Inclusive Companies

Understanding Antisemitism
2024-09-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Online Webinar
Antisemitism is currently the fastest-rising form of racism in the UK. This alarming trend has led to an estimated 70% of British Jews feeling the need to hide their identity. The situation has grown so dire that nearly 50% of British Jews have considered leaving the country since October 7, 2023. This rise in antisemitism highlights a critical need for increased awareness, understanding, and proactive measures to combat anti-Jewish racism and foster a safer, more inclusive environment for all. Inclusive Companies is proud to partner with Understanding Antisemitism Matters to deliver this thought-provoking webinar on ‘understanding antisemitism’.
Contents:
• The history of anti-Jewish hatred goes back 2,000 years.
• Recent statistics.
• Real-life stories about the everyday lived experience of Jewish people.
• Tools to create inclusive workplace environments.
• A platform for employees to share experience and ask questions.
Key Learnings:

Awareness Gap: Many people lack awareness but are eager to listen and learn beyond their social media feeds.
Inclusive Conversations: Frame discussions by emphasising that supporting one community does not come at the expense of another, reducing the discomfort of such conversations.
Starting Conversations: You don’t need to be an expert on the Middle East or the history of antisemitism to discuss the Jewish experience.
Blind Spot on Antisemitism: Antisemitism often isn’t viewed as racism and isn’t condemned like hatred against other minority groups. The term “antisemitism” can be confusing; “anti-Jewish racism” is clearer, but we use “antisemitism” initially as it’s more familiar.
Empathy Misconception: People often mistakenly believe empathy is limited. In reality, the more empathy you show, the more you generate.

Rachel Vecht & Michal Oshman have 50 years‘ experience between them of nurturing inclusive workplace cultures, retaining talent, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging. They are thrilled to share their knowledge and encourage you and your colleagues to join the discussion. This impactful webinar is not one to be missed.

Co-facilitated by:
Rachel Vecht
Founded Educating Matters in 2001 and partners with D&I, L&D, HR and ERGs to support employees worldwide. She guides, educates and builds awareness around inclusion and culture change, providing employee wellbeing training across many varied sectors.

Michal Oshman
Drove culture and leadership at TikTok and Meta where she used a blend of spirituality and leadership principles to create compassionate workplaces. As a bestselling author and TEDx speaker, she shares her insights on culture, growth, and career success.

Understanding ADHD – Types, Lived Experiences, and Workplace Adjustments
2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by Inclusive Companies’ very own Abigail Kershaw, our panel are dedicated to raising awareness about ADHD. This event will explore the various types of ADHD, share personal lived experiences, and discuss actionable steps that workplaces can take to make reasonable adjustments for individuals with ADHD.
Our panel includes distinguished speakers with a wealth of experience in the field:
Lucian Main – A Partnership Executive at Inclusive Companies, he is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace, Lucian brings personal insight and professional expertise to the discussion. He will share his lived experiences with Inattentive ADHD, shedding light on the day-to-day realities and the importance of understanding and support.
Sophie Simpson – Founder of The Standout Agency, Sophie is a dedicated champion for inclusivity and diversity. Her work focuses on creating environments where everyone can thrive, regardless of their neurodiversity. Sophie will discuss the critical role of implementing effective adjustments that benefit both employees and employers, as well as sharing her own experience navigating a corporate world with ADHD.
Tony Lloyd – CEO of the ADHD Foundation, Liverpool, Tony is an esteemed authority on ADHD. With extensive experience in advocacy, education, and support, he will provide valuable insights into the different types of ADHD and how organisations can foster a more inclusive environment for those with the condition.

The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with our panellists.
This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in understanding ADHD and promoting a more inclusive workplace culture.

Black Inclusion – The Past, Present & Future
2024-10-15 09:30 - 13:30 | Rooftop, Penna, 10 Bishops Square, London, E1 6EG, United Kingdom
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!
Inclusive Companies are delighted to partner with Penna to deliver a transformational roof-top event in honour of Black History Month (BHM), focusing on the Past, Present & Future. We would like to formally invite you and your colleagues to attend this occasion.
Date: Tuesday 15th October
Time: 09.30 – 13.30 (Lunch provided)
Venue: Rooftop, Penna, 10 Bishops Square, London, E1 6EG (Venue is 5 minutes from Liverpool Street Station, 10 minutes from Shoreditch High Street)
Featuring keynote speakers, a panel session, and dynamic performances, this event will not only celebrate Black History but delve into various aspects of Black History through time, looking at where we have been, where we are now, and where are we going?
During this session, we will reflect on historical efforts to reclaim narratives and listen to those who have fostered positive change within the corporate environment. Learn how businesses have benefited from embracing the true stories and perspectives of Black employees, leading to more inclusive and innovative workplaces.
This interactive event will provide a safe space to hold discussions, aimed at developing actionable plans to continue reclaiming narratives that empower and support Black colleagues.
Should weather permit, we will be hosting lunch on Penna’s rooftop terrace with incredible views of the London skyline. Make sure to reserve yourself a place as we connect, share ideas, and build meaningful professional relationships.
Please note this year we will be charging a minimal fee for tickets to attend our event. The money from tickets sales will be donated to The Fire Fighters Charity in memory of Wayne Brown.

Itinerary
09.30 – 09.45
Delegate Registration
09.45 – 10.00
Samadora Mansaray, HR Director, Penna
Nabil Verdickt, Head of Performance Media & Analytics, Penna
Welcome & Introductions
10.00 – 10.15
Spoken Word Performance by Zara Dieobi
10.15 – 10.45
Josh Preye Garry, Author, Public Speaker, Educator, Historian, Leader – Reclaiming the Narrative
10.45 – 11.00
Interval
11.00 – 12.00
Panel session – The Present – How inclusive leaders are creating equitable workplaces
Panel Chair: Paul Sesay, CEO & Founder, Inclusive Companies | George Agyemang, Executive Director, Penna
Serena Simon, Director of Communities, Westminster City Council
Stuart Love, CEO, Westminster City Council
Dr Heather Melville OBE, Partner at Stork & May, Trustee & Senior Advisor, Entrepreneur, Chancellor of York University
Deborah Harris, FCA, Audit Committee Chair & Lay Member Council, The Nursing & Midwifery Council
12.00 – 12.45
The Future – Guided discussions around the room
The time for change is now! We all have a duty to drive change and set a course for a better, more inclusive future. During this segment we will share ideas and investigate what the future holds.
12.45 – 13.30
Lunch & Networking (Roof Top Terrace)

Guest speakers
Paul Sesay | Inclusive Companies
Paul Sesay is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the National Diversity Awards, Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, Inclusive Awards and Inclusive Companies since 2006. Paul’s business acumen has mainly been with a social focus.
With over fifteen years worth of experience within the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion sector, Paul has worked with some of the largest organisations in the world on their diversity and inclusion profiles.
He has also worked within local communities to help people from various backgrounds to achieve and empower disadvantaged groups throughout the UK. Paul’s initiatives have helped thousands of organisations and individuals get recognised for their hard work and dedication to diversity.

