Voices of Change: Nicole Egglestone on Shaping Inclusive Workplaces

Community is not just what we do - it's who we are. And a big part of creating harmonious Communities is ensuring People from all different cultures, life experiences, and opinions feel safe, empowered, and included.

Meet Nicole Egglestone, our passionate Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Officer at Places for People. Nicole's journey at Places for People began in 2017 when she joined as a Credit Control Officer, and since then, she has become a vital advocate for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees in her current role as Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Officer.   

“It was a bit of a journey getting to where I am today. While in my previous role, I always had a keen interest in doing what's right for people. When the position for an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer (secondment) was advertised, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. The role allowed me to actively contribute to creating an inclusive environment.” 

We asked Nicole to walk us through a typical day as an EDI Officer at Places for People. 

“Of course! My main focus is on creating engagement and opportunities for our colleagues in the Inclusion and Belonging network. I want everyone to feel free to express themselves, sharing thoughts and opinions that might not always be heard. I support them with any admin they need, keep an eye on our internal Colleague communication channel, share resources across the organisation, and build connections with external EDI networks. Additionally, I make sure the inclusion mindset is a priority in all departments, especially when changes are being made to the business.” 

Looking ahead we wanted to understand Nicole’s thoughts on the future of EDI.  

“I think we've only scratched the surface of inclusivity, and I anticipate big changes in the coming years. The latest generation is bringing in new ideas and challenging the status quo, which is fantastic. It's really important for us to listen to these perspectives and ensure that everyone's voice is heard. I'm committed to embracing diversity and uniqueness, making sure all team members' contributions are valued. 

“I believe our team needs to keep growing because, now more than ever, we need to lead with kindness and make changes that benefit everyone. Our key goal is to weave Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion through every aspect of the business, making it a forethought and not an afterthought. It's an exciting journey, and I'm proud to be part of a company that prioritises inclusivity and embraces positive change.” 

Nicole's dedication to fostering inclusivity at Places for People is not just a reflection of today's values but a commitment to a future where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual is an integral part of our shared Community. #WeAreCommunity #PeopleStories  

Find out more about EDI at Places for People

Sound like something you'd like to be a part of? Visit our careers page for a list of our current vacancies: