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Writer's pictureAlfiya Khan
Sep 214 min read

National Inclusion Week 2024



We are celebrating National Inclusion Week at 3SG. This is the 10th installment of the initiative by Inclusive Employers who provide consultancy and advocacy for more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Starting from September 23rd to 29th, this year’s theme #ImpactMatters urges organisations to prioritise more than just good intentions—it's about achieving tangible, measurable results. Inclusion must go beyond being a trendy term and become a dedicated effort toward real change.


At 3SG, we believe that all employees of our organisation have fair access to opportunities as well as the ability to get support from their fellow employees in times of need.


Time for a little story (I promise it is not too long)


I’m originally from Mumbai, India, and have been in the UK for almost four years. When I first joined 3SG, I was excited not only to be part of this organisation but also the charity sector. However, I carried some doubts about whether I would truly fit in. With my intersectional identity as an Indian Muslim bisexual woman with a neurodivergent diagnosis (yes, quite a mouthful!), I often wondered if I would face uncomfortable situations or if my presence might make others uncomfortable.


I’ll never forget my first day at 3SG. I was greeted with a thoughtful "welcome to the team" card, which I still treasure, along with some flowers and chocolates—at that moment, I knew this was the right place for me! The team’s warmth was undeniable. They showed genuine interest in getting to know me as an individual, not just the identities I explicitly represent.


Since then, we’ve grown from a team of three full-time employees to five. As a team, we are committed to providing equal access to support and opportunities, making sure no one feels excluded.


It might seem easier to foster inclusivity within a small team like ours, but larger organisations face a greater challenge. This is where understanding and embracing inclusivity, as it applies to your own context, becomes crucial. Working in a sector that interacts closely with underrepresented groups, it’s especially important to embody the core pillars of inclusivity: trust, respect, and curiosity.


Representation also matters. When service users see their supporters advocating for diversity, they gain confidence in their own identities. This strengthens your connection with the community and enhances your overall ‘Impact’.


To truly thrive, workplaces must create access and foster safe, supportive ecosystems. Sometimes, it’s the small changes that can make the biggest difference. For example, someone with a neurodivergent diagnosis might find the bright lights in an office overwhelming, or an individual from a different cultural background might feel uncomfortable with certain artwork. When we create safe spaces for these discussions, we empower employees to express their needs and make adjustments that foster inclusivity.


Flexible working environments, which have become more common since the pandemic, are another great example. These arrangements have allowed many employees to be more productive, particularly those who struggled with more traditional setups.


Creating a supportive ecosystem also involves building allyship among colleagues. One effective way to do this is by offering team-wide cultural sensitivity, equity, and equality training sessions, followed by actionable steps based on what’s learned. These trainings allow team members to better understand the diverse perspectives and backgrounds their colleagues come from, creating opportunities for deeper connection and empathy. By reducing biases within teams, these initiatives not only build stronger relationships but also empower individuals to stand up against bias and promote an inclusive, respectful workplace.


Ultimately, inclusivity is about offering choice. It’s about giving employees the agency to decide what works best for them. When individuals truly feel they belong, they bring their best selves to work—and that’s when an organisation thrives.


We’re excited to use this incredible initiative as an opportunity to support our member organisations by sharing our insights on this important topic. To celebrate National Inclusion Week, we’ll be featuring a Member Spotlight series, highlighting organisations that have actively worked to make their workplaces more inclusive. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media channels to learn about the amazing efforts of local charities and the positive changes they’ve implemented.


Not sure where to start on your inclusion journey? We’ve got you covered! We’re hosting an insightful panel discussion on "Impact through Inclusion," which will explore what it truly means to be inclusive. The panel will also provide practical tips and best practices to help you create an inclusive workplace that drives real, measurable impact. Register for our panel here.


Additionally, we have listed some of the resources that you can use to learn more on this - 








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