Over the last 12–18 months we have hosted sessions with various people to open up our own perspectives. These include:

Em Stroud – the Comic Coach

Em Stroud, known as the Comic Coach, shared her approach to coaching leaders to inspire, engage, and lead authentically. She discussed how her unique method helps individuals uncover and tell their stories, gain fresh perspectives, and rekindle joy and passion in their work.

Daisy Handley – inclusive innovation

Daisy Handley, a designer specialising in brand, UX, and innovation, spoke about her work with Studio Exception. She explained how the studio drives innovation by collaborating with marginalised communities to create inclusive and impactful solutions.

Dawn Velody – looking after yourself during domestic abuse

Dawn Velody delivered a session on the myths, facts, and risk factors surrounding domestic abuse. This awareness-raising session was designed to support inclusivity and encourage understanding. Participants were reminded of the sensitivity of the topic and signposted to the following resources:

Support resources:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

• Galop LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428

Humankind – amplifying underheard voices

Humankind, a specialist research agency focused on accessibility and underrepresented voices, shared insights into their work. They discussed their DEI testing methods and provided practical approaches to help organisations improve accessibility and inclusivity.

Psychological safety – fostering inclusion and collaboration

Kirstie Sneyd, an organisational psychologist, facilitated a session on psychological safety and its role in creating a positive and inclusive organisational culture. The session covered:

• Understanding psychological safety: Its importance, its similarities and differences with trust, and its role in fostering learning and collaboration.

• The role of inclusion: Identifying biases and practical strategies for managing them.

• Building psychological safety: Actionable methods to embed psychological safety within teams and organisations.

Kirstie’s expertise in human behaviour provided participants with valuable tools to enhance inclusion and collaboration in their work. (LinkedIn)