Creating a level playing field in attitude and action

Joanne Lockwood is joined by trainer and inclusion consultant Sarah Burrell to explore what it really takes to create a level playing field in both attitude and action. They discuss why inequality is systemic and historical, and how the language and practice of privilege can be used constructively to empower others and move beyond “lip service” toward measurable change.

Sarah shares reflections from her own lived experience, including navigating a speech impairment, and how that shapes her approach to advocacy, empathy, and creating environments where people can contribute in the ways that work best for them. The conversation looks at disability and work, inclusive communication, and the value of proactively asking about support needs and preferred communication methods.

They also examine hiring and progression: the difference between tokenistic gestures and positive action, the limitations of meritocracy when people start from different points, and the responsibility leaders and organisations have to build inclusion into recruitment, induction, and day-to-day management. Finally, they reflect on how the pandemic accelerated flexible and inclusive ways of working, and what it will take to sustain that progress rather than slipping back to old habits.