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  • Charmian D'Aubosson- Speakers Collective

    Charmian’s 25-year career in senior leadership, across private and public sectors, has taught her the power of workplace support and community. Charmian’s 25-year career in senior leadership, across private and public sectors, has taught her the power of workplace support and community. < Back Charmian D'Aubosson Specialisms: Cancer; Cancer in the Workplace Charmian’s 25-year career in senior leadership, across private and public sectors, has taught her the power of workplace support and community. When Charmian received her cancer diagnosis in 2020, this professional experience took on new meaning as she experienced firsthand how workplace support – or lack thereof – impacts someone facing cancer. Drawing from her own experience navigating breast cancer while in a senior leadership position, Charmian offers practical, heartfelt guidance on transforming how organisations can better support employees through cancer. Charmian understands firsthand the isolation that comes when colleagues don't know what to say, and the profound impact that genuine workplace support can have on someone's cancer journey. Through engaging talks and workshops, Charmian supports organisations: • Build confidence in having supportive conversations about cancer • Create inclusive environments where employees with cancer feel truly valued • Transform manager capabilities in supporting team members through cancer • Maintain meaningful workplace connections during treatment and recovery • Turn uncertainty into positive action Today, Charmian combines her unique perspective with practical strategies to help organisations move to offer confident and compassionate support. Charmian’s approach is upbeat, positive and empowering supporting organisations to support and retain their talent through simple, sustainable strategies. With an inspiring and authentic story, and experience communicating effectively with C-suite executives, HR professionals, and employees alike, participants leave her sessions with confidence, practical tools, and a clear vision for creating more compassionate workplace environments. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

  • Safeguarding | Speakers Collective

    SAFEGUARDING Speakers Collective – Safeguarding Policy (2025) 1. Policy Statement Speakers Collective is committed to ensuring that everyone we work with whether children, young people, adults, or people with lived experience feels safe, respected and supported. Abuse, neglect or exploitation of any kind will not be tolerated. We expect all staff, members, speakers, facilitators, volunteers, partners and advisors to play an active role in safeguarding and to uphold the highest standards of conduct when representing Speakers Collective. 2. Legal Framework Our safeguarding approach is guided by relevant UK legislation and statutory guidance, including: Children Act 1989 & 2004 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR Human Rights Act 1998 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) UK Online Safety Act (2023) Prevent Duty guidance We occasionally work internationally; safeguarding responses may therefore consider local laws alongside our commitment to safety and wellbeing. 3. Who This Policy Applies To This policy covers: All employees Speakers Collective members, associates and freelancers Advisory board and volunteers External partners delivering work on our behalf It applies to both online and in-person activity, including workshops, panels, talks, content creation, mentoring, and community events. We review this policy annually or sooner if required by organisational learning or changes in legislation. 4. Types of Harm and Abuse Abuse can take many forms. Key categories include: Physical Emotional Sexual Neglect Other forms of harm may include bullying, harassment, coercive control, financial abuse, domestic abuse, radicalisation, online grooming, and exploitation. Abuse may be carried out by adults or by peers, and may occur in person or online. 5. Spotting Possible Concerns Possible indicators of harm include: Noticeable or unexplained injuries Sudden behavioural changes or withdrawal Use of sexualised language or behaviour inappropriate for age Disclosure from the individual involved Signs of poor self-care or neglect A sense that “something doesn’t feel right” There may be times when signs are subtle. Staff and associates should raise any concern, even if unsure. 6. Safeguarding Roles & Contacts Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) Jon Salmon (Co-CEO / Safeguarding Lead) Email: jon@speakerscollective.org Jo Emmerson (Co-CEO / Safeguarding Lead) Email: jo@speakerscollective.org 7. Reporting a Concern Anyone working with or on behalf of Speakers Collective must report safeguarding concerns as soon as possible, and no later than 24 hours after becoming aware of the issue. When reporting, include: Name of the individual at risk Date, time and location of the incident Who was present A clear, factual account Direct quotes where applicable Important points: Do not promise to keep disclosures secret. Do not investigate yourself. Do not confront the alleged perpetrator. Information should only be shared with those who need to know. All safeguarding notes must be stored securely in line with data protection requirements. 8. Low-Level Concerns Low-level concerns relate to behaviour that does not meet a harm threshold but suggests a breach of expected professional boundaries for example, unnecessary one-on-one situations, overfamiliar communication, or unclear personal/professional boundaries. These matters should still be raised with a DSL so patterns can be identified early and appropriate action can be taken. 9. Safe Recruitment Practice Speakers Collective uses safer recruitment principles for staff, freelancers and volunteers. This may include: Clear role descriptions References and background checks DBS checks where roles require them Clear agreements about behaviour and boundaries 10. Professional Conduct and Boundaries Anyone representing Speakers Collective must maintain appropriate behaviour in all interactions, including online. This includes: Using approved communication channels Not forming personal or secretive relationships with participants Avoiding unnecessary private messaging Keeping clear boundaries between personal and professional roles 11. Record Keeping Safeguarding information must be: Recorded promptly and accurately Stored securely Accessible only to authorised safeguarding personnel Deleted or archived in line with data retention policies 12. Training & Review All staff must receive safeguarding guidance as part of their onboarding. Periodic refresher training will be provided and the policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if circumstances require it. We reccomend that all members of Speakers Collective take basic safeguarding training run by organisations like the NSPCC - https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/training/safeguarding-charity-trustees 13. Support for Individuals Speakers Collective can provide signposting to appropriate support services for anyone affected by safeguarding concerns, including mental health support, crisis services and local safeguarding teams. NSPCC Helpline - Call 0808 800 5000 or Email help@nspcc.org.uk

