Inclusive Voices Podcast

In this episode, recorded during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we explore the growing importance of creating inclusive pathways into employment and why neurodiversity is a powerful asset in today’s workforce.We’re joined by Phil Eaves, Social Sustainability Manager for the Midlands at BAM, who shares how the company supports young people through structured work placements, T Level industry placements, and vocational training opportunities. Phil discusses how focusing on individual strengths — rather than perceived barriers — can unlock hidden potential, particularly for neurodivergent learners who may struggle in traditional classroom environments.The conversation highlights how inclusive workplace practices not only benefit individuals but also strengthen organisations by bringing diverse perspectives, creative thinking, technical skills, and improved problem-solving to teams.We also discuss practical steps employers can take to support young talent, including mentoring, apprenticeships, flexible learning approaches, and partnerships with education providers.Finally, the episode points listeners toward the UK Government’s Skills for Life initiative, which connects employers and young people with resources, training routes, and opportunities to build future careers.This episode is a reminder that when workplaces focus on what people can do and design environments where everyone can succeed, they unlock potential that benefits individuals, businesses, and the wider community. 

In the latest episode of the Inclusive Voices – Skills for Inclusion Podcast, I was joined by Saro Nakashian, an inclusion consultant with over three decades of experience working at the intersection of skills, employment, entrepreneurship and social impact in Palestine.Our conversation explored what inclusion really means when systems are constrained, labour markets are fragile, and uncertainty is part of everyday life. What quickly became clear is that many of the assumptions that underpin skills and employment programmes in more stable contexts simply do not hold in places like the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem — and that adapting to this reality is not optional, but essential.For Saro, inclusion is fundamentally about equity rather than equality. Delivering the same programme, funding or stipend to everyone does not create fairness when geography, regulation, cost of living and mobility restrictions differ so sharply. True inclusion requires programmes that are designed around people’s lived realities — even when this increases complexity or cost.A recurring theme throughout the episode was the importance of going to people, rather than expecting people to come to programmes. In fragile contexts, centralised delivery models often exclude those with the least access. Saro described how working through local NGOs, community organisations and ministry offices allows programmes to reach marginalised communities, particularly women and young people living far from urban centres. Inclusion, in this sense, is as much about where and how training is delivered as what is delivered.Employer engagement also emerged as a critical success factor. Even in unstable economies, employers play a vital role in shaping relevant skills pathways. Saro shared examples of programmes co-designed with employers — sometimes even before businesses were operational — ensuring training aligned directly with real labour market demand. These partnerships not only improved employment outcomes but also built trust and shared ownership across the system.Flexibility, however, is what truly defines delivery in fragile contexts. Fixed timetables, rigid attendance rules and inflexible milestones often fail in environments affected by curfews, conflict or sudden disruption. Instead, Saro described highly responsive models where training schedules were adapted in real time, participants were personally supported, and delivery adjusted to ensure safety and continuity. Inclusion, here, becomes an active and ongoing practice rather than a static design principle.The discussion also explored entrepreneurship, often promoted as a solution where job creation is limited. While entrepreneurship can offer real opportunity, Saro cautioned against poorly designed programmes that overlook access to markets, finance, connectivity or payment systems. Without these, entrepreneurship risks shifting responsibility onto young people without giving them the tools to succeed. Effective support must therefore extend beyond training to include the wider enabling environment.Perhaps the most powerful reflection came when Saro spoke about leadership. After more than 30 years in the field, his central lesson was simple: participation matters most. Sustainable inclusion is achieved when people — particularly women and marginalised youth — are trusted to shape their own pathways, contribute to programme design, and take ownership of solutions. They know their needs better than any external actor ever could.This episode is a reminder that inclusion is not a theory or a donor requirement. It is a daily, practical commitment shaped by context, constraint and courage. The lessons shared by Saro Nakashian resonate far beyond Palestine and offer valuable guidance for anyone working to build skills and employment systems that genuinely reach those furthest from opportunity.

Welcome to this episode of Inclusive Voices, where we dive into the essential topic of neurodiversity in the workplace with our guest, Nora Toma. A passionate advocate and professional navigating her own experiences with ADHD and ASD, Nora shares invaluable insights on creating inclusive environments for all. In our conversation, we explore the significance of self-awareness and understanding for neurodivergent individuals, as well as practical strategies employers can adopt to foster a supportive culture. From the importance of flexibility in work arrangements to the collective responsibility of building inclusive teams, Nora's guidance is both practical and empowering. Join us as we uncover how simple yet effective changes can make a profound difference in the workplace, proving that inclusion is not just a goal but a shared journey.

Welcome to Inclusive Voices, where we tackle real-world challenges and explore practical solutions for fostering inclusion in today's diverse workplace. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Gary Loke, an inclusion specialist and coach-in-training. We delved into the crucial topic of leading across cultures in an era marked by migration, hybrid work, and evolving workplace dynamics. Gary shared invaluable insights on the importance of cultural intelligence and coaching in leadership. As workplaces become increasingly multicultural, understanding and adapting to cultural nuances is essential for preventing miscommunication and building inclusive environments. Join us as we uncover key lessons from Gary, including the fluidity of culture, the need for flexible leadership styles, and the power of coaching to unlock potential. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that encourages leaders to assume less, ask more, and reflect often in their quest for inclusive leadership.

Welcome to this episode of Inclusive Voices! Today, we’re diving into the transformative world of inclusive employment for young people with additional needs. Join me as I chat with Tina Harrigan-James, co-founder of Vitruvia, about their innovative strategies designed to empower learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). From reshaping careers education to creating tailored resources, Vitruvia is making strides in ensuring that every young person can confidently navigate their journey from education to employment. We’ll explore the critical role of employer engagement, the importance of differentiated support, and how vital it is to include the voices of young people in the process. Tune in to discover how inclusion can be built into the very fabric of our systems and pathways.

Welcome to the Inclusive Voices Podcast! In this episode, host Jane Rexworthy engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kavya Mukhija, a passionate disability rights advocate and current Masters student in Disability Design and Innovation at University College London. Together, they delve into the complexities of true workplace inclusion, moving beyond mere accessibility checklists to address the unseen barriers that many individuals with disabilities face. Kavya shares her powerful insights on why disability inclusion is a "wicked problem," intricately linked to societal issues like poverty and ableism. With inspiring examples of organisations that are getting it right and a call for change that includes not only disabled employees but their caregivers as well, this episode is a clarion call for a more equitable and understanding workplace. Tune in as we explore how small, actionable steps can lead to meaningful systemic change in the pursuit of a truly inclusive future.