One of my most enjoyable projects in 2019 was working alongside Dave Partington and the team at the Woodland Trust within the Rivington Terraced Gardens project.

I have such fond memories of the Gardens as a child, and it was an easy call to make in terms of lending my expertise to creating an inclusive opportunity for everyone involved in and visiting the Terraced Gardens.

If you are unfamiliar with the project, take a look at the website - it truly is a magical place: Rivington Terraced Gardens | Groundwork

You may well wonder where would one start in terms of making the vision of Lord and Lady Leverhulme on a hillside in Lancashire inclusive.

Luckily, although the core staff team is small, there is a phenomenal group of volunteers working together to bring this incredible place back life through the Heritage Lottery funding.

Our work here is in its early stages in terms of equality of access in all mediums in ways which are sensitive to the surroundings. Contrary to popular belief, people who are excluded don’t actually want to ruin the natural beauty just so that they can access it physically.

This blog will capture the journey. We want to create an inclusive experience which retains the very essence of the Terraced Gardens.

We have just completed the first round of staff training to establish the foundations for the Strategic Action Plan in relation to Diversity and Inclusion from an informed and committed perspective, which goes way beyond physical access, and there are some phenomenal plans in the pipeline. So watch this space!

We have also completed a site-mapping exercise with key members of the team. Our photo album gives you an idea of both the natural beauty and the task ahead.

The Rivington Terraced Gardens Project

 

The most important factor I have observed throughout my work in this area, is the whole organisational support and commitment to innovation and change. Indeed, the Rivington Terraced Gardens project is overflowing with this and it’s a pleasure to work alongside them.

Follow our journey.

When you make it your goal to increase equality of access to life’s opportunities, you measure your success in creating the Paradigm Shift that makes it all possible.

I am often asked, "what is it you actually do ? How do you do that?"

2019 has been incredible on so many levels, across the full range of my business portfolio.

I am honoured to have worked alongside such a diverse group of game-changers on every level, and I am in awe of the resultant innovation, particularly from our Inclusive Entrepreneurs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has helped and supported us during this last year - you have all helped to make it possible!

Rather than write a list, we have created a short clip that shoes exactly how Universal Inclusion spent 2019 in our quest for #AnInclusiveWorld

May 2020 - in amongst all the angst we are currently seeing in the world - be filled with integrity and purpose.

Jacqueline Winstanley FRSA

31st December 2019

 

Inclusive Entrepreneurship: “It’s about Business not Benefits”

London, December 2019.  Universal Inclusion have organised an international panel discussion and a live Q&A with Inclusive Entrepreneurs and global thought-leaders, who presented evidence to support Universal Inclusion’s Call to Action to governments and policy makers in respect of business support requirements for Inclusive Entrepreneurship. The event, which took place during November 2019 - this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Month (GEW2019) - also introduced a digital platform showcasing businesses by inclusive entrepreneurs and providing a market place for their products and services. 

Universal Inclusion is a UK-based global organisation leading the way in making the world a much more accessible place.  Pioneers and leaders in this field, they have been working in Inclusive Entrepreneurship since 2009. The organisation is led by Jacqueline Winstanley FRSA, Founder and CEO, who also heads up the Inclusive Entrepreneurs Programme and Network, which supports the Inclusive Entrepreneur community with mentoring, coaching and now, access to a unique marketplace.

As host and executive producer, Jacqueline opened the discussion by setting the scene with an overview of the concept of Inclusive Entrepreneurship and its importance in achieving the 2030 Agenda, the Paradigm Shift and in evidencing the commitment to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  She explained how Inclusive Entrepreneurship offers a real and sustainable alternative for people facing barriers to mainstream employment, “It is essential in creating an environment where people who face barriers to the work environment are no longer seen as tax/care burdens, but as active, participating citizens contributing to the economy. Inclusive Entrepreneurship is a global response to the changing face of the workplace, more so as economic growth continues to be from within the private, and particularly, the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sectors.”

Inclusive Entrepreneurs face challenges beyond traditional aspects of entrepreneurship, in particular access to practical in-work support, finance and innovation strands. A general lack of understanding of how people with protected characteristics navigate their working lives leads to many challenges, as the genuine intent to improve matters conflicts with the administration of these same programs.

