Inclusion Starts With the Small Things: Why Dietary Requirements Matter More Than You Think
For almost 15 years, I’ve lived with a severe soya allergy — the kind that can lead to anaphylaxis, the kind that means one wrong ingredient can turn an ordinary meal into something dangerous. Because of that, I’ve spent years quietly navigating events, parties, celebrations, workplace meals out and even simple meeting lunches… often choosing simply not to eat.
Is It Offensive to Say “Merry Christmas”? Let’s Be Honest About Culture, Choice, and Inclusion
For the vast majority of people, saying “Merry Christmas” is not offensive. It is a cultural greeting, usually offered with warmth, goodwill, and a sense of shared celebration — not with an intent to exclude. We live in a culturally Christian country. Acknowledging that reality is not exclusionary. It is simply factual. Recognising a dominant culture does not erase others and inclusion does not require us to deny traditions that are deeply meaningful to many people.
A Christmas Message – And a Reminder That Inclusion Is Year-Round
As the year draws to a close, many organisations pause to reflect, celebrate achievements, and thank their people. This moment of goodwill matters. But inclusion cannot be seasonal. It cannot appear only in December messages, festive imagery, or end-of-year statements.
Getting a Name Right Is Not Political – It’s FREDIE Inclusion in Practice
A name is often the first gift we receive.It carries history, culture, family, language, and identity. Long before a CV is read, a name tells a story. In workplaces, how we treat someone’s name reveals something fundamental about inclusion — not in policy, but in practice.
A Day and Night of Innovation, Inspiration and Inclusion — FREDIE Conference & Awards 2025
What an unforgettable celebration of leadership, learning and lived inclusion! On Thursday 27th November, the National Centre for Diversity proudly hosted the FREDIE Conference & Awards 2025 at The Aagrah Restaurant in Bradford — marking a powerful milestone in our journey as we celebrate 20 years of championing FREDIE values across the UK.
How to Include Yourself in Festivities When You Don’t Celebrate Christmas
The festive season can be a joyful time — but also an isolating one if Christmas isn’t part of your culture, religion or personal life. Office parties, Secret Santa gifts, Christmas jumper days… it can feel like everyone else is celebrating something that doesn’t represent you.
Language Matters — How Inclusive Language Builds Respect
Words shape how we see the world — and how we see each other. That’s why inclusive language plays such an important role in building respectful and positive environments.
Listening — The Most Underestimated Inclusion Skill
In conversations about equality, diversity and inclusion, we often focus on what we should say — the right words, the correct terminology, how to communicate effectively. But one of the most powerful inclusion skills isn’t speaking at all. It’s listening.
Fairness isn’t a luxury — it’s a human necessity. It’s hardwired into us.
Fairness as a Foundational Human Drive Psychologists have long recognised that humans are social beings who seek fairness because it helps societies survive. Fairness builds trust, reduces conflict, and allows people to cooperate. In the workplace, fairness acts as emotional oxygen. When people feel fairly treated, they are more open, motivated, and loyal. When they […]