  • Finlay Games- Speakers Collective

    Finlay Games is a transgender gay man, with a passion for sharing honest, firsthand experiences, of gender transition, recovery, and mental health.Finlay Games is a transgender gay man, with a passion for sharing honest, firsthand experiences, of gender transition, recovery, and mental health. < Back Finlay Games Specialisms: LGBTQ, Transgender, Mental Health, Content Creator, Life Coach and Mentor Finlay Games is a transgender gay man, with a passion for sharing honest, firsthand experiences, of gender transition, recovery, and mental health. In 2011 under the name, ‘FinnTheInFinncible’ Finlay began documenting his gender transition and recovery story via his YouTube channel and accompanying blog. In the years since, Finlay has spoken at several events, including the Open University s first TEDx event, ‘Imagine What’s Next’. As an engaging and highly sought-after speaker, Finlay aims to provide information, raise awareness, and challenge stigma around the complex topics of gender, sexuality, addiction, and mental illness. Finlay has also written for many publications and has recently published his first memoir, ‘Top to Bottom – A Memoir and Personal Guide Through Phalloplasty’. His book is the first to document the entire surgical and emotional process of phalloplasty, from the perspective of one trans man. He is currently working on his second book, an anthology of firsthand stories of mental health experiences from a transgender perspective. Both books are published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. After graduating with a BA Hons first degree from The Open University, Finlay now also provides information and support, in his work as a life coach and mentor for transgender people. When he isn’t busy trying to change the world to a better place, Finlay can be found dancing in the muddy fields of Glastonbury Festival or ambling along the Devon coast. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

  • Simon Minty- Speakers Collective

    Simon Minty has delivered public speaking, training and consultancy, in diversity and inclusion since early 2000s. Simon Minty has delivered public speaking, training and consultancy, in diversity and inclusion since early 2000s. < Back Simon Minty Specialisms: Diversity and Inclusion training and consultancy. Simon Minty has delivered public speaking, training and consultancy, in diversity and inclusion since the early 2000s. Based in London, his work is international. He works with many clients from small NGOs to multinational corporations. This international work has helped Simon develop a broader understanding of different cultural approaches to disability. He also has a creative side, co-hosting two podcasts, BBC Ouch! and The Way We Roll. Regularly on Gogglebox to reviewing The Papers for the BBC News channel. He co-created and produced the sell-out Edinburgh Fringe comedy show Abnormally Funny People in 2005 and 2015. Simon is a Non-executive director of Motability Operations. He is on the board of The National Theatre and co-Chair of StopGap Dance. He is an Ambassador to the Business Disability Forum and Business Disability International. He also helped establish the Disability Media Alliance Project in California. Simon has a Post Graduate Diploma in Disability Management at Work and a BSc (Joint Hons) in Philosophy and Sociology, both from City University in London. He has personal experience of disability being of short stature and limited mobility. He uses a mobility scooter for distance. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

  • Beth French- Speakers Collective

    Beth's mum died when she was 20, and since then Beth has been on a mission to talk through the taboo of grief. Beth's mum died when she was 20, and since then Beth has been on a mission to talk through the taboo of grief. < Back Beth French Specialisms: Grief and Mental Health Beth's mum died when she was 20, and since then Beth has been on a mission to talk through the taboo of grief. She founded the charity Let's Talk About Loss, which supports young grievers aged 18-35 by creating safe, supportive, open and empowering spaces to talk about grief. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

  • Jo Morgan- Speakers Collective

    Jo Morgan (BA, PGCE, PGCert) is an award-winning professional speaker, trainer and consultant specialising in Relationships and Sex Education, PSHE and Diversity and Inclusion. Jo Morgan (BA, PGCE, PGCert) is an award-winning professional speaker, trainer and consultant specialising in Relationships and Sex Education, PSHE and Diversity and Inclusion. < Back Jo Morgan Specialisms: Relationships and Sex Education, peer-on-peer abuse, LGBTQ+, Inclusion, Empowerment & resilience for girls Jo Morgan (BA, PGCE, PGCert) is an award-winning professional speaker, trainer and consultant specialising in Relationships and Sex Education, PSHE and Diversity and Inclusion. Jo believes that high-quality Relationships and Sex Education is one of the greatest gifts we can give to young people. Teacher training and student talks and workshops delivered by Jo are funny, uplifting and empowering. Topics include: consent, peer-on-peer abuse, healthy relationships, sexual pleasure, LGBTQ+ inclusion and porn. Jo is an advisor on the RSE expert working groups for the DfE and ISC. In the City of Portsmouth, she sits on the Anti-racism and LGBTQIA+ steering groups for Portsmouth City Council and offers pro bono consultancy and training to local state schools. Jo currently holds the part-time interim position of Strategic Student Voice Coordinator for the City of Portsmouth and runs the city’s MYP programme. Jo is a freelance content creator and facilitator at Unloc and recently designed and delivered the ‘I Am’ programme sponsored by Verizon. She is one of the founding members of the Schools' Inclusion Alliance. The board hosts the annual conference ‘Unlocking the Power of the Human’ and has been shortlisted for the European Diversity Awards: Community Project of the Year 2022. Winner: Best RSE Teacher UK, 2020 Shortlisted: Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards - Categories Education and Community & Outreach, 2021 Shortlisted: European Diversity Awards: Community Project of the Year, 2022 Nominated: Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards, 2022 info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

  • Meaningful Conversations | Speakers Collective

    MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS Meaningful Conversation Losing A Parent To Suicide This Meaningful Conversation brings together Maike Mullenders, Anna Wardley, Katie Irvine, Jack Mathews and Jon Salmon to talk about Losing a Parent to Suicide. WATCH NOW SPOTIFY PODCAST APPLE PODCAST Meaningful Conversation Poetry: how it might become an unexpected part of your mental health toolkit This Meaningful Conversation brings together the author Rachel Kelly who found poetry was a way through severe depression, and distinguished poet and filmmaker Pele Cox to talk about why and how poetry can help our emotional well-being. WATCH NOW SPOTIFY PODCAST APPLE PODCAST Meaningful Conversation - Telling Stories The Brain, Trauma And Creativity This Meaningful Conversation brings together experts on the brain, creativity and storytelling. Lorna Collins (neurodiverse author, and artist) leads a fascinating conversation with Michael Rosen (author, storyteller, and survivor) and Professor Anthony David (Director, UCL Institute of Mental Health) talking about telling stories, being creative, the brain and our mental health. WATCH NOW SPOTIFY PODCAST APPLE PODCAST Meaningful Conversation - #HonestyAboutEditing Activist and campaigner, Suzanne Samaka and comedian and author, Dave Chawner join body image advocate Emi Howe. This Meaningful Conversation was recorded just before Eating Disorders Week and the trio came together to discuss where we're at with our bodies. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW Meaningful Conversation - Responding to suicide and its impact Speakers Collective Founder Member Angela Samata talks to Dr. Sharon McDonnell, Managing Director of Suicide Bereavement UK, and Ann Marie McStocker, Health and Wellbeing Project Manager at Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW Meaningful Conversation Pain As Opportunity Asif and Joanna explore the notion of pain as opportunity through their respective lenses and experience in mental health, and inequality, diversity and inclusion. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW Meaningful Conversation Series: Simply Us Disability - Not Just Another Tick Box Chandy Green speaks to Sarah Petherbridge and Holly Sutcliffe on the challenges of negotiating an inaccessible world and the positive benefits of allyship. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW Meaningful Conversation Series: The Power of Movement It is no secret that physical exercise is good for your mental health and well-being. This meaningful conversation explores the Power of Movement with an expert panel Hannah Beecham, Simon Hawtrey-Woore, Katie Burt and hosted by Speakers Collective Director Jon Salmon. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW

  • Jon Salmon- Speakers Collective

    Jon is an award-winning social impact innovator, entrepreneur and mental health campaigner with over 25 years’ experience at the intersection of digital innovation, mental health, and community building.Jon is an award-winning social impact innovator, entrepreneur and mental health campaigner with over 25 years’ experience at the intersection of digital innovation, mental health, and community building. < Back Jon Salmon Specialisms: Mental Health Advocacy, Neurodiversity & Dyslexia, Social Impact Innovation, Digital Transformation & Community Building, Artificial Intelligence and Social Impact Jon is an award-winning social impact innovator, entrepreneur and mental health campaigner with over 25 years’ experience at the intersection of digital innovation, mental health, and community building. He is the co-founder of social impact agency Byte Entertainment and Co-CEO of Speakers Collective , a lived-experience-led not-for-profit supporting more than 200 speakers who use storytelling, education and advocacy to drive change. Jon has designed and delivered impactful campaigns and community strategies addressing isolation, bereavement, youth mental health and local empowerment. His work spans partnerships with organisations from FIFA and The Royal Foundation to NHS England , as well as grassroots initiatives including Local Trust’s Big Local programme . After losing his father to suicide as a teenager and later being sectioned with stress and depression, Jon speaks openly about his lived experiences to help end stigma and encourage conversations that can save lives . He also shares his story of living with dyslexia, once a source of shame, now a source of strength and which has shaped his creativity and career. A passionate advocate for neurodiversity, Jon champions inclusion across communities , corporates and campaigns, working with everyone from local networks to global platforms. |In addition to his work in mental health and social impact, Jon is developing expertise in artificial intelligence and has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence from the Moonmax AI Advertising Course , recognising his commitment to exploring how AI can be harnessed for positive social change. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

