In this deep conversation about the real experience of the transition into parenthood and the identity shift that happens for people when they become parents, Frances and Ursula explore how employers can transform the return experience, overcome bias and assumptions and leverage the skills working parents bring to their work.

Frances shares lots of practical, actionable steps leaders can take to engage and retain working mothers and fathers, and sets out the skills leaders and managers need today in 2024.

You can find out more about Frances's amazing work at https://thematernitycoach.com/

In this straight-talking conversation with Paul Nugent, Chief Executive of Santé Group, we explore practical ways employers can make sure their benefits structure is truly inclusive, and the impact on engagement and performance when this is done right. We talk about how vital it is for leaders to use all communication channels available to engage with every single employee (not just those who are easier to reach) to find out what they need, and how now more than ever flexibility and choice lie at the intersection of meeting the needs of a diverse workforce.

Paul speaks passionately about his belief that a combination of visiting people to gather anecdotal feedback, spot trends and pick up on areas of dissatisfaction joined with using tech platforms to build an overall picture of needs through digital surveys will provide organisations with the ability to make data-driven decisions about their employee benefits.

You can find out more about Paul’s work and Santé Group at https://santegroup.co.uk

In this genuine treat of a conversation new on the podcast this week with founder of the Competence Centre for Workplace Equity, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue we explore:

- Why a DEI strategy that's not linked to organisational strategy will always struggle to get buy-in and how to change it

- Why you're not behind in your DEI journey and how to overcome this mindset

- How taking more action doesn't always equal more progress and what to do instead

- How to equip every person responsible for delivering DEI initiatives with the core competencies they need to be effective and drive exceptional results

- How to start gathering evidence and data from within your organisation and stop relying on external research sources to drive decision making

- How to cultivate neutrality as a DEI practitioner, putting aside personal perspectives and activism, focusing instead on organisational strategy

Huge thanks to Ashanti for her generosity in sharing so much in such a value-packed conversation. We’re thrilled this is just a taster of what you can expect from Ashanti, who will be joining us at the Inclusive Workplace Conference on 20th & 21st November in London.

Here’s the link to see the agenda and book your place: www.theinclusiveworkplace.com

The links we referred to in the episode are:

https://www.ccweglobal.com/

https://www.ccweglobal.com/competency-framework