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

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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

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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

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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.