Stuart Love | Westminster City Council
Stuart has been Chief Executive at Westminster City Council since 2018. His previous role was Executive Director for City Management and Communities. He is the co-chair of the Chief Executive’s London Committee’s Tackling Racial Inequality Group London and a Business In The Community mentor. Under his leadership the following initiatives have been launched in Westminster City Council:
• Diverse shortlisted candidates• Inclusive recruitment• Reverse mentoring• The Black on Board governance training programme designed to mentor junior council officersStuart has ensured that the council publishes all of its pay gaps, not just the gender pay gap and has used this to address the gender and ethnicity pay gaps that exist in the organisation. During Stuart’s time as chief executive the demographics of the council have changed significantly to represent the communities it serves and representation at senior levels in the organisation has improved significantly.Stuart’s focus as chief executive is on people and culture, with equity, diversity and inclusion being at the core.

Serena Simon | Westminster City Council
Serena is a passionate and experienced disruptive leader in the field of community engagement/development, strategy, empowerment and inclusion.
She has worked with diverse and marginalised groups for over 20 years, championing their voices and addressing their needs. She has a strong track record of delivering innovative and impactful projects that tackle social issues such as anti-social behaviour, hate crime, violence against women and girls, and racial discrimination.
She is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of her/department and organisations work and has developed and implemented policies and strategies that foster a culture of respect, dignity and belonging for everyone, supporting this work across Westminster -the council and the place as well as wider in the Local government- as one of the leads under the London Councils Tackling Racial inequality group and the chair of the LC Community engagement forum.
Serena is currently the Director of Communities at Westminster city council, where she oversees a range of services and initiatives that aim to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of residents, businesses and visitors in the heart of London, particularly proud to be leading the charge around tackling the shocking life expectancy gap within Westminster by reducing inequalities. A key leader in the organisational commitment to anti-racism as well as the work to improve equity through ridding the organisation of ethnicity and gender paygaps, Serena leads with her heart on her sleeve.
Serena is a keynote speaker across a national and international field and an active member of the Health led work to bring about improvement in the quality of life of patients and communities.

Josh Preye Garry
Growing up Josh Preye Garry struggled to see how and where he fitted in. Despite having no substantial support network, Josh worked hard and his passion for teaching and educating was born. Currently heading up the History Department at Platanos College, Josh is on a crusade to drive forward the conversation around Black History, and why it is integral to British History. In addition to leading on an A-level module on African American Civil Rights, Josh has played a key role in developing a Key Stage 3 curriculum that reflects the backgrounds of his student body, contributed to a new GCSE, and co-authored a GCSE course that explores Black British History. Proud recipient of a fellowship from the Historical Association, Josh is a shining example and a display of hope to a generation of young people who will follow in his footsteps.

Dr Heather Melville, OBE CMgr CCMI FCBI Partner, Stork & May Trustee and Senior Advisor, Entrepreneur Chancellor of York University
Heather’s career spans over 40 years across Financial, Professional & Technology Services, with a specific focus on international trade, entrepreneurship and corporate banking. Heather is a business thought leader and an innovator with a notable track record of building high performing diverse teams.
She has acted in an advisory capacity to FTSE CEOs across a multitude of industries and sectors. She is a highly respected and sought after public speaker, having addressed C-Suite leaders, senates, royalty, and global business audiences worldwide.
Heather has won many accolades, including being listed on the Black Powerlist, as one of the 100 most influential black people in the UK. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), whose purpose is to open channels of opportunity for black executives to positively impact business and communities, and the CFO’s Diversity Forum for Business in the Community (FTSE100).
Heather is also Patron of Women in Banking & Finance (WIBF) and in June 2024 she became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
In 2017 Heather was awarded an OBE for her services to Banking and Financial Services. In 2022 she was inaugurated as the Chancellor of the University of York.
Heather has acted as a Senior Advisor to a number of financial services, as well as a Trustee on the Board of Enfield Enterprise and until recently (following a 7-year tenure) was a Trustee on the Board for the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). She now sits on the committee for Companions and has recently been elected to join the Everyone Economy Committee.

Inclusive Leadership
2024-10-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Loraine Martins

In this webinar, Loraine will share what inclusive leadership truly looks like in practice – from driving systemic change in large organisations to creating environments where people can flourish. Whether you’re looking to develop your own leadership skills or build more inclusive teams, Loraine’s expertise will provide both inspiration and practical takeaways. Expect dynamic insights, actionable strategies, and a fresh perspective on how to lead with inclusivity at the heart of everything you do. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the UK’s leading voices on diversity and inclusion – don’t miss it!

About Loraine:
Loraine is the Global EDI Director at Arup, a leading sustainable development company, where she is at the forefront of driving equity, diversity, and inclusion on a global scale. With a career spanning high-impact roles, Loraine is uniquely positioned to offer invaluable insights into the transformative power of inclusive leadership.
Her track record speaks for itself: as the former Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail, she spent a decade leading change across one of Europe’s fastest-growing rail networks, embedding inclusion into its very fabric. Prior to that, Loraine was instrumental in delivering the award-winning inclusion and skills programme for the London 2012 Olympics, work that earned her an MBE. These experiences have honed her expertise in leading teams and organisations towards cultures where diversity thrives, and everyone feels they belong.
But Loraine’s influence doesn’t stop there. As vice chair of the Trust for London, she spearheaded campaigns like the London Living Wage, tackling inequality at its root. She has also been recognised as one of the top 100 women influencing engineering in the UK and received the Mike Nichols Award for her contributions to transformational change.

Chronic Illness and the Workplace: Reducing Stigma, Enhancing Support
2024-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Although Ellen does not have a chronic illness, they actively support their wife, Dr. Anna Casper, who does. This session will focus on reducing the stigma often faced by individuals with chronic illnesses and exploring practical ways to support them both in the workplace and during health-related absences. Additionally, we will address the unique challenges faced by employees who are also caregivers for loved ones, highlighting key considerations for creating a supportive work environment for them as well.
Content:

Understanding Chronic Illness and the barriers and impact (employment and unemployment)
Addressing stigma and shame around Chronic Illness
Creating a Supportive Workplace Environment (policies, managering, occupational health, colleague to colleague)
Supporting Employees During Health-Related Absences
Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace

About the facilitator
Ellen Edenbrow (they/them)
Co-founder of Inclusive Health
Ellen is an accomplished Inclusion & Diversity consultant and trainer with extensive experience in developing, fostering, and delivering inclusion initiatives across various sectors. With a passion for creating positive change, they have dedicated their career to advancing workplace inclusivity. Their expertise lies in crafting and implementing tailored training programs that empower organisations to embrace diversity, equipping individuals with the skills and awareness needed to foster inclusive environments. Recognised for their commitment to making a lasting impact on organisational cultures, Ellen ensures that workplaces reflect the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Workplace Trans-Inclusion
2024-11-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Join us for an insightful and empowering webinar featuring Katie Neeves, Founder of Cool2BTrans, and Lucian Main, from Inclusive Companies. Katie, a proud trans woman and experienced public speaker, and Lucian, a passionate advocate for inclusivity as a trans man, will share their personal journeys and explore the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals in the workplace.
This engaging session will also provide practical insights into how organisations can create supportive environments for trans employees and actively promote inclusivity. In recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance, they will discuss how to honour this important day with respect and meaningful action. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how we can all be allies and champions for positive change.

