes, and positioned inclusion as a board-level priority. She is currently completing her ILM Level 7 in Executive Coaching and Mentoring and supports senior leaders across charity, corporate, healthcare and education sectors. Known for her warm, direct style, Mabinty creates spaces that are honest, human and practical, equipping leaders to turn values into everyday behaviours that shape truly inclusive cultures.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

Beyond Perks: Building a Wellbeing Strategy People Will Use
2026-06-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Many organisations invest in wellbeing, yet engagement remains low and impact is unclear.
This webinar explores why traditional approaches fall short and what it takes to build a strategy that genuinely supports prevention, early intervention, and workforce performance.
We will examine the gap between access and engagement, the risks of overlooking intersectional health needs, and how organisations can move towards measurable, clinically-informed wellbeing strategies.
Introducing Work Kind Partners’ structured model, we will outline a practical, scalable approach to understanding workforce health and taking meaningful action.
Ideal for: HR leaders, People teams, Equality leads, and senior decision-makers responsible for workforce wellbeing and performance.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!
About the facilitator
Salome Mare-Walsh is a psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience across the NHS and private practice, specialising in the intersection between mental health, culture and workplace performance. During her time at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, she held a senior staff leadership role as Network Co-Chair, working directly with executive teams to improve staff engagement, strengthen inclusion and influence organisational policy and practice.
She is the Founding Director of Salowal Ltd, a multi-award-winning wellbeing and EDI consultancy that partners with organisations to move beyond reactive support towards preventative, data-informed wellbeing strategies. Salome works with HR leaders to address key challenges including low engagement, rising absence, and inequitable staff experiences, delivering solutions that combine clinical insight with practical implementation.
Alongside her consultancy work, she lectures at the University of Liverpool and contributes to national EDI strategy through her role with the Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy. Her work is trusted by organisations including local authorities, national brands and third-sector leaders, supporting them to build healthier, more inclusive and more productive workplaces.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

A DEI Leaders’ Lunch & Round Table Driving Real Impact
2026-06-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Kantar, 30 Stamford St, London, SE1 9LQ
Following the success of our previous sessions, we’re delighted to bring this community back together.
In today’s climate, progressing DEI can feel increasingly complex. Many organisations are navigating heightened scrutiny, evolving regulation, constrained budgets, and shifting business priorities. Against this backdrop, this roundtable offers a trusted, energising space for senior leaders and practitioners to connect openly, share challenges, and explore practical solutions that drive real impact.
Together, we will explore how to embed DEI into the fabric of organisational decision-making, ensuring it is not seen as a standalone initiative, but as a critical lever for culture, performance, and long-term success.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE
Topics being covered include:
Ethnicity & Disability Pay Gap Reporting
Following the UK government’s confirmation (25 March 2026) of mandatory reporting for organisations with 250+ employees, we will explore how organisations are preparing, covering data challenges, communication strategies, and the shift from reporting to action.
Maximising DEI Budgets for Impact
In an environment where resources are under pressure, we’ll discuss how to prioritise and maximise DEI investment. Hear from leaders who are driving measurable outcomes and ensuring their budgets translate into meaningful change.
Insights into an effective inclusion strategy
Ranked the UK’s most inclusive employer, Kantar will share the innovative and practical inclusion strategies that contributed to this recognition, offering insight into what meaningful, embedded inclusion looks like in practice.
This session will be highly interactive, with opportunities for open discussion, peer learning, and shared problem-solving.
Lunch will be provided, so please share any dietary or allergy requirements when registering
If you would like to contribute ideas or themes to the discussion, we would greatly welcome your input ahead of the session.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Location
Kantar, 30 Stamford St, London, SE1 9LQ
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Engaging the voices of disabled people
2026-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Stuart Moore
In this webinar, we will explore the strategic importance of building engagement with disabled people – how listening to and acting upon diverse perspectives can help drive forward inclusive businesses. In a world that continues to increase its reliance upon AI and digital technology, we will consider how engagement and coproduction can create disability-inclusive transformation. We will also present top-tips on how companies can achieve effective and meaningful engagement, recognising the diversity and intersectionality within disability.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

About the facilitator
Stuart is well respected for his work on advancing equity and across the NHS. He led the Workforce Disability Equality Standard, which is mandated across the NHS and aims to improve the workplace experiences of disabled staff. He was also NHS Regional Head of Equality for the South East of England. Before leaving the NHS in March 2026, Stuart was the EDI Lead within the Workforce, Training and Education directorate at NHS England.
Previous roles including diversity adviser at the Cabinet Office, where he worked on the creation of the first diversity strategy for the Civil Service. Stuart has also worked at the Equality Challenge Unit, Business Disability Forum, and Health Education England.
Stuart is a published researcher on themes relating to workforce equalities, accessibility and inclusion. Despite a speech impairment, Stuart is an experienced public speaker. Notably, in 2020, Stuart presented to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Disability at the Houses of Parliament.
Stuart is also an experienced panellist for EDI awards. This includes chairing the NHS EDI Awards 2023; as a judge for the Kings College Hospital EDI Awards 2025, and British Council Disability Inclusion Partnership Funding Grant panel in 2024.
Stuart is a director of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Institute of Equality and Diversity Practitioners. In recognition of his career achievements, Stuart had the honour of carrying the torch for the 2012 London Paralympic Games.
Stuart is currently completing a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship at Kent Business School.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

