It's All About People - 9th October 2025

READ TIME - 4 minute read

This week it gave me great pleasure to present Maria in our team with her CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 3 Certificate in Management and Leadership.

Maria is a great manager and since joining the team way back in 2010 has managed lots of team members and always get praised for how she develops, motivates and supports them. However, as Maria has said, you can always learn more so she decided this year to complete the qualification.

Well done Maria.

As many of you will know, October marks Black History Month 2025 in the UK — a time to reflect, learn, and commit to meaningful change.

This year’s theme is Standing Firm in Power and Pride.

Black History Month exists because for so long, the stories, contributions, and experiences of Black people were either ignored, underrepresented, or distorted in mainstream history and culture. It’s not about saying “only Black history matters in October” — it’s about creating dedicated space to redress that imbalance and to celebrate achievements that should be recognised all year round.

The point isn’t to divide people, but to shine a light on histories and perspectives that have often been overlooked, and to give everyone the chance to learn, reflect, and act.

In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need “history months” at all, because everyone’s stories would already be woven equally into how history is taught and celebrated. But until that’s a reality, setting aside time like this is a powerful way to start those conversations and keep them alive.

Because for me, this month isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about doing something with what we learn. It’s about weaving inclusion, equity, and respect into the fabric of how we work, every day.

Here are some ideas and actions for organisations — whether big or small — to meaningfully mark this month and beyond:

1. Embed learning opportunities

• Host a panel, talk or roundtable discussion (in-person or virtual) with Black leaders, authors, or community voices.

• Share curated reading or media lists (books, podcasts, documentaries) that centre Black voices and stories.

• Create a “micro-learning” series: short 5–10 minute sessions during regular work hours, spotlighting Black history, leaders, or systemic issues.

2. Storytelling & visibility

• Invite team members to share personal stories or reflections (if they feel comfortable).

• Spotlight the achievements and contributions of Black colleagues and figures (past and present).

• Use internal communications (newsletter, intranet, posters) to feature Black history themes, events, quotes, and resources.

3. Practical actions & policy review

• Audit your hiring, promotion, and retention practices — look for bias, barriers, or processes that disproportionately disadvantage certain groups.

• Introduce sponsorship or mentoring schemes that help support Black talent in your organisation.

• Check your learning and development programmes to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is woven in, not tacked on.

This month is a reminder that respect, inclusion and equality are not electives — they’re foundational. When we actively take steps to learn, listen, adjust and commit, we create workplaces that are stronger, more humane, and more creative.

Until next week…
Emma

P.S. We would love to hear from our readers how you are acknowledging and celebrating Black History Month. Share on socials and tag us in and we can share on too.

Events to Join in the coming weeks

🎥 Free Webinar- Managing Conflict - — coming in October, the next in our series of free webinars. Click on the title to join the waiting list.

🎥 Free Webinar- The Value of Values - — coming in December, the next in our series of free webinars. Click on the title to join the waiting list.

🎥 LinkedIn Live on Sexual Harassment Legislation and How to Be Complaint - Click on re-watch it.

🌟 Our Referral Program!

Do you know someone who would benefit from reading this weekly newsletter? Once a quarter we do a prize draw with all those who have referred this newsletter in with the chance of winning a £250 voucher! The more referrals you make, the higher your chances of winning – let’s spread the word and help even more people navigate HR with confidence. 💌🎁 CONGRATULATIONS TO AMY GARRATT WHO WON THE QUARTER 3 VOUCHER.

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