About the facilitators
Katie Neeves FRSA (She/Her)
Katie Neeves came out publicly as being transgender in 2018, after living for 48 years as a man. She formed Cool2BTrans to support and inspire other trans people and to educate others, using humour to deliver trans awareness training and inspirational talks. Katie appears regularly in the media, she’s a BBC presenter and she has won many awards, including British Diversity Awards Hero of the Year 2023. She is on the Global Diversity List 2023, she was on the Top 100 Influential People in the UK 2024 list and she is a National Diversity Awards Positive Role Model for LGBT Award 2024 finalist too.

Lucian Main (He/Him)
Lucian Main (He/Him) is an ED&I Partnership Executive at Inclusive Companies with a passion for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Lucianbelieves in their transformative power to enhance workplace culture, drive engagement, and promote a sense of belonging. He actively participates in and supports various ERGs, recognising their crucial role in creating a more equitable and supportive workplace for everyone. Lucian like the rest of his panel understands the impact that 365 LGBTQ+ Inclusion can have.

Celebrating Disability History Month
2024-12-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Dr Richard Rieser OBE
In recognition of this year’s theme, “Disability Livelihood and Employment,” this webinar aims to deepen Disability History awareness within our network and provide insights into the current state and future of disability inclusion in the workplace. The recent government mandate on Disability Pay Gap reporting has sparked conversations, with many anticipating positive change through increased transparency, while others express concerns about its implications. This session will delve into the historical context of the disability pay gap, examine systemic barriers to fair wages, and explore the contributions and advocacy of disabled individuals in the workforce.
Key Takeaways and Lessons:

Historical Roots of the Disability Pay Gap: Understanding the factors that have led to wage disparities for disabled workers.
Systemic Barriers to Fair Employment: Identify the persistent obstacles disabled individuals face in the workforce.
Contribution Recognition: Celebrate the significant influence disabled individuals have had across industries, even in the face of discrimination and exclusion.
The Impact of Disability Pay Gap Reporting: Insights into what this new mandate means for organisations, the transparency it can foster, and the possible reputational implications.
The Role of Disabled Activists: Learn about the critical role disabled activists have played in disability rights and trade union movements, setting a foundation for modern disability inclusion.
Actionable Inclusion Strategies: Practical ways organisations can implement policies and adjustments to support an inclusive, equitable workplace.

About the facilitator
Dr Richard Rieser OBE
Richard is a UK based disabled teacher, activist, researcher, writer and consultant. His interests are enhancing disability equality, especially inclusion in education and the media. Richard is the Director of World of Inclusion Limited, Founder and Coordinator of UK Disability History Month (now in 15th year) and elected General Secretary of the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum

Celebrate and support your migrant employees this International Migrant Day
2024-12-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Elham Fardad
Join us on International Migrants Day for an inspiring session with Elham Fardad, founder of Migrant Leaders, who will share her journey from migrant beginnings to a successful corporate career and the founding of Migrant Leaders in 2017. With over two decades of experience in high-profile roles at GE, News Corp, and EY, she launched Migrant Leaders to empower young 1st and 2nd generation migrants and disadvantaged youth across the UK.
Attendees will also gain insights from Migrant Leaders’ Impact Report, which highlights the successes of the program and the inspiring stories of young people who have benefitted. Additionally, this session will offer practical insights that attendees can implement in their own organisations to support migrant and underrepresented talent, foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, and harness the power of mentoring and corporate social responsibility. This event is ideal for anyone interested in DEI, social impact, and the significant contributions of migrants to society and business. We can’t wait for you to join us!
About the facilitator
Elham Fardad’s professional career spans 25 years in senior leadership roles in blue chip multinationals including GE, News Corp and EY, where she has advised clients on their most challenging operational problems. Elham advises leadership teams on strategy, operations and talent. She is the Founder and CEO of the charity Migrant Leaders, is a Fellow member of the ACCA and a member of multiple Advisory Boards. Migrant Leaders was the winner of the Social Mobility Award 2023 at the prestigious Inclusive Awards. Elham is the author of the book Migrant Magic and had the honour of being selected as a Coronation Champion in 2023. In 2024 Elham was awarded the Freedom of the City of London by The Lord Mayor of London.

Hanukkah
2024-12-25 - 2025-01-02

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
2025-01-21 - 2025-01-28

Autism inclusion in work and society: Awareness, Visibility, Acceptance
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Jonathan Andrews
Join us for an insightful webinar with Solicitor, Deputy Mayor and Autism Campaigner Jonathan Andrews to explore the essential elements of fostering an inclusive environment for autistic people in the workplace and broader society. As we strive for a more inclusive world, this session will focus on three critical aspects: awareness, visibility, and acceptance.
Key Takeaways:

Delve into the Importance of Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Visibility: Understand the impact of awareness and visibility on inclusion, and learn how acceptance can transform our communities and workplaces.
Exploring Mental Health challenges that may be faced by Autistic People: Gain insights into the unique mental health challenges that may affect autistic individuals, and discuss supportive practices.
Discuss Autism in the Workplace and Why Employers Should Take Note: From benefits to best practices, learn how fostering an inclusive workplace for autistic employees can enhance productivity and innovation.

This webinar is designed for employees, employers, HR professionals, educators, and community members interested in creating supportive and accommodating environments. Together, let’s build a more inclusive society where everyone’s unique strengths are recognised and valued.

About Jonathan
Jonathan is a solicitor at international law firm Reed Smith, specialising in Entertainment and Media. Jonathan was open about being autistic since before he began applying for legal roles, and has been recognised nationally and internationally for his work to improve employment opportunities for neurodivergent people, including as the European Diversity Awards’ Campaigner of the Year 2016, a 2017 Queen’s Young Leader, an honorary graduate of the Open University in 2018, the Law Society’s Junior Lawyer of the Year 2019, the UK’s fourth-most influential disabled person in 2020 (by the Shaw Trust Power List, which Jonathan now judges) and as the Top Role Model for Neurodiversity worldwide in the Dow/Involve Enable Role Models List 2024.
A strong supporter of efforts to support disability inclusion (including as a judge of the Shaw Trust Power List since 2021 and an Ambassador for Ambitious about Autism), Jonathan is also an elected councillor in Bromley and is currently serving as the Deputy Mayor of Bromley for 2024-25, and in this role has supported charities and initiatives working for greater disability and autism inclusion, such as opening Bromley’s first-ever Inclusivity Festival and taking part in autism charity CASPA’s ‘Green Mile’ fundraising walk.

