In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, we’re diving into one of the most important and fast-moving conversations of our time: disability, accessibility and artificial intelligence.

Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by David Banes, a global leader in accessibility, assistive technology and inclusive innovation, with over 40 years of experience working at the intersection of disability, education, policy and emerging technology. David shares his deep insight into how AI can be a powerful enabler for disabled people, while also unpacking the very real risks if inclusion and equity are not built in from the start.

Together, we explore what AI gets right, where it falls short, and why bias, data, transparency and decision-making systems matter so much for disabled people. From recruitment and employment to healthcare, assistive technology and everyday workplace tools, this conversation cuts through the hype to focus on what meaningful, accessible innovation really looks like.

We also discuss the myths around cost and complexity, the importance of lived experience in AI design, and why prompt-writing and critical thinking are becoming essential skills for everyone. David offers practical reflections on how organisations, employers and disabled people themselves can engage with AI in ways that support independence, inclusion and opportunity, rather than exclusion and harm.

This is an honest, thought-provoking and hopeful conversation about the future of work, technology and accessibility, and a reminder that when we design for those most often left out, everyone benefits.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• How AI can enhance accessibility when designed inclusively
• Where bias and discrimination creep into automated decision-making
• Why disabled voices must be central to AI development
• Practical examples of everyday tech already supporting access
• The skills we all need to use AI responsibly and effectively

If you care about disability inclusion, ethical innovation and creating a more accessible future, this episode is for you.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

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In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid speaks with disability equity advocate Bee Innes, who shares her lived experience of ME and Lyme disease and the systemic challenges that shaped her journey.

Bee discusses the complexity of navigating long-term illness, from years spent bedridden to delayed diagnosis, and the role that nutrition, hydration and functional approaches played in rebuilding her wellbeing.

The conversation explores:

• The impact of nutrition and hydration on health and recovery

• Misunderstandings and stigma surrounding ME and chronic illness

• Barriers within welfare rights and the benefits system

• Why employee wellbeing must extend beyond policy statements

• How disability awareness training strengthens inclusive workplace cultures Bee’s insights highlight the importance of credible information, practical support, and organisational responsibility in creating environments where disabled people can thrive.

This episode is valuable for anyone interested in disability equity, wellbeing, and the wider changes needed for truly inclusive practice.

Listen as Natasha and Bee unpack the realities of disability and wellbeing – and what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice. Remember that this podcast is also available as video on our YouTube Channel. If you find this useful, please share with your network!

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

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In this episode, Natasha Broomfield-Reid talks to Anita Jakhu and Kyriacos Spyrou about what it really takes to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion within the charity sector. Together, they explore the very real challenges charities continue to face, including limited resources, gaps in knowledge, and a lack of capacity that can stall progress.

They discuss why leadership buy-in is essential and how inclusive leadership teams and trustee boards can help drive meaningful, long-term change. The conversation also addresses white saviourism and highlights the importance of working with local communities, listening to the right people, and responding to genuine needs rather than assumptions.

You’ll hear practical insights on:

• Involving marginalised communities in shaping decisions
• Centring service users’ voices
• Building approaches that focus on long-term sustainability
• Recognising cultural wealth and strengthening community relationships
• Tackling inequities in access and funding
• Recruiting and supporting diverse volunteers and teams
• Rethinking what counts as relevant skills
• Making volunteering accessible and fair
• Bringing private sector skills into charity settings with care and cultural understanding
• Co-creating values, vision, and action plans that make a difference
• Improving infrastructure and planning for steady, realistic change

Episode 25 offers thoughtful guidance and grounded recommendations for charities committed to meaningful EDI work. If you want to move beyond performative action and towards lasting impact, this conversation is for you.

Remember you can also watch these episodes on our YouTube Channel

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

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Join host Natasha Broomfield-Reid as she speaks with Aiesha Alexander and Lorna Phillip about the experiences of Black and racialised women in pregnancy, maternity, and child health.

In the full episode, we explore:

• Personal and professional experiences with maternity care

• The impact of systemic and historical inequalities

• The role of support systems such as doulas, midwives, and community networks

• Ways to advocate for change and raise awareness

Don’t miss this important and candid conversation.