As Jacqueline continued, “The Inclusive Entrepreneur Network provides business support which incorporates the importance of managing health and wellbeing. It includes the option to undertake a 10-session programme that supports people considering entrepreneurship, or entrepreneurs facing challenges during their own particular journey. The community showcases the incredible aspiration and achievements of people who have faced significant barriers and I am delighted that we have now also introduced the digital marketplace for their businesses to grow and thrive. Our Inclusive Entrepreneurs do not talk of pity - they talk instead about increased levels of self-esteem, reduced isolation and a renewed sense of being part of and contributing to society through innovation.” 

The event speakers were all challengers and leaders in their respective fields. Delegates were first addressed by the newly-appointed UN Global Goodwill Ambassador Carol Ann Whitehead FRSA, GGA (http://thezebrapartnership.eventbrite.com/ ) ; Helene Martin Gee, Pink Shoe Founder and President (https://pinkshoeclub.com), who spoke about Women in Enterprise, highlighting the need for a structured and aspirational approach to Inclusive Entrepreneurship; and Olivia Gallagher, T33 Wheelchair Racer and Ability Today Ambassador (https://twitter.com/olivia_t33) who gave an insight to entrepreneurship as a para-athlete, demonstrating the gender disparity within her class and reinforcing the importance of appropriate practical and financial support as an elite athlete.

Two panel discussions then further illustrated the journeys and achievements of Inclusive Entrepreneurs. The first panel included Grant Logan from Ability Today (https://abilitytoday.com), Ayesha Gavin from Ayesha Communications (www.ayeshacommunications.com), Stephen Hopwood from Swift and Sure (www.swiftandsuresct.co.uk), Lady Sharon Farley-Mason from Glamsticks (https://www.glamsticks.co.uk) and James Holt, Musician (https://twitter.com/jamesholtmusic). All highly talented and successful entrepreneurs, their inspiring journeys only served to reinforce the immense benefits to the economy and their personal health and well-being. This message was further amplified by Aaron Hornback of Horizon Health Network (https://horizonhealthnetwork.co.uk).

The second panel, with Carol Ann Whitehead, John Kiehl of SoundTrack Group (www.soundtrackgroup.com ) and Emanuel 'Manny' Perlman of Destination Peace (www.destinationpeace.org), discussed the conversations taking place at an international level, and their impact within the 2030 Agenda towards achieving the Paradigm Shift and the commitments towards the SDGs.   

As Jacqueline concluded the proceedings, she stressed the importance for the Call to Action, “We have a blueprint for Inclusive Entrepreneurship that works and the evidence to demonstrate it.  However, in order to upscale and extend its reach, we make the following recommendations to policy makers:

• Enable the Paradigm Shift in Government Policy
• Allow for early identification and implementation of support
• Provide direct access to personal advisors
• Provide training on management of support
• Ensure there is continued support for personal care
• Ensure the award contains support for compliance areas
• Allow easy access to mental health support and holistic therapies
• Ensure equity within access to finance

The Inclusive Entrepreneur Programme is an important part of Universal Inclusion’s mission to make entrepreneurship open and easily accessible to all. The Digital Platform will provide visibility to products and services by inclusive entrepreneurs and also demonstrate the importance of Inclusive Entrepreneurship in economic growth and social change.

Ends                                                                                                                                          

#AIW2019    #AnInclusiveWorld2019 #disability #diversity   #inclusion    #Entrepreneurship #MediaCityUK

Our An Inclusive World Event, held on November 14th at Social 7 within Media City in the UK during the Global Entrepreneurship Month 2019, concentrated on Inclusive Entrepreneurship and showcased our work in this area since 2009.

Universal Inclusion Founder and CEO Jacqueline Winstanley, host and executive producer of this international gathering, opened the event. She eloquently set the scene with an overview of the concept of Inclusive Entrepreneurship and its importance in achieving the 2030 Agenda, the Paradigm Shift and in evidencing the commitment to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Inclusive Entrepreneurship offers a real and sustainable alternative for people facing barriers to mainstream employment. It is essential in creating an environment that embodies the Paradigm Shift, where people who face barriers to the work environment are no longer seen as tax / care burdens, but as active, participating citizens contributing to the economy.

Inclusive Entrepreneurship is a global response to the changing face of the workplace, more so as economic growth continues to be from within the private, and particularly, the MSME sector.

Inclusive Entrepreneurs face challenges beyond traditional aspects of entrepreneurship, in particular access to practical in-work support, finance and innovation strands. This is where a lack of understanding of how people with protected characteristics navigate their working lives leads to conflict, as the genuine intent to improve matters conflicts with the administration of these same programs.

There is innovation being evidenced within Inclusive Entrepreneurship, and that is highlighting a positive impact on health and wellbeing.