Amplifying LGBTQ+ Inclusion Through ERGs
2025-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
This LGBT History Month we are exploring the power of networks to amplify LGBTQ+ inclusion. Join us for an insightful session in collaboration with OutMakingGames (OMG)—the recipients of the Outstanding Diversity Network Award at the Inclusive Awards.
This webinar will dive into actionable strategies to showcase how OMG created impactful LGBTQ+ communities in gaming and explore practical steps to foster belonging while driving innovation.
Key take aways include:

Why Out Making Games (OMG) was created
What OMG do and how they deliver their inclusive work
Examples of OMG’s accomplishments and how they achieved these successes
Insights into how OMG was set up and built its networks and ways to replicate these strategies
How to gain funding to deliver support and innovation
How OMG identified allies in other businesses to partner with, in order to deliver further inclusion, support and change
What businesses and individuals can do to achieve a more inclusive workplace and how this can drive innovation
Tips for creating or empowering your own ERGs

Whether you’re a game developer, HR professional, or an ally passionate about diversity, you’ll walk away with tools to build a more inclusive and innovative environment no matter what industry you work in.

About the facilitators:
James Dodd (He/Him)
James is The Chair and a Director of Out Making Games, the non-profit organisation supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ professionals in the games industry. He is also a Partner at the global executive search firm Martin Tripp Associates, working on industry-agnostic leadership roles all around the world, from gaming and banking through to technology, think-tanks and beyond. He is on the DE&I Committee of the UK games and interactive entertainment industry trade body Ukie, is a #RaiseTheGame Pledge Partner and a full voting BAFTA Member. “Monocultures solve problems the same way, continue to give the same answers, and are slow to change. Diverse businesses are nimble, think differently, and frankly are a lot more interesting places to be.”

Jasmin Fox (she/her)

Jasmin is a Director of Out Making Games, the non-profit organisation supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ professionals in the games industry. In her day job she is a Compensation Manager at Electronic Arts with a decade of experience in Reward in the Entertainment industry. In addition, she is the lead for the UK chapter of the EA Pride ERG for LGBTQ+ employees and allies, and previously co-founded the LGBTQ+ Pride network for Disney in the UK and Ireland. She has featured in the Top 20 OUTstanding Future Leaders Role Model list from Involve People for the last three years and she is always happy to connect with other network leads to talk all things ERG!

Time to Talk Day
2025-02-06

Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
2025-02-16 - 2025-02-22

Beyond Bias: The University of Hull’s Human Living Library & Path to Inclusive Excellence
2025-02-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
In a series of webinars promoting Inclusive Best Practices from a variety of sectors, Inclusive Companies are delighted to partner with the University of Hull to take a deeper dive into their commitment to Inclusion.
The University of Hull were recently shortlisted for the Inclusive Culture Initiative Award at the Inclusive Award for their pioneering Human Living Library Project, an initiative designed to deepen understanding and awareness within the university community by capturing and sharing authentic, lived experiences.
During this webinar, learn from the team behind the project and how they are expanding its reach by collaborating with other institutions and networks focused on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Discover how the project documents the impact of societal changes on our understanding of diverse identities and helps shape a more inclusive and aware community at the University of Hull.
Key Topics Covered:

Human Living Library Project: Discover the origins, purpose, and ongoing impact of this initiative. Explore the online resources, including videos, quotes, and stories that foster self-guided exploration of biases.
EDI Transparency Report and Video: Gain insights into the latest EDI Transparency Report, highlighting the university’s commitment to inclusion. Understand how the Transparency Video promotes awareness and demonstrates the university’s progress on EDI initiatives.
EDI Governance and Reporting: Learn about the structures in place for effective EDI governance at the University of Hull. Explore the processes and reporting mechanisms that support accountability and continuous improvement in diversity and inclusion.

Facilitators:

Hayley Pickard – Dumas Head of EDI, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Hull. I have worked at the university now for almost 3 years and before that spent 14 years in policing conducting various roles. In late 2017 a role in EDI came up in Humberside Police and I jumped at the opportunity to bring my passion for equity to life and influence others to see the benefits of inclusive practices. During the last 3 years here at UoH, my team and I have transformed how we approach Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We have introduced a new governance structure, reinvigorated staff networks, raised awareness around inequalities and together with our colleagues across the institution started to tackle systemic issues in HE. We know that we have a long way to go to becoming a fully inclusive employer and education provider but are committed to working hard every step of the way.” Hayley Pickard – Dumas Head of EDI, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Hull. I have worked at the university now for almost 3 years and before that spent 14 years in policing conducting various roles. In late 2017 a role in EDI came up in Humberside Police and I jumped at the opportunity to bring my passion for equity to life and influence others to see the benefits of inclusive practices. During the last 3 years here at UoH, my team and I have transformed how we approach Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We have introduced a new governance structure, reinvigorated staff networks, raised awareness around inequalities and together with our colleagues across the institution started to tackle systemic issues in HE. We know that we have a long way to go to becoming a fully inclusive employer and education provider but are committed to working hard every step of the way.
Erika Butane – EDI Administrator, Culture and Engagement Coordinator and Humal Living Library Coordinator at the University of Hull. I started at the university as an intern to establish the Human Living Library at Hull University. Alongside another intern we started the project from a written brief, and I have since carried this project on, continuously adding new lived experiences and identities to the project. Alongside this I also begun my work in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion with the EDI team at UoH, growing my knowledge and interest in the space of EDI and taking on a variety of projects to make the university a great place to work and study. We are continuing that work and commitment and won’t slow down.

Uncovering and Celebrating Autism and ADHD in Women
2025-02-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Jess Rad, founder of The WomenHood will be sharing an engaging and positive talk designed to support the ‘neurocurious’ and the well informed. about themselves or other neurobiologies. Together we will explore how Autism and ADHD can present in females, the intersection with race, hormones and work; and how allies can support their neurodivergent colleagues.
SESSION BENEFITS

Increase awareness of how Autism and ADHD presents in females / internally, including the lived experience, key traits and the hormonal impacts.
Destigmatise and celebrate these neurotypes via the neurodiversity paradigm.
Reduce the potential loneliness felt by those neurocurious / currently unidentified through the sharing of other Unspoken Women’s Stories.
Understand how to support colleagues who may be neurodivergent.

About the facilitator
Jess Rad is the founder of The WomenHood, a pioneering platform dedicated to addressing the unspoken challenges of womanhood and advancing gender equity. Drawing on her lived experiences with premature menopause, neurodivergence, divorce, and life as a parent carer, Jess brings authenticity and insight to impactful workshops, talks, and programmes, empowering individuals and organisations to drive meaningful change for all genders.
A former award-winning marketer for global brands like the BBC, 20th Century Fox, and Disney, Jess transitioned her expertise and passion into launching The WomenHood in 2019. Beyond her role as a changemaker, she serves as an ambassador for SEND charity Amaze and was honoured as the 2024 National Diversity Awards winner for Positive Role Model for Gender, chosen from over 90,000 nominees.
Jess’s work inspires self awareness, self advocacy and empathy making her a force in the movement for gender equity

Supporting Every Journey: Simple ways your organisation can foster inclusion for colleagues on a fertility journey
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Inclusive Companies are proud to partner with Fertility Matters at Work & Auto Trader UK on an insightful webinar focussing on ‘Supporting Every Journey: Simple ways your organisation can foster inclusion for colleagues on a fertility journey’. We are thrilled to invite you and your colleagues to explore this important topic.
At least 1 in 6 people globally are affected by infertility (WHO). This means that it’s highly likely you have a friend or colleague who is facing a fertility issue right now. Juggling this huge emotional and physical challenge undoubtedly has an impact at work.
Fertility Matters at Work is the leading training provider for fertility support in the workplace. They have reported that 69.5% of employees took sick leave whilst going through treatment, whilst 1 in 3 considered leaving their jobs (Peppy, FMAW, BICA, 2023) and in a more recent study, 18% actually did leave their jobs due to a lack of support (Fertility Network UK and Fertifa, 2023).
We will also be joined by Auto Trader, who have been working hard over the past 4.5 years to raise awareness and increase education internally around this topic. Sharing their experiences, this Fertility Friendly employer will open up the conversation on fertility to highlight how workplaces can do to support their people.
A powerful line up of keynote speakers will be joining us for this insightful online event. During this session we will hear from those with lived experience and employers sharing best practice. We will delve deep into this topic during our panel session, as well as explore inexpensive and simple methods that can be implemented to foster a culture of support and understanding for employees navigating this sensitive topic.

Featured speakers and panellists include:

Natlie Silverman, Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer, Fertility Matters at Work
Sheryl McKean, Principal Delivery Lead, Auto Trader UK
Rebecca Percy, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, EON.UK
Marina Leleko, Head of Talent, John Sisk & Son Ltd

So you think you’re inclusive? Creating a genuinely disability inclusive workplace
2025-03-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
With 1 in 3 of us impacted by disability, disability inclusion must be embedded throughout your organisation. This requires it to be ‘business as usual’ as opposed to something that is considered an ‘extra’ or an ‘add on’. However, disability is a huge topic, and it can be difficult to know where to start your journey of building a disability inclusive workplace.
This interactive webinar is designed to empower organisations to foster disability inclusion by addressing three critical areas: creating an inclusive workplace culture, enhancing recruitment practices through a disability lens, and effectively engaging with disabled students in early careers recruitment.
We will start by looking at how to create a genuinely inclusive workplace culture where employees feel empowered to be open about their disabilities and have equitable access to the support they require to thrive. We will then move on to look at inclusive recruitment; whilst no organization intentionally builds barriers into its recruitment processes, unintended obstacles often remain. This segment will include reviewing your end-to-end recruitment process through a disability lens in order to identify potential barriers at each stage. And finally, we will look at student recruitment. With an increasing number of disabled students graduating from universities, organisations must adapt their approaches to tap into this talent pool. As well as authentic engagement it will also require organisations to challenge their traditional assessment methods which often rely on rigid assessments, communication skills and cultural fit.
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
• Understand how to cultivate an inclusive culture that encourages openness and supports all employees.
• Be equipped to identify and address barriers in recruitment processes, ensuring fairness and accessibility.
• Learn actionable strategies to engage with disabled students, strengthening early careers recruitment and developing future leaders.

About the facilitator
Helen Cooke, CEO of MyPlus, is a leading authority in disability employment, with specific expertise in student recruitment. She founded MyPlus with the vision of ensuring that disability is no barrier to career success.
Through MyPlus, Helen empowers organisations to build disability inclusive practices & recognise the value of hiring disabled talent; clients include bp, EY, J.P. Morgan, Linklaters, and the BBC.
Helen also established the MyPlus Students’ Club, an innovative platform providing disabled students with essential resources and confidence to successfully transition from education to employment. The website also profiles inclusive employers and connects them directly with this increasing talent pool.
Helen’s approach is shaped by her HR and recruitment background, along with lived experience as a wheelchair user. Helen began her career with Marks & Spencer and Mars before founding MyPlus in 2005. Listed on the SHAW TRUST Disability Power 100 and Cranfield’s Women to Watch, MyPlus is also a Valuable 500 member and a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader.

Empowering women: Breaking barriers in the Modern Workplace
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Join us for an inspiring webinar spotlighting IATA’s groundbreaking 25by2025 initiative, which is driving transformative change in the aviation industry. Launched in 2019, this global effort unites 217 signatories in a shared commitment to increase female representation in senior leadership roles and traditionally underrepresented areas by 25% by 2025.
Discover how this initiative is reshaping aviation, empowering women, and breaking barriers, with real progress already visible: the number of female CEOs has soared from 3 to 32, and the industry has seen a 25% increase in female pilots. Beyond the numbers, 25by2025 fosters collaboration, shares success stories, and builds a roadmap for a more inclusive future.
Key Takeaways:

Insights from Success Stories: Learn from industry leaders about strategies and best practices driving diversity.
Collaborative Solutions: Explore how organisations are partnering to achieve shared diversity goals.
Practical Guidance: Gain actionable insights and tools to implement meaningful change within your own organisation.
The Impact of 25by2025: Understand the broader implications and its role in fostering global inclusion.

This webinar is designed for D&I professionals, HR leaders, diversity advocates, network chairs, and anyone passionate about building a more inclusive future.

Eid Mubarak
2025-03-30 - 2025-03-31

National Diversity Awards: Everything You Need to Know About the Nominations Process!
2025-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Join us for an exclusive webinar hosted by Founder & CEO Paul Sesay, alongside an incredible panel of judges, sponsors, and past winners!
2025 marks 14 years of The National Diversity Awards celebrating extraordinary role models, charities, and community champions who are making a real difference in equality, diversity, and inclusion across the UK.
With nominations now open (closing 14th May), this is your chance to hear first-hand from those who make it all happen, and those that have different perspectives on the process, from a past winner to an NDA judge. Our expert panel will share powerful insights, experiences, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on what it means to be part of this prestigious movement.
What to Expect:

How the National Diversity Awards are shaping the future of inclusion
A deep dive into the nomination & judging process
Why acknowledging unsung heroes is more important than ever
The vital role of sponsorship in driving diversity initiatives
Inspiring journeys from a past winner & the life-changing impact of an NDA win

Participating panellists:

Paul Sesay, CEO & Founder, The National Diversity Awards
Donna Fraser OBE, 4x Olympian, Inspirational Speaker, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist – NDA Judge
Jess Rad, Founder, The WomenHood – Winner of the Positive Role Model Award for Gender
Coral Taylor, Head of Diversity & Inclusion, HSBC UK – Headline Sponsor
Dawar Hashmi, Director, Penna – NDA Judge

