A look back at the year in review, which also celebrates a year of You Must Be Woking too! Craig & Dawn talk about their viral moments, guests and hand out awards too. Check it Out.

The impact of cultural narratives on workplace dynamics.
Systemic issues in organizations often stem from leadership challenges.
The importance of addressing sexism and misogyny in politics.
Military institutions face significant challenges with bullying and harassment.
The Met Police's policy changes reflect broader societal debates on hate speech.
Portugal's right to disconnect raises questions about state intervention in workplace culture.
Cultural acknowledgements can be performative without genuine understanding.
Disney's backlash highlights the complexities of representation in media.
Personal stories can humanize contentious topics like pronouns.
Effective leadership requires ongoing education and adaptation to modern challenges.

Summary

In this episode of 'You Must Be Woking,' hosts Craig Richards and Dawn Hurst delve into various current events and cultural issues, exploring their implications on workplace dynamics and societal norms. They discuss the BBC series 'Riot Women,' the ejection of Nuala McAllister from the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Ministry of Defence's bullying claims. The conversation also touches on the Met Police's policy changes regarding hate crimes, Portugal's right to disconnect law, and the cultural acknowledgements made by Canadian airlines. Additionally, they analyze the backlash against Disney's new short film 'Versa' and the importance of pronouns in personal identity, emphasizing the need for education and understanding in addressing these complex topics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Woke News and Current Events
02:41 Exploring the BBC Series 'Riot Women'
15:30 Discussion on Sexism and Misogyny in Politics
23:50 Military Culture and Bullying in the MOD
31:13 Assurance Over Accreditation
33:48 Policy Shifts in Law Enforcement
37:12 Values and Workplace Culture
42:19 The Pendulum of Free Speech
43:39 The Right to Disconnect
49:02 Cultural Acknowledgements in Canada
54:03 Performative Actions vs. Genuine Change
56:46 The Power of Storytelling in Identity

A fascinating discussion with Tim Barber founder of Feel Good Folk and the host of the Feel Good Podcast - Deep diving into masculinity, men's mental health and what that looks like in the workplace

In this next episode of our "In The Spotlight" series regular hosts Craig Richards and Dawn Hurst are put in the hotseat to discuss their new book, Woke Is Broke...But we can fix it by Guest Host James Barr.

The conversation focuses on the importance of inclusion in organizations, particularly within FTSE 100 companies and the public sector. The speakers emphasize their commitment to changing the conversation around inclusion, rather than merely selling books. They challenge leaders to consider the effectiveness and impact of their inclusion efforts, asking critical questions about skills, training, and return on investment.

• We haven't just written a book to make a few quid.
• This is about changing the conversation.
• We've also challenged them with three important questions.
• Who does your inclusion work?
• Do they have the right skills and training?
• Do you understand the impact of the work they're doing?
• There's sometimes negative impact of this stuff too.
• Do you know your return?
• If you're investing, do you know what return you're getting?
• If you can't answer those questions, then the book is for you.

In this episode of You Must Be Woking – In the Spotlight, Dawn and Craig sit down with John Wilkinson, Chief Operating Officer of BAM UK & Ireland, to explore the future of the construction industry through the lens of diversity, inclusion, culture, and sustainability.

With the sector facing a shortfall of a quarter of a million workers in the next five years, John shares why embracing diversity isn’t optional - it’s essential. From his personal journey starting out as a trainee engineer to leading one of the biggest players in construction, John reflects on how the industry has transformed from an “alpha male” environment to one that’s gradually opening its doors to people of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences.

Key themes from the conversation:

• John’s career journey and leadership lessons.
• How diversity and inclusion are vital to addressing the skills shortage.
• The role of culture in driving change at BAM and across the sector.
• Attracting the next generation of talent—starting as early as primary schools.
• Technology, AI, and innovation reshaping construction work.
• Why sustainability - environmental, economic, and human - is central to the industry’s future.
• John’s personal legacy and his vision to “leave the jersey in a better place.”

Whether you’re in construction or simply curious about how industries can evolve to be more inclusive and sustainable, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring perspectives on building a future-ready workforce.

In this episode of the You Must Be Woking podcast, Dawn Hurst, Craig Richards and law expert Tina Chander, delve into the Worker Protection Act 2023. They break down the core provisions of the Act, explaining how it introduces new duties for employers to actively prevent harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The three discuss the broader context of the law, including its origins, the types of behavior it targets, and the legal rationale behind these sweeping changes.

How are employer responsibilities evolving under the new Act, and what practical steps must organisations take to comply? The conversation explores the heightened expectations placed on employers, emphasising the need for robust anti-harassment policies, regular staff training, and clear communication of standards. Tina Chander offers specific guidance on how businesses can audit their current practices, identify gaps, and implement effective reporting mechanisms.