It is also evidencing a reduction in the Health and Welfare budgets, alongside a positive impact on the economy, as the resultant Inclusive Economic Growth takes its place within the marketplace. Our Inclusive Entrepreneurs do not talk of pity - they talk instead about increased levels of self-esteem, reduced isolation and a renewed sense of being part of and contributing to society through innovation. 

During the day, we were honoured to have with us challengers and leaders in their fields, including the newly appointed UN Global Goodwill Ambassador Carol Ann Whitehead who addressed the delegates present.

Also joining us was Helene Martin Gee, Pink Shoe Founder and President who spoke about Women in Enterprise, highlighting the need for a structured and aspirational approach to Inclusive Entrepreneurship.

Olivia Gallagher, T33 Wheelchair Racer and Ability Today Ambassador then gave an insight to entrepreneurship as a para-athlete, demonstrating the gender disparity within her class and reinforcing the importance of appropriate practical and financial support as an elite athlete.  

Two panel discussions further illustrated the journeys and achievements of Inclusive Entrepreneurs. The first panel included Grant Logan from Ability Today, Ayesha Gavin from Ayesha Communications, Stephen Hopwood from Swift and Sure, Lady Sharon Farley-Mason from Glamsticks and James Holt, Musician. All highly talented and successful entrepreneurs, their inspiring journeys to where they are today only served to reinforce the immense benefits to the economy and their personal health and well being. This message was further amplified by Aaron Hornback of Horizon Health Network.

The second panel, with Carol Ann Whitehead, John Kiehl of Soundtrack Group and Emanuel 'Manny' Perlman of Destination Peace, discussed the conversations taking place at an international level, and their impact within the 2030 Agenda towards achieving the Paradigm Shift and the commitments towards the SDGs.   

It was evident from the panel discussions and ensuing Q&A that the growth we are seeing is both cross-sector and cross-industries, as the resilience and determination of the Inclusive Entrepreneur reaches new heights in areas they have previously been absent.

So I ask you - Imagine if the solution to some of the world’s greatest challenges is a thought in the mind of an Inclusive Entrepreneur?

We have a blueprint for Inclusive Entrepreneurship that works. We have evidence to demonstrate it.  However, in order to upscale and extend its reach, we make the following recommendations to policy makers:

• Enable the Paradigm Shift in government policy
• Allow for early identification and implementation of support
• Provide direct access to personal advisors
• Provide training on management of support
• Ensure there is continued support for personal care
• Ensure the award contains support for compliance areas
• Allow easy access to mental health support and holistic therapies
• Ensure equity within access to finance

An Inclusive Entrepreneur is another step in our journey towards making entrepreneurship open and easily accessible to all. Last week's event  resulted in an incredible, emotive and empowering testament to the importance of Inclusive Entrepreneurship in economic growth and social change.

We have launched a Digital Platform, an online marketplace for inclusive Entrepreneurship.

Our next step is an Expo that will be a physical platform and an enabling space for Inclusive Entrepreneurship on February 26, 2020.

 

 

 

On the day of the Windsor Consultations, where I am speaking on all things Inclusive Entrepreneurship as part of my contributions across November 2019 in support of #GEW2019, I wanted to take a little while to reflect on work I have done in this area to date and the Launch of the Digital Platform for the Inclusive Entrepreneur.

https://www.universalinclusion.co.uk/programmes

We are about to celebrate 10 years since I started to consider the equality of access to and opportunity within the workplace. This was in no small part because of my own experience of acquiring a disability which impacted significantly on me in the workplace.

At the time I had been enticed out of entrepreneurship, #InclusivePlay, #InclusiveChildcare, to cascade the Model I had developed (Inclusive Playcare Model) initially across the borough where I lived, and subsequently across the UK. It was, it might be said, at the height of my career.

However as the Joseph Rowntree report later concluded, I was one of the statistics in terms of an employment tribunal, later which one might conclude ended well as I won on point of law but in reality no-one won. I found myself out of the workplace (workforce retention or more importantly the lack of it, is deserving of an article in its own right).

It was here, upon realising how difficult it was to get back into mainstream employment - reasonable adjustments really didn’t come into play in terms of pre-employment at that time, and interviews were brutal, as my symptoms and the assessment process collided - that I reverted to my earlier passion of entrepreneurship.

Like many things in life, once you step into the unknown, your learning curve is steep. In this case, I quickly became aware of the arena within which I would operate going forward and the fragility of the measures that were in place to manage my symptoms in the workplace.

