A conversation that feels like two colleagues picking up mid sentence, and lands on a clear message. Inclusion becomes real when it is built into everyday culture, not parked in a strategy document.

Esi is joined by Andrew Murray, Head of Learning and Development at Homes for Students. Over four and a half years of partnership, Homes for Students has shaped a DEIB approach that starts with colleagues, then carries through to residents, with the same standard of care on both sides.

Andrew shares what it takes to move away from tick box thinking. It is not about having all the answers. It is about building the confidence to ask better questions, respond well to feedback, and keep learning without fear of getting it wrong.

The episode explores what belonging looks like in practice, from LGBTQ+ psychological safety at work, to using colleague led storytelling in Together Is Better Time, and designing student experiences that recognise sensory overload, uncertainty, and access needs from day one.

There is a strong practical thread throughout. Use data to prioritise, involve the people impacted, and keep inclusion evolving as the world changes. The message is simple. Culture is built through what happens repeatedly, not what happens once.

This is for learning leaders, EDI professionals, people leaders, and anyone responsible for workplace culture who wants inclusion to show up in language, systems, and everyday decisions.

Signposting and resources

Homes for Students https://abouthomesforstudents.com/diversity-and-inclusion/

Inclusive Employers https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/

State of Mind Sport https://www.stateofmindsport.org/

FOLLOW US

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esihardy/
Newsletter - https://2dykvk.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2-mRmxbD6QkKL0_px3pDo4A
Celebrating Disability website - https://celebratingdisability.co.uk

Celebrating Disability Blog

#CelebratingDisability #LeaderInterviews #TheEqualityEdit #InclusionInTheWorkplace