Rachel Weaven has spent September delivering Equality Diversity and Inclusion Training to small businesses

We’re almost at the end of September. Children have gone back to school and small business owners across the UK are trying to get back into business.

Today we’re talking to Rachel Weaven who is a HR Consultant for face2faceHR, based in Swindon.

What’s been happening for your business in September?
I have been concluding some Equality Diversity and Inclusion Training that I’ve been running for a client. It has been so much fun to get the team thinking about how they can make small changes to impact this within their business. It’s been great hearing what other people views are and that there is a lot of fear around saying the wrong thing and that generations are also having an impact on this. Now more than ever we are seeing multiple generations in the workforce, and this is something this training has been addressing.

Children went back to school this month – is this relevant to you personally or professionally?
After however many years of having to juggle childcare and working full time, this year was the first summer I took some time out with my girls which was amazing, and I have asked myself why did I not do this sooner. I always felt guilty sending them to the childminder (even though she was amazing) so to be able to play crazy golf with them along with other outings has been so special – however after 6 weeks I am pleased they are both back at school and me and my Westies can get back into our routine!

Yesterday was World Gratitude Day (Sept 21) – what are you grateful for at the moment?
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to run my own business and support all those lovely people who invest so much into their own businesses but aren’t always prepared for the swings and roundabouts that come with employees.

Who are you grateful for at the moment?
I’m grateful for my husband Matt for supporting me whilst I grow my business, I know it hasn’t been easy, but he’s been great.

To my parents for helping with early morning school runs when I have been attending networking meetings and to all the amazing people, I have met on my journey that have offered advice and support.

Have you got any events planned you’d like to shout about – either that you are running or attending?
I’ve been looking to run some Equality Diversity and Inclusion training sessions both open to all and hopefully work with some businesses to offer it internally

Have you got any services or special offers you’d like to mention?
I am an Insights Practitioner and it’s such a fun tool to help teams work more effectively and improve their communication skills between each other.

I am also a trained Mediator so rather than going through the grievance process which can be quite exhausting for all involved this offers a safer and much more positive outcome.

September 30 is International Podcast Day – do you listen to podcasts or do you have one of your own? Which podcasts should others check out?
I don’t listen to them a lot, but there are certain ones I do like such as Fiona Scott’s and Samantha Jayne’s!

And finally, can you share something which inspires you to ‘keep going’?
My daughters are my biggest inspiration there have been many times when I have felt its too much and that maybe I should give up, but I see them and want them to be proud of me.

Find out more at https://face2facehr.com/hr-consultant-swindon/