In this episode, we explore how businesses can adopt fairer hiring practices to support people with convictions and build a more inclusive workforce. Sean Wilcock, Programme Lead on the Starting Fresh programme at Sodexo, shares practical insights on reducing bias in recruitment and designing accessible application processes.

We discuss why many talented individuals are overlooked due to past convictions and how small changes - such as clear job adverts, open conversations, and tailored support - can make a huge difference. Sean also highlights the business benefits of hiring from this untapped talent pool, including increased loyalty, improved retention, and a stronger commitment to social responsibility.

Tune in to learn how your organisation can play a role in breaking down barriers and creating second chances.

Relevant to this episode:

- Connect with Sean Wilcock | LinkedIn

- Starting Fresh page: Social Mobility: Driving more career opportunities for people with criminal convictions through Starting Fresh

🎵 Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Track featured: Dirtbike Lovers.

In this episode, we dive into the vital topic of workplace inclusion and how businesses can create environments where every employee feels valued, supported, and heard. Our guest, Christopher Owen, is the founder of Coliberate, where they provide inclusivity and liberation coaching, consulting, speaking, and training for individuals, groups, and organisations. With a PhD in intersectional systemic oppression and a decade of experience in queer liberation and the LGBTQ+ sector, Christopher brings deep expertise to the conversation.

Recognised as a Northern Gamechanger of 2024, they serve on the Advisory Board of Heard Storytelling and the technical panel of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. Christopher has trained thousands of professionals internationally and written extensively on intersectionality, identity, feminist revisionism, and queer resistance. Their first book, Visible Justice: An LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Handbook, was published in 2021, with a second on the way under a signed deal with Routledge Education.

From inclusive recruitment practices to embedding diversity into workplace culture, Christopher shares practical strategies for organisations committed to making inclusion a reality - not just a buzzword. We also explore the wider benefits of inclusive workplaces, including increased innovation, higher engagement, and stronger business performance.

This episode highlights the Best for Inclusion category at the Good Employment Awards, celebrating organisations that are leading the way in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. Nominations are open until 21st March—learn more at goodemploymentawards.co.uk.

🔗 Learn more about Christopher’s work at coliberate.co.uk

🎵 Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Track featured: Dirtbike Lovers.

In this episode, we explore the critical topic of financial wellbeing and how businesses can support their employees’ financial health. Nic Ryan, Director of Colleague Support at One+All, Matt Bland, Chief Executive of The Money Co-op, and Will Clarke, Inclusive Economy Policy and Programmes Lead at GMCA, share their expertise on building sustainable financial wellbeing programmes that have a lasting impact.

From understanding the role of financial education to exploring the benefits of financial support schemes, our speakers discuss practical strategies for organisations looking to invest in their employees’ financial stability. We also examine the broader benefits of prioritising financial wellbeing, including increased engagement, reduced stress, and higher productivity.

This episode highlights the Best for Financial Wellbeing category at the Good Employment Awards, celebrating organisations that go above and beyond to support their workforce’s financial resilience. Nominations are open until 21st March – learn more at goodemploymentawards.co.uk.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Case study with Carr's Pasties
• Business Benefits of paying the Real Living Wage video
• Matt Bland, get in touch at matt.bland@co-operativecreditunion.coop

Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers.