In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive of Working Families – the UK’s leading work-life balance charity working to remove the barriers faced by working parents and carers.

Jane and Tash discuss the wide range of support offered by Working Families, including their free legal advice line, which helps working parents and carers understand and assert their workplace rights. They explore how the charity works directly with employers to create truly flexible and family-friendly environments, and how this benefits all employees – not just those with caring responsibilities.

This episode dives into key themes including:

• The importance of flexible working for individuals and organisations
• Insights from the Working Families Index and what it tells us about modern working life
• Equalising parental leave and providing better support for dads
• Enhancing workplace policies for adoption, fostering, and surrogacy
• Why job design, line manager training, and leadership culture are essential for embedding flexibility
• The small changes organisations can make that have a big impact
• Advocating for policy change based on lived experience and best practice

📅 The significance of National Work Life Week in promoting better work-life balance

Jane brings a wealth of practical insight into what’s working, what needs to change, and how organisations can take meaningful steps towards becoming more inclusive and supportive for all working families.

Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, line manager or someone balancing work and care, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help drive positive change.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram

Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.

In this, our 17th episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Tash is joined by April Dawn, founder of Creating Equals, to explore the unique challenges Black women face in the workplace and the impact of racialized trauma on their lives.

April shares her experiences working with Black women affected by domestic abuse, health inequality, and workplace discrimination, highlighting the urgent need for safe spaces and cultural competence within organisations.

Together, they unpack:

• Misogynoir – the intersection of racism and sexism Black women experience.
• The impact of hair discrimination on confidence and authenticity at work.
• Why knowing your worth is essential when negotiating pay and opportunities.
• The importance of real allyship in driving meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• How organisations can go beyond performative DEI efforts to create real change.

This conversation is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone committed to fostering truly inclusive workplaces.

Join Tash and April Dawn for this insightful and thought-provoking discussion.

🎞️ You can also watch this episode on our YouTube Channel

#DiverseTalkMatters #BlackWomenAtWork #EquityAndInclusion #SafeSpaces #Misogynoir #KnowYourWorth #Authenticity #DiversityInLeadership

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram

Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.

In this, our 16th episode of Diverse Talk Matters, we delve into the importance of LGBT+ inclusion in schools with two incredible guests, Lynne Nicholls and Sue Sanders, Co-founder of UK LGBT History Month. This episode launches just in time for LGBT History Month and highlights the essential work of Schools Out UK, an organisation dedicated to promoting LGBT+ inclusion in education.

Lynne Nicholls and Sue Sanders share the history of Schools Out, from its formation in 1974 by teachers frustrated with the lack of support for LGBT+ issues in schools, to the lasting impact of Section 28, a piece of legislation that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in schools for 15 years. They discuss how the Classroom website, a free resource for teachers, helps integrate LGBT+ inclusion across the curriculum, and why intersectionality is crucial for creating inclusive educational spaces.

The conversation also explores the challenges schools face in implementing LGBT+ inclusion, including resistance from some parents, teachers, and school leaders. Lynne and Sue provide valuable advice on how to engage parents, educate the wider teaching community, and create safe and inclusive spaces for all students.

Throughout the episode, they stress the importance of LGBT History Month and the work of initiatives like Outing the Past, which seeks to reclaim and share hidden LGBT+ histories through presentations, plays, and videos.

Tune in to discover how we can foster inclusive education that celebrates diversity and supports the well-being of every student.

Join Tash, Lynne Nicholls, and Sue Sanders for this insightful and inspiring conversation.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram

Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.

In this episode, host Tash sits down with guests Karen Geddes and Marcia Orr to discuss the unique challenges faced by black women in policing. They share their personal journeys, delve into the creation of the organisation Women in the Shade, and address the ongoing struggles for representation and support within uniformed services.

💡 Key topics include:
• The importance of mentorship and self-advocacy.
• Building inclusive environments within law enforcement.
• The role of systemic change in fostering representation and equity.
• Insights into the upcoming Women in the Shade conference, a pivotal event supporting black women in uniformed services (Find out more https://womenintheshade.com/home)

Karen and Marcia's powerful stories shine a light on the significance of community service, targeted recruitment, and empowerment within these spaces.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram

Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.

In this powerful episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid welcomes Simon Croft from Gendered Intelligence to discuss the critical topic of trans inclusion. Together, they unpack:

✨ The difference between gender and sex and why it’s essential to understand.
✨ The challenges of advocating for trans rights and the role of education and open dialogue.
✨ Practical steps for employers to create supportive and inclusive workplaces.
✨ Trans inclusion in sports and the impact of intersectionality.
✨ The importance of active allyship, trans-inclusive healthcare, and mental health support.

Simon also shares valuable insights into fostering supportive school environments for trans youth and the transformative power of recognising lived experiences to drive meaningful inclusion.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to creating inclusive spaces in their communities and workplaces.

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation about how we can all do more to support trans inclusion.

#DiverseTalkMatters #TransInclusion #GenderedIntelligence #DiversityAndInclusion #Allyship #InclusionMatters

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram

Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, we sit down with Lily Samuels, a nutritionist specialising in menopause and perimenopause, to discuss the critical role of nutrition during this stage of life. Lily sheds light on the lack of research surrounding women's health and emphasises the need for more support, particularly when it comes to nutrition.

Tune in as Lily explains how proper nutrition can support bone health, weight management, and heart health during menopause. She shares practical tips on incorporating vital nutrients like fibre, healthy fats, calcium, and vitamin D into everyday meals, and discusses the importance of avoiding ultra-processed foods and reducing alcohol consumption.

With real-life success stories and expert advice, Lily also explores how nutrition can ease menopause symptoms and the role employers can play in supporting women during this transition. Whether you’re in the midst of menopause, approaching it, or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights to help navigate this phase with better health and wellbeing.

Listen now for expert guidance and empowering strategies and remember to share!

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram

Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, host Natasha Broomfield-Reid sits down with guests Marcus Morgan and Lynne Nicholls to explore the complexities of bisexual inclusion. Together, they define bisexuality, discuss the challenges faced by the bisexual community, and confront the misconception that the 'B' in LGBTQ is silent.

Through personal stories of coming out, the guests reveal the stigma, stereotypes, and invisibility that bisexual individuals often encounter—both within the LGBTQ community and in wider society. They emphasise the need for visibility, acceptance, and diverse representation in media, workplaces, and social spaces.

The conversation highlights the importance of education and training in promoting understanding and breaking down harmful misconceptions. The episode also offers practical recommendations for employers on how to ensure bisexual employees feel supported and recognised for their whole identities.

Tune in for a powerful and enlightening discussion that challenges stereotypes and calls for greater inclusivity and intersectionality in all areas of life.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram

Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, hosted by Mikayla Sinead, we delve into the intricate dynamics of workplace banter. Joined by insightful guests Luise Usiskin and Paula Whelan-Cooper, we explore the definition, impact, and boundaries of banter in professional settings.

Our conversation highlights the significance of power dynamics and the experiences of marginalised groups, emphasising the need for hyper-awareness and a keen understanding of social cues to ensure inclusivity.

We dissect how exclusionary tactics in banter can marginalise certain groups and discuss the pivotal role of leaders in setting an inclusive tone. This episode also examines the necessity of training programmes that help employers navigate and understand the boundaries of banter, aiming to foster a workplace culture where humour is used thoughtfully and everyone's boundaries are respected.

Tune in to understand how to use humour in a way that promotes dignity at work and ensures a comfortable and inclusive environment for all.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

Or connect with us on social media

Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram

Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.