Get involved! This interactive session includes a Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask our panel everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the awards.
Whether you’re nominating, supporting, or simply passionate about celebrating diversity—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Eating Disorders: Why it's a Workplace Issue - Facilitated by Ruth Steggles
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
This webinar has been developed as a relaxed information session for groups of parents and staff in your organisation. We encourage you to join the conversation.
Eating disorders are serious and on the rise. They don’t discriminate who they affect. Catching them early makes a big difference to recovery. This informational talk will help you spot the signs early and teach you what to do if you suspect you or someone you know has a problem. This relaxed and informal session will have plenty of time for you to get your questions answered.
As colleagues, managers, and HR professionals, understanding how to offer appropriate support can make a meaningful difference in fostering a compassionate and inclusive workplace.
In this insightful webinar, you will explore how to recognise the signs of eating disorders, navigate sensitive conversations, and create a supportive work environment.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Understanding eating disorders and their impact on workplace well-being
✔️ Recognising signs that a colleague may be struggling
✔️ Do’s and don’ts for supportive conversations
✔️ Creating a workplace culture that fosters well-being and inclusivity
✔️ Accessing resources and professional support options
About the speaker
Ruth steggles daughter developed an eating disorder at twelve. After her daughter’s recovery,Ruth trained as a coach and later a Positive Psychologist. Specialising in mental andemotional well-being, she now specialises in working with parents who have a child with aneating disorder, both 121 and in groups. Ruth delivers The Body Project, an evidence-basedintervention that reduces the incidents of eating disorders. Ruth regularly volunteers with the UK’s Leading eating disorder charity, BEAT.
Website: www.ruthsteggles.co.uk
Substack: www.substack.com/ruthsteggles
Email: ruth@ruthsteggles.co.uk
Podcast:

Intersectionality between neurodiversity and race
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Jannett Morgan
For many, ‘neurodiversity’ has become the new Black! But what happens if you are Black (i.e. of African heritage) and neurodivergent? Specifically, what happens to young adults when discrimination on the grounds of visible difference (ethnicity) intersects with discrimination on the grounds of hidden difference (neurodivergence)? With over twenty years as an educator and inclusive leadership consultant, Jannett Morgan addresses the neuro-elephant in the room and offers practical solutions from her new book “Young, Gifted, Dyslexic & Black: 7 Powerful Strategies for Success.

About the facilitator
Jannett is a teacher, trainer, consultant and coach specialising in Inclusive Leadership, whose mission is to help people lead in spaces that weren’t designed with them in mind. She is “one of the fifty most profound champions of inclusion, diversity professionals and D&I Leaders across the UK” included in the 2024-25 Diversity Power List. Inspired by her personal as well as professional experiences, Jannett has supported adult learners and employees with neurodevelopmental ‘hidden differences’, since 1998. During this time, she has delivered over 10,000 hours of support and consultancy to adult students, employees, managers and entrepreneurs. A specialist on the intersection of neurodiversity and race, Jannett is the author of “Young, Gifted, Dyslexic & Black: 7 Strategies for Success” and co-founder of Black Leadership & Excellence in Neurodiversity (BleND) CIC.

Intersectional Data Collection
2025-04-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Georgie Williams (they/them)
Data Ethics of DEI is a webinar designed to explain and explore the complexities around collecting quantitative data within DEI. Within this webinar, we explore how to recognise the unquantifiable facets of marginality and privilege within our data, the importance of language in data collection, and how to action our data insights practically within workspaces and organisations. This webinar will move beyond ideas of additive and subtractable “units” of inequality and consider how an intersectional lens can be implemented in data collection, to the benefit of all parties.
This webinar will be facilitated by Georgie Williams (they/them). Georgie is a professional gender and sexuality consultant, a graduate of the MSc Gender programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science and a deferred doctoral student of the Social Justice PhD programme at University College Dublin. They specialise in Transgender, Genderqueer, Nonbinary and Intersex research and education and founded the /Queer project in 2018 – a global platform for gender and sexuality research and resources. They also work in quantitative statistics, data analytics and as a data coach. Georgie lectures and conducts research from their standpoint as a nonbinary transgender individual.

Everything You Need to Know About Submitting to the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List (IT50)
2025-05-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
In a year like no other, the highly anticipated Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers Index was published in December 2024, celebrating organisations that are truly leading the way in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Now in its tenth year, the IT50 has become the UK’s premier cross-industry index, recognising employers that are setting new standards for workplace inclusion and innovation across all protected characteristics, including race, gender, disability, LGBTQ+, age, and more.
Does your organisation champion inclusion? Do you want to be recognised as a leader in workplace diversity? Being featured on the IT50 isn’t just an accolade—it’s a powerful industry benchmark that signals your commitment to DEI.
With submissions now open and closing on 15th August, this exclusive free webinar is designed to guide you through the application process, provide expert insights into crafting a stand out submission, and highlight the impact of being recognised on the IT50 List.

Why attend?
Join Sandra Pollock OBE, Lead DEI Consultant and IT50 Judge, and Abigail Kershaw, IT50 Data Analyst, as they share expert insights into what makes a winning submission and the impact IT50 recognition can have on your organisation.
What you’ll gain?

Understanding the IT50: What the list is, why it matters, and how it can benefit your organisation

Expert Submission Tips: Key elements that make a strong, compelling application, including data collection, community engagement, ERG’s, as well as the new employee engagement survey

Insights from the Latest IT50 Report: A breakdown of key DEI statistics and trends

Live Q&A: Get your questions answered by our expert speakers

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insider knowledge and position your organisation as a trailblazer in workplace inclusion. Register now!

About the facilitators:
Sandra Pollock OBE
Lead EDI Consultant & IT50 Judge
Sandra brings more than thirty years’ experience and knowledge spanning a wide range of sectors. Her award-winning expertise includes Leadership, Management, People development, Organisational Change, Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Membership growth. Sandra has worked with a range of business industries including Banking, Human Resources, Transport, Manufacturing, Engineering, Social Care, NHS, Membership, and the Voluntary sectors.
In addition to Executive Coaching at senior level, her skills incorporate facilitation, training, and development of programmes for Universities, Higher and Further education organisations as well as blue-chip companies.  Sandra’s business acumen has earned her numerous awards in recognition of her professional, community and business development contribution nationally.
Sandra currently holds a number of NED roles and has Chaired various regional and national organisations. Her work on equality has seen her speak at the EU Committee on issues of flexible working, equality in the workplace and the benefits of getting women back into work.  She has conducted many local, regional, and national business growth and other projects across England, Scotland, and Wales, and in particular working to engage with underrepresented groups in the workplace and the community.
Alongside her role as lead DEO consultant at Inclusive Companies, Sandra has founded a number of companies including Open Mind Training & Development Ltd, The Women’s Awards, SHINE, and Inspiring You CIC. In addition, Sandra is an international speaker, author, and equality activist and listed in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2020, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Equality.

