Making Work Work

Last week, our Programme Founder and Senior Learning & Leadership Manager, Lynn Houmdi, joined partners, employers and sector practitioners at Equate Scotland's 20th anniversary event, Building Inclusive STEM Workplaces in Scotland, at Edinburgh Napier University.

Equate Scotland is a valued partner, and it was brilliant to be part of this milestone celebration and to hear the findings from their latest research: Gender Inclusion Practices in Scottish STEM Organisations (GIPSO).

The research makes for important reading. Progress is being made, but significant challenges remain, from gaps in monitoring EDI progress to the specific barriers faced by small businesses, and ongoing issues around reporting discrimination and supporting gendered health needs at work.

This is exactly the territory we work in every day. And events like this remind us why the long game matters, and why doing it together makes all the difference.

Here's to the next 20 years of building workplaces where everyone belongs.

This week, we’re celebrating Volunteers’ Week across the UK, recognising the people who give their time, skills and energy to strengthen communities every day. From mentoring and community projects to local events and support services, volunteers make a real difference where it matters most.

Around 6% of Making Work Work alumni leave our programmes and go on to pursue volunteering as a valuable way of refreshing their skills, building confidence and gaining experience, while supporting many essential and worthwhile causes.

This week is about recognising that impact and thanking everyone who shows up, contributes and helps move things forward, but it’s also a chance to reflect on the opportunities and experience people can gain through voluntary work.

Volunteering doesn’t just change communities: it changes the people who step forward, building confidence, broadening perspectives and creating connections that last far beyond the experience itself.

Still time to register! The Readiness & Incubation for Social Enterprise (RISE) programme, delivered by The Challenges Group and Firstport, supports women and non-binary people across Scotland to explore social entrepreneurship as a way to build a sustainable income while creating positive change for people and the planet and designing a (work)life blend that works for them.

Registration is now open for our online panel event and information session on Wednesday, 17 June. Join us to discover what social enterprise is all about, hear inspiring stories from women who have turned their ideas into sustainable livelihoods, and learn how the programme can support you in taking your first steps into social entrepreneurship.

Sign up today at www.makingworkwork.scot/rise