Inclusive Employers “5 minutes with…” Claire Williams
Who are the people that make inclusion an everyday reality? This feature gives you the chance to find out more about the team behind Inclusive Employers - our values, stories, motivations and inspirations.
This month we hear from Claire Williams, our MD Operations, and one of the founders of Inclusive Employers.
Can you tell us how you came to be Managing Director of Operations at Inclusive Employers?
I have been with Inclusive Employers from the start and have been a Director since the beginning too. Prior to this role I had a career in HR. I began my career as an HR graduate in a local authority. I worked my way up to the role of Assistant HRD at Hampshire Police, were I was responsible for the HR function.
Like so many women, the demands of a two career household and two small children were too much, and in the end I gave up my job. I had really loved it. It was complex and challenging, but nothing will compare to the joy of having 18 months at home with my daughter before she started school. I started doing a broad range of people-related consultancy, fitting it in with family life until I started at Inclusive Employers 10 years ago.
Can you share an ‘inclusion moment’ with us – a time when you have felt included either at work or in your personal life?
I have the privilege of inclusion everyday as I learn from my team. In a very busy environment slowing down to listen is not always a priority. But I have colleagues that will make me slow down, listen and learn and that is precious.
What do you love most about your role?
Our team ????
What is a typical day like for you?
Our work is so varied and any day could involve conversations with colleagues and members, planning and developing new inclusion initiatives. My main focus at the moment is managing growth organically, whilst keeping the magical essence of Inclusive Employers. We are all still working at creating organisational “glue” to counteract the impact of lockdown.
On a personal level, I have an 11 year old Labrador called Rufus who needs a walk each day, which is lovely distraction from the screen! Through lockdown I have loved Graysons Art club, Sky Arts Portrait Artist, Pottery Throwdown, Sewing Bee…. I love watching talented people create beautiful things. Sometimes I have a go myself!
What’s been you most memorable moment working at Inclusive Employers?
Too many to choose from! But in anticipation (if that’s allowed!), the day we all get back together again after 18 months apart.
We offer a range of CMI accredited qualifications and courses that support you to progress your inclusion and diversity career. Find out which is best for you here. Our brilliant range of webinars are also designed to support individual and organisational development and understanding of I&D.
To meet more people that make inclusion an everyday reality, see our full series of “5 minutes with…”