  • Adrian Ellis- Speakers Collective

    My lived experience story is called ( Turning Trauma into Triumph).My lived experience story is called ( Turning Trauma into Triumph). < Back Adrian Ellis Specialisms: Mental Health & Suicide Prevention My lived experience story is called ( Turning Trauma into Triumph). It's an incredibly powerful, emotional story, how I've turned the most tragic thing that could happen to a Dad into something so positive, and yes I'l l be talking about the S word, the S word being Suicide. I lost my son to suicide at the age of 24, George was veteran and had served 6 years in the British Army, The modern world can be very stressful, and at times we may encounter hurdles that are thrust in front of us, as we navigate the journey of life. The pace and pressure, we often forget the most important thing of all, the need to talk about our emotions and feelings. Let me take you and your team on an incredible journey, and show you how by talking about our emotions and feelings we can save lives. I highlight to the audience that you are never alone, and we all need to talk at some point about how we are feeling, showing emotion isn't a sign of weakness, It's a sign of strength, It also helps people to understand why people choose suicide and understand that suicide can happen to anyone, and the impact it has on others. My presentation is around an hour long and is made up of videos, pictures and me talking and is brought together on a powerpoint presentation. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

  • Dawn Kirk- Speakers Collective

    In 2017 I became aware that something wasn’t quite right. I was struggling with a busy operational role, people management and day to day life. After a number of ‘wake up’ calls I realised I needed help. In 2017 I became aware that something wasn’t quite right. I was struggling with a busy operational role, people management and day to day life. After a number of ‘wake up’ calls I realised I needed help. < Back Dawn Kirk Specialisms: Mental Health, Anxiety, codependency and burnout In 2017 I became aware that something wasn’t quite right. I was struggling with a busy operational role, people management and day to day life. After a number of ‘wake up’ calls I realised I needed help. I now use my lived experiences to help others after working through a number of areas, including anxiety, codependency and burnout. I’m a lead MH first Aider and Mental Health champion within my organisation and I also work to support a number of charities outside of my organisation, along with being a proud Ambassador for This Can Happen. I share my own lived experiences to help others open up about their own feelings and what they might be struggling with. I am passionate about driving initiatives and helping to normalise the conversation around Mental Health and broader well-being. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

  • Valeria Martucci- Speakers Collective

    I am Valeria and I have originally moved from Italy to UK as an european expat. I am Valeria and I have originally moved from Italy to UK as an european expat. < Back Valeria Martucci Specialisms: Neurodiversity I am Valeria and I have originally moved from Italy to UK as an european expat. My move revealed to be a journey towards the discover of my true self, aside of the professional motivation which led many (then!) young millennials to move abroad. This journey brought me to take courage to find out the cause of all my challenges and roadblock and I got diagnosed as adhd and autistic in 2022, at 34. I am currently a project manager in the data center industry and I love public speaking, coaching, mentoring and wish to share my experiences as a late diagnosed and support other late diagnosed ND people through their challenges. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

  • Podcasts | Speakers Collective

    Explore meaningful conversations with the Speakers Collective. Listen to our podcast series, hear members featured on other platforms, and get to know the voices behind our work in In Conversation With... podcasts At Speakers Collective, we’re passionate about conversations that drive social change. Our Meaningful Conversations Podcasts series explores key issues like mental health, stigma and identity with leading voices and hosted by our members. In Conversation With… offers a closer look at the people who are members and our Speakers Collective Spotlight explores why our members decided to challenge stigma and discrimination. Also on this page is podcasts featuring Our Members, where they share lived experience and expert insights on a wide range of platforms. Meaningful Conversations Dive into powerful conversations that challenge stigma, share lived experience, and spark change. Hosted by our Speakers Collective members, the Meaningful Conversation Podcasts series amplifies unheard voices and explores the issues that matter from mental health to identity, social justice to community action. In Conversation with... In Conversation With... is our interview series that shines a light on members of Speakers Collective. Each episode features an honest and personal conversation with one of our members, offering insight into their work, their motivations, and the experiences that shape their voice and impact. Speakers Collective Spotlight Speakers Collective Spotlight Series shines a light on the incredible individuals within our community who use their voice, expertise and lived experience to challenge stigma, spark conversation, and drive meaningful change. Members Podcasts Our members are regularly invited to speak on a wide range of podcasts, bringing insight, honesty and inspiration to every conversation. Explore a growing collection of episodes featuring Speakers Collective voices, sharing lived experience, sparking new thinking, and encouraging open, inclusive dialogue.

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