In this episode Sheree Atcheson explains what it means to be an actionable ally. 

An ally is someone who actively, and proactively, works to promote a culture of inclusion that benefits – and prevents harm to – everyone as a whole. Being an ally is intersectional: white women can be allies to people of colour, heterosexuals can be allies to the LGBT+ community, able-bodied people can be allies of the disabled.

To be an effective ally, you first have to understand your own level of privilege and explore what you can do to help bring about change. It is about building long-term, trusting, and accountable relationships with the groups that you are trying to help. Further, to be a good ally, you need to really listen to – and advocate for – people by lifting them up.

Sheree Atcheson is Global Director of Diversity, Equality at Peakon.