Sarah Williams

Welcome to my website, dedicated to sharing good practise, nurturing open dialogue, empowering conversations. At the heart of my mission is a commitment to advancing inclusion and instilling fair practices, key to embedding lasting culture change.

I tackle subjects often considered taboo, such as mental health, and intersections with menstrual health, menopause, and neurodivergence. I hope to bring people together to spark transformative discussions that lead to enduring cultural shifts in charities, research institutions, workplaces, and more. My goal is to broaden the scope of inclusiveness wherever I have opportunity!

My journey into the heart of inclusivity and change began in 2011, when I rejoined Welsh Athletics, the national governing body for athletics in Wales. My role involved overseeing critical submissions, including Governance Self Assurance and Equality Standards in Sports, to Sport Wales. With each passing year, I not only enhanced the quality of these submissions but also played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of change within the organisation.

However, 2014 marked a year of personal upheaval and transformation. Amidst the challenges of significant bereavement, an empty nest, increased workplace stress, and dwindling personal resilience, I found myself at a crossroads. I was dealing with the impact of undiagnosed neurodivergent conditions plus perimenopause during this time of flux. Eventually this collision of conditions and life events left me no choice but to attempt better wellbeing by redirecting my professional journey from a Senior Leadership role to freelance work.

Now, with eight years as a consultant and educator in inclusivity and fair practise, I've collaborated with diverse sectors to spearhead change. I've led National Governing Bodies towards adopting fair and inclusive practices, significantly raising standards for equality and enhancing governance frameworks. A highlight of my career was guiding a Welsh Governing Body to achieve the first-ever 100% score in Governance Self-Assurance.

Known for my approachable nature and engaging humor, I create a collaborative environment conducive to growth and inclusivity. I connect with a wide audience, from community volunteers to senior executives, to weave inclusive values into the fabric of organizational cultures.

A bit about me and my evolving work as ‘Equality Counts’

Sometimes described as a positive "force of nature" and a "breath of fresh air," my energy and innovative approach to challenges and conversations fosterema positive impact wherever I go.

Drawing from my personal journey, including overcoming health challenges and navigating neurodivergence, I offer a unique perspective on diversity. Since 2017, I've vocalized issues surrounding inclusion with a focus on menstrual health, mental well-being, and menopause. In 2018 I established the Cardiff Menopause Cafe, igniting interest in menopause conversations and workshops across Wales and byoned the bridge! My contributions to menopause literature and the BSI Committee's guidelines on Menstrual Health and Menopause (BS 30416:2023) underscore my commitment to this cause.

Recently, my transition to rural living has introduced new dimensions to my wellbeing and work, shedding light on the impacts of geographical and social isolation on health equity and inclusion. These insights enrich my work, driving me to address accessibility and inclusion from a broader perspective.

My story is one of relentless optimism in pursuit of acceptance, inclusivity and fairness, utilizing my experiences and expertise to make a meaningful difference in every project I undertake. I invite you to join me in this journey of creating more inclusive communities and workplaces.

Are you ready to transform your organization's approach to inclusivity? Contact me for consultations, workshops, or speaking engagements and let's make an impact together!