Janet is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, and has worked across some the UK’s best known, and largest, brands, in both Inclusion, Learning and Talent roles across the last two decades. She has been part of Senior Leadership Teams in Whitbread PLC, Sainsbury’s PLC and Virgin Active Ltd, and is an established, credible leader, familiar with operating at an Executive and Board level.

Her inclusion work has been recognised externally through both individual awards, and company accreditations, and she is often asked to share her knowledge and speak at DE&I conferences.

What are you looking forward to about your role at Inclusive Employers?

Having led in-house DE&I programmes at some of the UK’s largest businesses, I am really looking forward to utilising my knowledge and passion to help our member companies achieve their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals.

I deeply believe that inclusion matters, and that society has a way to go to be truly equitable. I understand the challenges well-meaning businesses face in trying to do this well, and am excited to be part of a business with such deep expertise and passion to do just this.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

I have achieved many awards and strategically led to successful accreditations to showcase inclusion – the best of which was being placed 10th overall in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2024.

The initiative I’m proudest of, that means the most to me personally, is leading the Thrive programme – helping young people with Special Educational Needs into employment through a unique programme, partnering with several colleges and local authorities across the UK.

This scheme is life-changing for the young people and their families, and it is an area I’m incredibly passionate about. Only 4.8% of young people with learning disabilities are in paid employment in the UK – a shocking statistic and one that I’d like to play a small part in changing.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Work hard, play hard, and be kind. It’s kind of my mantra, and is on a wall in my house.

Tell us something about you that we might not know

I’m a big sports fan, and have had a passion for Formula One racing since being a young child. I have bits of memorabilia all around my house, including a chequered flag signed by multiple world champions, and a race worn Michael Schumacher tyre.