Advance Inclusion in your workplace
Lead the way to create inclusive workplaces with expert support, tailored resources, and a vibrant member community. Inclusive Employers membership gives you the tools and insights to advance inclusion and make a lasting impact.
1) Can you tell us how you came to be in your role?
To be honest, my journey into this role was not a direct or obvious one – but upon reflection, it does seem like a very fitting arena for me to land in, and it now feels exactly where I should be.
At the age of 21, I joined Hampshire Constabulary as a Police officer. I did so knowing that I had an overwhelming drive to; help those in need, to stand up for injustices and to protect the vulnerable, and for 18.5 years that is exactly what I did. I saw the good, the bad and often the exceptionally ugly aspects of society, and it highlighted to me just how damn lucky I had been throughout it all.
I grew up in a household so full of unconditional love and support that coming out at the age of 19 was a beautiful (albeit scary) time in my life, not the period of horror and hurt experienced by so many. I was made to feel so safe and proud of who I was, yet at every corner I turned I met someone who had not experienced that same privilege.
So even though I had not yet realised I&D was an explicit focus of mine, I inadvertently built it into my career in the police and I strived to support those who were not afforded the same levels of Inclusion or psychological safety everywhere I could. I joined various support networks and worked hard to get all voices heard. People came to me for support and a safe set of ears, and I felt great pride in that.
In the latter stages of my career, I became a qualified L&D trainer for the constabulary and fell in love with training. I slowly became aware of the wonderful work done by Inclusive Employers, and this coincided with some pretty life changing events in my own personal life which altered my own direction and drive. I realised I wanted, and more importantly, needed a new chapter in my life. Gladly that became my move to Inclusive Employers.
2) Can you share an ‘Inclusive moment’ with us – a time when you felt included either at work or in your personal life?
Yes, there is an absolute stand out moment for me that will forever make me smile!
Picture the scene; I have literally just started my new role in the L&D department for the police. Although an established and experienced officer, I am a brand-new trainer and don’t know any of my new colleagues or Sergeant. They know nothing about me.
Meanwhile, in my ‘home life’ my wife Kelly and I are embarking on what turned out to be a very difficult and arduous IVF journey spanning several years, and multiple heartbreaks.
It is my very first 1-2-1 with my new sergeant….. this is a lot to offload onto someone I have never met right?!
Wrong. That conversation saw the birth of ‘OPERATION EGG’ (All significant events in policing are given Operation names) and this was deemed to be so significant to my sergeant, that it was lovingly given its own name. With my permission, ‘Operation Egg’ was shared with all my colleagues, the management and resourcing team (who also adopted the name!) and any potential barriers I might have faced in order to attend appointments, support my wife, or frankly cry in a heap were removed time and time again by that Sergeant.
The result of Operation Egg you ask? Two beautiful little boys, and a lifelong friendship with the exact leader I needed in my life at that time. A true role model for Inclusive leadership, and a vital support in the success of the ‘Operation’.
Learn more about our Inclusion and Diversity Courses and Qualifications to see what kind of support we offer“I am really lucky in that I get to keep in contact with many of my learners, who return to student support sessions as they work towards their qualifications.”
3) What do you love most about your role?
I know it’s probably somewhat cliched but learning. Every single day, without fail I learn something new, whether that be from my research, a session I attend or deliver – or even from simple chats with colleagues. I am being exposed to so many different inspirational people that I can feel the depth and breadth of my own knowledge growing daily, and that is so satisfying.
4) What is a typical day like for you?
Well, with a 5- and 3-year-old it tends to start early – but I like that. It means I get a few hours of Pokémon’s, Dinosaurs (and a few strong coffees) in before I have to turn on my ‘work brain.’
Then as you can imagine no two days are the same, and I love that. I could be delivering a qualification, designing resources or webinars, supporting students or studying towards my own qualification. It is so varied, and it keeps the excitement for the future well and truly ignited.
5) What’s been your most memorable moment in your Inclusion Career?
I am really lucky in that I get to keep in contact with many of my learners, who return to student support sessions as they work towards their qualifications. As such, there have been quite a few occasions where they have returned with tales of how they have used their newfound knowledge in the workplace. One student shared with me how they had to challenge some inappropriate behaviour in her department and how they just wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing so before the course.
To be doing something that I am so passionate about, whilst knowing that somewhere it is having a positive effect on people and Inclusion is hugely satisfying.
Do you have more questions for the Inclusive Employers team?
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Advance Inclusion in your workplace
Lead the way to create inclusive workplaces with expert support, tailored resources, and a vibrant member community. Inclusive Employers membership gives you the tools and insights to advance inclusion and make a lasting impact.