As an ally, your action can be powerful for people who face barriers by society. We’re using National Inclusion Week to focus on allyship as an action, rather than a label and how you can listen, learn and advocate for others so we can all feel a sense of belonging.
Learn
Being curious and learning about other people and their experiences is a great first step. Being proactive in our learning (and in some cases, unlearning!), helps us to increase our understanding and remain mindful and sensitive of others.
We have three fantastic events this week for you to immerse yourself in to learn more. Sign up now, they are not one to miss.
Tuesday 26 September
A Conversation with Dr Emily Pattinson, 13:00 on Teams.
Athena will be joined by Dr Emily Pattinson (They/She/He) from Inclusive Employers for a discussion and Q&A about inclusion in the workplace and their experience as a non-binary person. Save the Teams event to your diaries and add your questions for Emily, to Slido, here by Friday 22 September. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions on the day.
Wednesday 27 September
Meet your networks, between 10:00-12:00, The Atrium.
Meet members of CUK’s Employee Led Networks for a chat, and find out more about what the networks need from you as an ally and the ways you can get involved. Free hot drinks and treats will be provided!
Thursday 28 September
Ambitious about Autism, 13:00, Teams and Las Palmas.
Join Jade Fuller, Ambitious about Autism, m’power and members of our Technology team and find out how making small adjustments can create massive change.
Ambitious about Autism recently worked with our Technology team to help them access a talent pool that is largely untapped due to a lack of knowledge and experience. Through working with the charity, the team made adjustments which helped them to successfully source talent for two roles, where recruitment had previously failed.
Three simple ways to learn
Take responsibility for your own education and use resources around you to learn about the issues that are important to underrepresented communities.
Be proactive and take the time to read, listen, watch and deepen your understanding of other peoples’ experiences.
Be open to the idea of being wrong sometimes and making mistakes. Listen and accept criticism with grace, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Are you a leader?
If you’re a manager and haven’t yet signed up to Leadership and Management Essentials, it is a practical and thought-provoking programme that will help you become the best leader you can be. Inclusive leadership forms part of the training under Level 1. The workshop aims to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and techniques to develop an inclusive leadership approach, including an awareness of your own potential biases.