Abigail Kershaw
IT50 data analyst
Abigail is a dedicated Data Analyst at Inclusive Companies, passionate about using data to drive meaningful change in workplace inclusivity. With a Master’s in Occupational Psychology, she specialises in analysing trends that enhance both business performance and the employee experience.
Her research on interviewing best practices for DEI has deepened her commitment to fostering equitable hiring processes and inclusive workplaces. This passion has fueled her drive to strengthen the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List (IT50), ensuring organisations are recognised for their efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion while continuously improving industry standards.
In addition to her analytical work, Abigail plans and delivers inclusive events, ensuring reasonable adjustments and a comfortable experience for all attendees. She plays a key role in organising the National Diversity Awards and Inclusive Awards, as well as roundtables, panel sessions, and networking events for Inclusive Companies, creating spaces where meaningful conversations and connections can thrive.
Abigail’s expertise lies in transforming complex data into actionable insights, helping businesses create more inclusive environments where all employees can thrive.

Why Inclusive Language Matters for Your Organisation
2025-05-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
A Webinar to Transform Your Perspective: Why Inclusive Language Matters
In her upcoming webinar, Why Inclusive Language Matters for Your Organisation, Leyla Okhai will delve into the essential role that language plays in fostering inclusivity and creating equitable workplaces. This session is designed to challenge, inform, and inspire attendees to embrace inclusive language as a powerful tool for change.

The webinar will cover the following key areas:

Exploring Inclusive Language Leyla will unpack what inclusive language is and why it matters in today’s world. Inclusive language goes beyond political correctness; it’s about recognising the dignity and identity of every individual. By choosing words and phrases thoughtfully, organisations can foster environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Leyla will provide practical insights into how inclusive language can influence organisational culture and drive positive change.
Reflecting on Intersectionality, Language, and Identity Language is deeply intertwined with identity and intersectionality. Leyla will guide participants in reflecting on how words impact individuals from diverse backgrounds and with overlapping identities. This segment will explore the nuances of intersectionality and the importance of being intentional in addressing people in ways that honour their unique experiences and perspectives.
Building Confidence in Adopting Evolving Language The landscape of language is ever-changing, and it can feel daunting to keep up with the latest terms and expressions. Leyla will equip participants with the tools and confidence to adopt inclusive language in their personal and professional lives. She will also address the reality of shifting terminology and how to approach these changes with humility and a willingness to learn.

Why You Should Join This Webinar
This webinar is not just a learning opportunity—it’s a call to action. Organisations and individuals committed to inclusion must recognise that language plays a foundational role in shaping experiences, relationships, and opportunities. By attending this session, you will:

Gain a deeper understanding of the power of words and how they can either build bridges or create barriers.
Learn practical strategies to embed inclusive language into your workplace policies, communications, and everyday interactions.
Develop a greater awareness of how intersectionality influences identity and the importance of reflecting this in your language.
Build the confidence to navigate the evolving nature of language with curiosity and openness, ensuring your organisation remains forward-thinking and inclusive.

For leaders, managers, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about creating inclusive spaces, this webinar is an unmissable chance to learn from one of the most respected voices in the inclusion and mental health space. Leyla’s wealth of experience, combined with her engaging and approachable style, ensures that every participant will leave with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to inclusion.
Join Leyla Okhai on this journey of understanding, reflection, and growth. Whether you’re looking to enhance your organisation’s inclusivity practices, gain a deeper understanding of intersectionality, or simply feel inspired, this webinar promises to deliver valuable insights that you can immediately apply. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading figures in the field and take meaningful steps towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

About Leyla
Leyla Okhai, the founder and CEO of Diverse Minds UK Ltd, stands as a powerful force for change in the fields of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Recognised as one of the key leaders in this space, Leyla has been featured on the prestigious Diversity Power List 2023/2024. Her organisation, Diverse Minds, is dedicated to creating positively productive workplaces for everyone by delivering training, coaching, and consultancy focusing on wellbeing, mental health, and race equity. Leyla‘s work and innovative approach are reshaping the landscape of inclusive workplaces and mental health practices. With over 18 years of experience developing and implementing DEI strategies, Leyla has worked extensively with senior leadership teams across private and public sectors. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of topics, including mental health, race equity, and intersectionality. This breadth of knowledge positions her as one of the leading voices in driving real, actionable change in organisations that strive to foster inclusivity and equity for their teams.

Inclusive Companies X LUSH: Empowering ERGs
2025-05-14 10:00 - 15:00 | 3rd Floor, LUSH Liverpool, 38 - 46 Church Street, Liverpool, L1 3AW, United Kingdom
Join Inclusive Companies for this exciting workshop, it will take place at one of the world’s largest LUSH stores, located in the heart of Liverpool, on Wednesday 14th of May from 10am to 3pm.

During this half-day session, you’ll be guided by Inclusive Companies’ very own Lucian Main as he aims to provide you with a range of accessible tools and activities to help you sustain your ERGs and prevent burnout. Whether you’re looking to invigorate your group’s efforts, seeking new strategies to keep your initiatives thriving, or even looking to form your first ERG this event offers valuable insights and practical resources.
Who Should Attend

ED&I Leads
Heads of ERGs
ERG Members

This is a unique opportunity to network with peers, share experiences, and learn from others who are equally passionate about fostering inclusive and supportive workplace communities. Plus, the event will be hosted in a truly inspiring setting – LUSH Liverpool, with their tagline, all are welcome always it is set to be a welcoming and transformative day of collaboration.

*This event has a maximum capacity of 40 so is expected to sell out quickly, please book early to avoid disappointment and if you are unable to attend, please let a member of the Inclusive Companies team know as soon as possible so we can notify those on the waiting list.
Keynote Speaker
Alysha Adams
Alysha Adams is a People & Culture Specialist who works at the intersection of people, culture, and equity. She has experience creating, refining, and scaling ERGs in both the charity and tech sectors, including at Age UK and MONY Group. Her focus is on helping ERGs become meaningful drivers of inclusion and engagement.

For further information and to register your free place, please contact lucian@inclusivecompanies.co.uk

Evidence-Based Approaches in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Lisa Shoko
On World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, Inclusive Companies and Liverpool Women’s invites you to a dynamic and thought-provoking webinar exploring evidence-based approaches to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) across industries. As organisations strive to create fairer, more inclusive workplaces, the need for strategies grounded in research, data, and measurable outcomes has never been greater.
This session will provide professionals, leaders, and EDI practitioners with practical insights on how to move beyond performative efforts and implement meaningful, sustainable change. Whether you are at the beginning of your EDI journey or looking to refine your approach, this webinar will equip you with the tools to drive real impact.
What to Expect:

The Role of Data in EDI – Understanding how to collect, interpret, and apply data to inform strategies that foster inclusivity and equity.
Addressing Structural Inequalities – Identifying barriers within organisational systems and designing interventions that create lasting change.
Embedding Inclusive Leadership – Exploring the responsibilities of leaders in creating cultures of accountability, allyship, and belonging.
Lessons from Real-World Case Studies – Learning from best practices across different industries, with a focus on practical implementation.
Measuring Success in EDI – Defining meaningful metrics to track progress and ensure continuous improvement.

