My experience as a student ambassador – why inclusivity of employers means so much to me

This is a guest blog by Amy Webber, a Law student at the University of Worcester and a Purpose Coalition Student Ambassador.

I have found my time as a student ambassador to be eye-opening in many ways, and for many reasons. After recent events in my life leading to a diagnosis of a chronic illness, I have been forced to see life from a different perspective.

Part of the difficulty with a long-term illness, is being able to look to the future and see it as something which holds promise, rather than something filled with apprehension.

The Purpose Coalition has been brilliant for that, it has enabled me to see there are companies and organisations out there that do have all of the Purpose Goals at the forefront of their minds and the commitment to breaking down the 15 core barriers you focus on throughout each meeting, is invaluable. I feel these initiatives have helped me overcome my own fears of entering a workforce with a long-term health condition. 

Many, if not all companies, provide an easy claim in their advertisements that they are inclusive, however, the understanding of how varied disabilities can be, is often overlooked.

Without real understanding and inclusivity, organizations cannot run efficiently. I believe there needs to be increased flexibility taken by businesses to understand how employee’s situations and lifestyles can change, and work with them, rather than against them, to adapt, and make an inclusive and open work environment. 

The Purpose Lab is an opportunity for organisations to hear first-hand from individuals with lived experiences, working with them to not only showcase their inclusivity, but also to ask how they can do better.

This awareness is something I hope will continue to grow across even more channels throughout the United Kingdom.  

Additionally, as a female who plans to enter a heavily male-dominated field of work, the discussions with employers has given me the opportunity to advise on how women in many practices, could be further empowered and supported at all stages of their career.

What has been especially poignant is the growing understanding and acceptance of the stages of menopause, and how organisations are willing to support this. It has been a great initiative to see during my time as a student ambassador. 

The discussion of topics in the areas of diversity and inclusivity have helped me not only come to terms with my own condition but empower me to feel I can make a difference and provide a voice to raise awareness.

I believe these companies taking the time to inform and encourage equal practice in their workplace is the future, and I hope many companies and organizations follow what is already a fantastic format to create opportunities for all in society, no matter how loud their voice may be.