You can also watch this podcast on our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@diversematters9999

Please share this content if you found it useful or thought provoking and stay tuned for future episodes.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

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In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid, Founding Director of Diverse Matters, is joined by Elise St Palmer, Head of Operations and People at Possible. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) to create truly anti-oppressive organisations.

Elise shares Possible’s journey – from developing inclusive practices to building an anti-oppression strategy that addresses the deeper, systemic issues that influence workplace culture and opportunity.

This powerful conversation delves into:
✨ The key differences between EDI and anti-oppression.
✨ Understanding the “Four I’s of Oppression” and how they show up in organisations.
✨ Practical steps to create inclusive, anti-oppressive cultures through policy, accountability and reflection.
✨ The importance of leadership buy-in, psychological safety and ongoing learning.

🎧 Tune in to learn how you can begin, or continue – your journey towards becoming an anti-oppressive organisation.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

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Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

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In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by wellbeing coach and trainer Melanie Allcott, founder of Rebalance Wellbeing. Together, they explore what it really means to stay well—physically, mentally, and emotionally—in today’s “always on” world.

Drawing on nearly three decades in workplace wellness, Melanie shares her journey into wellbeing, the lessons she learned early in her career about work–life balance, and why health is the foundation for everything we do.

Core points discussed include:

• The importance of linking wellbeing with inclusion in workplace culture.
• Why perks like gym memberships and apps aren’t enough without real cultural change.
• The impact of stress, the “cult of busyness,” and how small, daily practices—like 15 minutes of rest or breathing techniques—can make a big difference.
• The role of sleep, nutrition, and regular movement in staying healthy.
• How managers can support their teams through wellbeing check-ins, boundaries, and role modelling.
• Why organisations need to ask employees what they really need, instead of assuming.
• Practical steps individuals can take—such as setting non-negotiables, using available resources, and speaking up about workload and stress.

Whether you’re an employee, manager, or business leader, this episode is full of realistic, actionable ideas to help you—and your workplace—stay well.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

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Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.

In this powerful episode of Diverse Talk Matters, we explore what it means to be LGBTQ+ and from a racialised community. Our guests share personal stories about navigating identity, discrimination, and assumptions — both in their personal lives and the workplace.

We discuss:

• The impact of intersectionality on lived experiences
• The need for culturally relevant support groups
• How race, faith, and sexuality overlap in shaping identity
• Challenges around acceptance, stereotypes, and inclusion
• The importance of archiving and sharing LGBTQ+ stories

This conversation highlights the importance of creating safe spaces and fostering genuine inclusion that recognises the complexity of identity.

🎧 Tune in for a rich and honest dialogue that will deepen your understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion through an intersectional lens.

📺 To watch this conversation, please head over to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@diversematters9999

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

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Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Diverse Talk Matters, host Natasha Broomfield-Reid—Director and Founder of Diverse Matters—is joined by three brilliant members of the Diverse Matters team: Paula Whelan-Cooper, Luise Usiskin and Kyriacos Koursis. Together, they explore what progress has really been made when it comes to lesbian, gay and bisexual inclusion, both in the workplace and wider society.

Prompted by the 10-year anniversary of marriage equality legislation in the UK, this honest and deeply personal conversation highlights just how far we’ve come—and how much further we still need to go. The episode delves into real-life experiences of coming out, the ongoing impact of homophobia and biphobia, and the subtle but exhausting microaggressions that LGB people continue to face every day.

The team also unpacks the complexities of allyship, the importance of authentic workplace support beyond rainbow logos, and why organisations must do more than show up during Pride Month.

Topics include:
•Representation in media and advertising: progress or performative?
•The emotional toll of having to constantly ‘come out’
•How to challenge stereotypes without feeling like a spokesperson for your entire community
•Why inclusive policies are only effective when people feel safe to speak up
•The power of reverse mentoring and lived experience-led training

This episode is rich with insight, laughter, reflection, and vulnerability. Whether you’re part of the LGB community or an ally seeking to learn more, this is essential listening for anyone committed to creating truly inclusive cultures.

🎧 Tune in for a moving, educational, and inspiring conversation—because inclusion is not a moment, it’s a movement.

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

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Thank you for tuning in and remember, if there is a topic you would like us to cover please contact us with your suggestions.

Please feel free to share this podcast with your networks or anyone who may benefit from the content.