Why Attend?

Gain actionable insights that go beyond surface-level diversity initiatives.
Learn data-driven strategies to create inclusive workplaces where all employees can thrive.
Hear from industry experts and practitioners on what works—and what doesn’t—when embedding EDI principles into organisational culture.
Engage in a thoughtful discussion on how evidence-based approaches can lead to long-term, systemic change.

About the facilitator
Lisa Shoko is an experienced consultant, facilitator, and leader with a strong focus on anti-racism, equity, and organisational change. She has worked extensively across sectors, helping teams and senior leaders build inclusive cultures that address systemic inequities.
Lisa is the Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, Co-Chair of the Race Equality Panel for the Liverpool City Region and leads an anti-racism hub that supports organisations in embedding meaningful, sustainable change. She also runs Venekai, an organisation dedicated to culture diagnostics, leadership coaching, and strategic interventions for equity and inclusion.
With a background in policy, leadership development, and facilitation, Lisa’s work is informed by both research and lived experience. She supports individuals and organisations in navigating complex issues around race, power, and accountability, ensuring that inclusion goes beyond surface-level commitments to create lasting impact.

Empathy - The Keystone of Diversity and Inclusion
2025-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Facilitated by Neil Lewis, The Empathy Coach
In this 60-minute session, Neil will bust some myths around empathy, and demonstrate how empathy is the key skill when it comes to understanding and accepting realities different to our own. Empathy can be easy when there are similarities, but it becomes a more deliberate act where a choice is required when things feel different. We’ll explore the barriers to empathy and how to overcome them – two insights fundamental to understanding and accepting diversity, which in turn creates a culture of non-judgement and inclusion. There’ll be time to ask Neil anything, so bring your empathic challenges with you for us to unpick together!

About the facilitator
Neil Lewis, known as The Empathy Coach, is an award-winning speaker, author, and personal development expert dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through the transformative power of empathy. Since 2012, Neil has dedicated his career to helping others build trusted, credible relationships, cultivate emotional intelligence in both personal and professional settings and become better able to adapt their approach to influence and lead others, all by the power of becoming more self-aware.
Since 2015, Neil has worked closely with psychotherapists to understand the ways in which they use empathy and relational practice to create safe spaces that foster deep personal growth. For 5 years, he worked primarily with adult Public Service professionals, instilling empathic and relationship-based practice into their approach, enabling them to create more sustainable behaviour change in problematic individuals, families and those in crisis.
Through coaching, learning, speaking, mediation, consultancy and policy advice, Neil has inspired countless individuals to embrace empathy as a powerful tool for growth, leadership, resilience, and success. His approach blends research-backed strategies with real-world applications, enabling his clients to develop greater self-awareness, overcome barriers to emotional connection, and create environments of trust and collaboration.
Schooled in MBTI, NLP, Mindfulness, Yoga Instruction and a certified Level 7 Coach, Neil is committed to helping others rise above their challenges by fostering a deeper sense of empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-empowerment. In 2020, he established ‘The Empathy Coach’, the UK’s first coaching, learning and consultancy practice that specialises in empathic approaches. He works with individuals, families, and organisations to help them become more self-aware, more empathic, and foster stronger relationships for mutual gain.
As the author of Ready to Rise: The Self-Awareness and Resilience to Change Your Life, published in 2024, Neil encourages readers to tap into their inner strength and resilience through empathy and self-reflection. In 2024, he contributed a chapter to the academic resource, “Handbook of Quality of Life and Social Change”, edited by Dr. Cornelia Walther and published by Springer. Neil believes that empathy not only improves individual well-being but also drives positive change in communities, organizations, and leadership.

Driving Social Mobility: Shifting Mindsets on Social Mobility Awareness Day
2025-06-12 09:30 - 13:00 | Autotrader, 1 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester, M15 4FN
Join us for a groundbreaking event at Autotrader, Manchester, a collaboration between The National Diversity Awards, Inclusive Companies, and Autotrader, bringing together businesses and communities to drive real change on Social Mobility Awareness Day 2025 #ShiftingMindsets.
Date: Thursday 12th June | 09.30 – 13.00
Venue: Autotrader, 1 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester, M15 4FN

Why Social Mobility Matters
Social mobility remains one of the biggest challenges in the UK, with talent often restricted by postcode, background, or lack of access to networks and opportunities. Many organisations are now taking proactive steps to address these barriers, creating more equitable hiring practices, mentorship programs, and sustainable career-building opportunities to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have access to meaningful employment.
This event is a must-attend for all organisations committed to workplace diversity, equitable hiring, and real social impact. It is an opportunity for businesses to engage with diverse communities and explore how they can actively contribute to breaking down employment barriers, fostering inclusive hiring practices, and creating sustainable opportunities for career progression. It’s about turning conversations into action and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.
What to Expect:

Panel Discussions with Industry Leaders – Hear from DEI professionals, community leaders and inspirational speakers, sharing best practices for inclusive hiring, outreach, and partnership-building.

Networking Opportunities – Connect with other forward-thinking organisations and diverse communities to establish meaningful collaborations.

Workshops – participate in break out sessions to hear what other employers are doing in this space and discuss challenges and solutions.

Commitment to Action – Discover how businesses are implementing strategies to level the playing field, how you can be part of the movement, and learn about the new Elevate 1000 Initiative.

This event is not just a conversation—it’s a call to action. We invite businesses, charities, grassroots organisations, and professionals to come together and commit to building bridges that create equitable opportunities for all.
Be part of the movement. Join us, connect, collaborate, and take the first step in creating a more inclusive and accessible future for all.

AGENDA
09.30 – 09.45
Delegate Arrival & Registration
09.45 – 10.00
Paul Sesay | Founder & CEO | Inclusive Companies & Elevate 1000 & Sarah Brooks Pearce | Head of Early Careers/Emerging Talent and Social Mobility Network Lead | Autotrader
10.00 – 10.15
Joanne Anderson, Former Mayor of Liverpool, internationally-recognised advocate for equity, inclusive prosperity and social impact, Founder of Innervision

10.15 – 11.00
Panel

Alison Ross MBE | Chief People & Operations Officer, Autotrader

Jason King, Senior Team leader, Salford Foundation

Dr Rashada Harry | Tech Exec Leader, Technologist Speaker, Mentor, Founder of Your Future Your Ambition

Shane Ryan MBE | Writer, Advocate, Senior Advisor to The National Lottery Community Fund

11.00 – 11.15
Q&A session
11.15 – 11.30
Interval
11.30 – 12.15
Workshop
12.15 – 13.00
Lunch
