Join The Conversation
Join our Lunch & Learn series to help you create more inclusive, compassionate workplaces
Reserve your place
This programme is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions' Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.
EVENT DATES
9th January 2026
6th February 2026
6th March 2026
TIME & DURATION
From 12:00 - 1.30 pm
90 minutes
FORMAT
Inspiring conversation with expert speaker and question and answer discussion
PLACES AVAILABLE
Unlimited
Overview
Explore how everyday conversations can spark meaningful change at work. Our online Lunch and Learn series brings together inspiring speakers who share fresh perspectives on subjects such as kindness, social justice, neurodiversity, and the power of language.
Each 90 minute session is relaxed and conversational in style, with opportunity for interaction and questions; encouraging reflection, curiosity, and practical action. You’ll gain insight into how small shifts in the way we communicate and converse can create more inclusive, compassionate, and connected workplaces.
If you can’t make it live, don’t worry, each session is will be recorded and shared as part of our Conversations for Change podcast, so you can catch up anytime.
Who is this for?
- Any employers based in York or North Yorkshire
- Business owners
- Senior leaders, managers
- Employees at any level of the organisation
This project is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions' Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.
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Join the conversation on 9th January 2026
Session 2:
Leading with Humanity: Values, social justice and conversations that matter
In times of uncertainty and rapid change, the quality of human connection in the workplace has never mattered more. This conversation with Professor Divine Charura explores how principles of humanity, love, and ethical awareness can shape how we relate to one another and lead within organisational life. Drawing on his extensive psychological research, and in particular his forthcoming work with Professor Gordon Medlock, Divine will invite participants to reflect on the importance of challenging self-limiting beliefs and looming cognitive styles. The aim is to move towards self-understanding, appreciating intersectionality, and what it means to be values-led in everyday professional conversations.
We will explore how choosing love over fear, curiosity over judgment, and hope over cynicism can transform not only leadership practice but also the wider workplace culture. We will discuss how building these into everyday workplace conversations can foster inclusive, ethical, and compassionate working environments where everyone can thrive and bring their whole selves to work.
This Lunch & Learn offers an opportunity for leaders, business owners, and employers to gain and share practical insights for achieving more humane and sustainable organisations.
Professor Divine Charura
Professor Charura is a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist and UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) registered Psychotherapist. He is also a Coaching Psychologist.
Divine has worked as a clinician in a range of clinical settings including the NHS, voluntary and private sectors, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He is currently a Professor in Counselling Psychology at York St John University.
As a practitioner psychologist and psychotherapist, Divine continues to work with patients/clients presenting with a wide range of psychological difficulties and disorders in clinical practice. He has a range of psychotherapeutic interests including, the transformation potential of the therapeutic relationship, and the efficacy of a range of psychotherapy interventions in therapeutic work with those who have a diagnosis or those experiencing psychological distress.
Past events
Session 1: November 26th "You can't say that! or can you?"
How using kindness in language can transform your workplace culture
This conversation focuses on the power of language and how subtle shifts in our language can support a more inclusive workplace culture. We all want to believe that our businesses are values led, but how can we bring our values to life? How can we make them a reality across the whole organisation and not lead with bias and assumptions?
In a world where we are facing a mental health crisis, which is becoming a workplace challenge impacting well-being, engagement and effectiveness, compassionate communication becomes critical. Many employers are cautious about the language they use, concerned about saying the ‘wrong’ thing, especially where inclusive language is changing at a pace. How can we encourage the whole organisation to be curious about their colleagues’ perspectives and their own beliefs and understandings?
In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore kind and respectful language in dynamic workplace environments.
Start today and build a healthier, more inclusive and compassionate workplace culture
26th Nov: Expert Guest
Pete Quinn
Pete Quinn is a Consultant, Trainer, Coach, and Mentor specialising in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Organisational Well-being. With over 15 years of experience, Pete's focus is on translating abstract values into realistic, operational, and sustainable change. He works across executive leadership and frontline teams, with a track record spanning the:
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Education sector (including roles at the University of York and the University of Oxford),
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Arts (Zayed National Museum, UAE for GCL),
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Heritage (Historic Royal Palaces & Kew Gardens for GCL),
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Corporate organisations across the UK and internationally including developing and delivering modules of the #InclusionAtWork programme to #FoodAndBeverage leadership teams in York and beyond for H2H Ltd and Schuh and Sipsmith Gin for GCL).
Based in York, Pete brings strategic insight and operational expertise to every project. He specialises in bespoke training that fosters confidence, challenges bias, and drives inclusive culture. He is recognised for his collaborative, dynamic, and highly engaging approach.
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As well as delivering training and coaching around neurodiversity, Pete is currently upskilling organisations and individuals on challenging communication, compassionate communication and Postvention. Pete is an active supporter of the #MoreInCommon initiative and the Jo Cox Foundation, particularly the #RunForJo event in memory of Jo Cox MP. He also supports, strategically and in person, ‘Menfulness’ a men’s mental health organisation based in York. |
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