I also realised just how many people were facing similar challenges in addition to coming to terms with a life-changing diagnosis.

By then I had formed FLUIDITY, which supports people with hidden and fluctuating conditions to access life’s opportunities.

One of the biggest factors for members was the negative experience they had, both within the workplace, and also when having lost their job, they tried to get back into mainstream employment. They faced a life on state benefit  - which contrary to the misconception, is the last place people who want to access the workplace want to be - and I could see the detrimental impact it had on our members' health and well-being as they tried to navigate alternatives. One of the most natural of these was for members to become self-employed, effectively cutting out the hurdles and taking back control.

In response to this, I forged ahead, utilising the skills I had developed in the cultural arena. I developed and piloted the ‘Inclusive Entrepreneur Program’ in 2013, courtesy of ESF funding and colleagues who believed in the integrity and intent of the process, particularly those who were brave enough to become participants.

The resultant learning informed the film below, alongside recommendations to government on how things could be improved going forward.

https://youtu.be/GawzRn-2ZeM

Unfortunately for Disabled Entrepreneurs, this also coincided with a restructuring of the Access to Work award (under less than justifiable circumstances which was, and still is, the only discretionary award aimed at supporting disabled people in the workplace.

The restructuring of the award, often referred to as the best-kept secret, was devastating and the fallout is still being felt and challenged to this day. The intent and the administration of the award continue to collide - most notably the Cap on the award which has no economic grounds, and the expectancy that a disabled entrepreneur has to prove business viability in 12 months or lose their support, contrary to sector data and learning on start-up phases etc.

When it works, it is life-changing. Its intent is pure and if it was to be placed within BEIS rather than DWP, we could see incredible growth in this area. The more punitive measures of the DWP would be replaced by a desire to nurture within a business environment that understands economics and would embrace the support requirements and ways in which disabled people manage their working lives as a positive contribution to GDP, not perceived as care/tax burdens.

Unfortunately, following the restructure, things did not improve. This led to over 30 complaints to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). There are continuing difficulties as a result of the conflicting guidelines and regime within the DWP. This situation is becoming increasingly akin to - and not saying it is the correct way to treat a disabled person that way - one that refers to disabled people as not working rather than supporting the resilience and desire to continue to be within the workplace. Instead, DWP are using punitive measures rather than the more innovative ones within BEIS.

Members find it at best difficult to navigate, and at worst feel thwarted and unable to grow their business. This is because of the Cap, the backroom administration, and the lack of understanding about entrepreneurship for disabled people.

There is much debate at the minute about the drivers behind people who face barriers to the workplace and move into entrepreneurship - often cited incorrectly in my opinion - that they are not doing real jobs or are not contributing GDP.

I see this as much more complex, as the realms of the Inclusive Entrepreneur ought to be viewed across the full spectrum of outcomes. These outcomes not only measure the business they run but the positive impact on the economy, on those they trade with and the social impact within society, alongside the positive impact on their health and wellbeing, and the equally resultant positive impact on health and social care budgets.

Supporting this sector growth evidences commitment to legislative duties, the Sustainable Development Goals, and what is sometimes dismissed as "what is morally right".

So our Call to Action across this month, which has also been adopted as the month celebrating female entrepreneurship by NatWest, remains clear as we celebrate the great things being achieved by our inclusive entrepreneurs, with the following recommendations essential to reducing the employment gap for those with protected characteristics through Inclusive Economic Growth.

• Paradigm shift in governement policy
• Early identification and implementation of support
• Direct access to personal advisor
• Training on management of support
• Continued support for personal care
• The award contains support for compliance areas
• Easy access to mental health support and holistic therapies
• Equity within access to finance
• To place the Access To Work award within the BEIS

Jacqueline Winstanley, November 2019

Entrepreneur, Humanitarian and Global Disruptor 

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Linked in Articles

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/essentials-workforce-retention-jacqueline-winstanley-bsc-hons/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/inclusive-entrepreneurship-key-diversity-start-ups-jacqueline/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/missed-opportunity-regain-flagship-status-access-work-jacqueline/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/inclusive-entrepreneurship-pilot-uk-sets-standards-jacqueline/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/inclusive-entrepreneurship-its-role-achieving-un-2030-jacqueline/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/creating-2030-agenda-paradigm-shift-inclusive-winstanley-bsc-hons/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/towards-more-inclusive-world-jacqueline-winstanley-bsc-hons/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/call-support-disabled-people-enterprise-within-beis-jacqueline/