What challenges do organisations face in preventing harassment, and how can they overcome them? The episode addresses the real-world difficulties employers encounter, such as managing workplace culture, addressing subtle forms of discrimination, and handling incidents involving third parties like customers or clients. Through recent case studies and legal precedents, the discussion illustrates the complexities of third-party liability and the need for proactive leadership. Tina stresses that fostering a culture of respect and accountability is essential for compliance and for building a genuinely inclusive environment.

Why are clear reporting mechanisms and a positive workplace culture so critical in the fight against harassment and discrimination? Dawn, Craig and Tina examine how transparent processes for raising concerns, coupled with visible support from management, can make a tangible difference in employee wellbeing and organisational reputation. They share practical advice on creating accessible reporting channels, protecting whistleblowers, and responding promptly to complaints.

How can organisations stay ahead of legal changes and foster safer, more inclusive workplaces? Wrapping up, the hosts and Tina Chander reflect on the importance of continuous education, regular policy reviews, and leadership commitment to upholding the highest standards of workplace conduct. They encourage listeners to view the Worker Protection Act 2023 not just as a compliance obligation, but as an opportunity to lead by example and set new benchmarks for fairness and safety in the modern workplace.

So, are your current workplace policies truly protecting your employees, or just ticking the boxes?

We want to hear from you, get in touch and share your questions and comments with us:
By email: podcast@metimur.global
On WhatsApp: +44 (0)7482 974 726

Follow the You Must Be Woking podcast on socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youmustbewokingpodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/you-must-be-woking-podcast/

For more information on how evidence-led inclusion can transform your organisation, visit the Metimur Global website, and stay connected on social media for updates, insights, and more: https://linktr.ee/MetimurGlobal

Also, be sure to follow our partners at EA Inclusion for additional resources on inclusive practices: https://linktr.ee/EAInclusion

In this episode of "You Must be Woking", hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards sit down with renowned disability inclusion advocate Kate Nash OBE. The conversation opens by examining the multifaceted nature of disability inclusion — highlighting the need for accessible environments and, importantly, organisational cultures that foster belonging and respect. Kate shares how businesses can move beyond token gestures by listening to disabled voices and embedding inclusion at every level.

How do real-world incidents reveal the ongoing challenges faced by disabled people? The conversation addresses ongoing challenges faced by disabled people, sparked by a recent BBC story about Paralympian Piers Gilbert, who was refused a hotel room because he uses a wheelchair. This incident reveals persistent legal, practical, and cultural barriers, underscoring the emotional impact of exclusion and the urgent need for proactive accessibility and bias challenge.

What legal protections exist, and how effective are they in practice? The episode delves into the Equality Act 2010, which enshrines the rights of disabled people in the UK and mandates reasonable adjustments in both employment and service provision. Kate explains what constitutes a “reasonable adjustment” and why it is essential for organisations to go beyond mere compliance. The discussion covers the practicalities of implementing adjustments, the importance of consulting with disabled individuals, and the role of adjustment passports in streamlining support for employees as they move between roles or organisations.

Why is disclosure such a complex issue for disabled employees, and how can workplaces better support them? Kate explores the challenges surrounding disability disclosure in the workplace, noting that many employees hesitate to share their needs due to fear of stigma or negative consequences. The three discuss strategies for creating safe, supportive environments where employees feel empowered to disclose and request adjustments.

How can ongoing education, empathy, and storytelling drive genuine inclusion and challenge persistent misconceptions? The episode emphasises ongoing education, empathy, and storytelling as key drivers of genuine inclusion. Kate advocates for regular training and sharing lived experiences to break down stereotypes. The hosts call on listeners to become active allies, championing accessibility and inclusion in every area of life.

So, what practical steps can you take to ensure that reasonable adjustments aren’t just about compliance but about genuine support?

We want to hear from you, get in touch and share your questions and comments with us:

• By email: podcast@metimur.global
• On WhatsApp: +44 (0)7482 974 726

Follow the You Must Be Woking podcast on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youmustbewokingpodcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/you-must-be-woking-podcast/

For more information on how evidence-led inclusion can transform your organisation, visit the Metimur Global website, and stay connected on social media for updates, insights, and more: https://linktr.ee/MetimurGlobal

Also, be sure to follow our partners at EA Inclusion for additional resources on inclusive practices: https://linktr.ee/EAInclusion

In this episode of 'You Must Be Woking', hosts Craig Richards and Dawn Hurst delve into pressing issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. They discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling on biological women, the Louise Casey report on grooming gangs, and the implications of cyberbullying through platforms like Tattle. The conversation also touches on the legacy of Pope Francis, the relevance of trigger warnings in theatre, and a review of the film 'Straw', which highlights societal challenges. Additionally, they address accusations against Tyler Perry and the racism highlighted in the Air India crash reporting, concluding with a reflection on Pride Month and the importance of inclusivity.