United Utilities: Opportunities For All
2026-07-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Hosted by Amanda Philips
United Utilities has made significant strides in building an inclusive, supportive and high‑performing workplace, and this session will explore how that progress is being achieved in practice.
Hosted by Amanda Philips, this webinar will take attendees inside the organisation’s “opportunity for all” approach is speaking a language everyone can understand. Amanda will take us through the importance of everyone understanding the part they play in embedding Equity, Diversity & Inclusion across the colleague experience. From transparent reporting to award‑winning initiatives, Amanda will share how United Utilities continues to create an environment where more than 7,000 colleagues can bring their whole selves to work.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

About Amanda
Amanda Philips is a passionate advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion at United Utilities, where she plays a key role in shaping a workplace where every colleague feels valued, supported and able to thrive. With a deep commitment to creating opportunities for all, Amanda champions initiatives that strengthen belonging, empower underrepresented voices, and embed inclusive practices across the organisation.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

Cultural Intelligence: Not optional to navigate today's complexity and change
2026-07-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Ritika Wadhwa
Cultural and intergenerational differences shape how we communicate, make decisions, and build trust with colleagues and clients.
This workshop, led by Ritika Wadhwa, CEO, Founder and a leading expert in Cultural Intelligence (CQ), introduces Cultural Intelligence and shares why it is a critical skill for those working in international, internal and external client-facing, or leadership roles.
What is Cultural Intelligence?
Cultural Intelligence is the capability to work effectively across cultures and generations, enabling clearer communication, stronger collaboration, and more inclusive, high-performing teams in international environments.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!
What you’ll gain from the workshop

An understanding of what Cultural Intelligence is and how to navigate common challenges in cross-cultural and cross-generational collaboration
Increased awareness of your own cultural and generational preferences
Communicate more confidently and inclusively
Apply practical tools to improve collaboration and team performance
Real-life scenarios relevant to international teams

About the facilitator
Ritika Wadhwa was born and brought up in India. She achieved an MBA in the UK and broke all barriers as an immigrant to Canada and the UK. Ritika has over 30 years’ experience working at Board level across three continents, with senior stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
Ritika is on a mission to bring inclusion and innovation to the heart of organisations, and she believes that Cultural Intelligence is the capability to do that. She is the founder and CEO of Prabhaav Global. Prabhaav means impact in Hindi and the organisation’s mission is to apply the transformational power of Cultural Intelligence for impactful leadership.
Ritika is:

A CQ Fellow
A CQ Certified Facilitator
Fellow at the Society of Leadership Fellows, Windsor Castle
Strategic Advisory Board for British Transport Police
Co-Chair for Essex Fire & Rescue Services’ Culture First Board
Advisory Board Member for Westminster Business School
Trustee and Board Director at 5% Club
Ambassador for Age Irrelevance
A sought-after keynote speaker

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

National Diversity Awards 2026
2026-09-18 18:15 - 23:45 | Anglican Cathedral, Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool, Liverpool, L1 7AZ
A prestigious black tie event, which celebrates the excellent achievements of grass-root communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work.

What are the awards all about?

Celebrating its 15th year, the National Diversity Awards (NDA) continues to honour the incredible achievements of individuals, community organisations, role models, entrepreneurs, and celebrities who strive to promote diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Over the past thirteen years, the NDA has grown into a beacon of recognition, celebrating the stories and accomplishments of those who inspire change and champion equality. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our communities, showcasing the power of diversity in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. Join us in recognising and celebrating the exceptional contributions that make our world a richer, more diverse place.
Discover more at…
www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk

Workshop: Levelling Up Your Staff Networks
2026-09-23 12:00 - 13:30 | Online Workshop
Why This Workshop Matters
Staff networks are the heartbeat of an inclusive workplace. Whether you call them staff networks, employee resource groups, or community groups, their impact is undeniable; they drive culture change, amplify underrepresented voices, and strengthen employee engagement.
But leading a network isn’t simple. Many leaders balance full‑time roles, emotional labour, and the pressure to “get it right” for their communities. This workshop is designed to give them the tools, clarity, and confidence to thrive.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

What You’ll Gain
Throughout 2026, Inclusive Companies has been delivering workshops that equip network leaders with:

Coaching and facilitation skills

Confidence‑building techniques

Leadership development tools

Sustainable ways of working

This session brings those insights together to help you strengthen your network’s impact and your own leadership practice.

Who Should Attend
This workshop is ideal for:

Staff network and ERG leads

Committee members and volunteers

Inclusion champions

HR and EDI professionals supporting networks

Whether you’re newly stepping into a leadership role or looking to refresh your approach, this session will meet you where you are.

What to Expect
Across 90 minutes, participants will explore:

The evolving role of staff networks in 2026 and beyond

Practical strategies for sustainable leadership

Tools to support confidence, clarity, and community impact

Space to reflect, share, and learn with peers

Expect an energising, supportive, and practical session that centres on real-world challenges and actionable solutions.

Why Inclusive Companies
We believe in investing in the people who give their time to make a difference. Our workshops are designed to empower leaders, strengthen communities, and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
