Chess Dynamics is a UK-based company operating in the defence sector. It operates across multiple sites and employs circa 230 people and growing. The organisation wanted to strengthen its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) by upskilling the team through bespoke face-to-face learning and development sessions. 

The Brief 

• Strong technical operational expertise, but looked to strengthen the understanding of EDI across the entire organisation. 

• Equip the leadership team with the skills and behaviours that were consistent with inclusive leadership practices in the context of their individual roles. 

• Enhance people’s understanding in relation to the legislative backdrop to EDI. 

• Empower the team so ensure that respect and inclusion were demonstrated in day-to-day behaviours and actions. 

• Build confidence so people can identify and mitigate risk; equipping them with the skills to handle sensitive issues appropriately. 

• Increase engagement, confidence and ownership of EDI principles throughout the business. 

Our Approach 

Discovery  
I started by getting to know the organisation’s culture and the specific challenges facing the business in relation to supporting a complex and scaling business. This included reviewing existing training to identify gaps and opportunities. 

Learning Outcomes 
I designed bespoke workshops aligned to the brief, with the following learning outcomes: 

• What inclusive leadership looks like in practice. 

• Managers having the confidence and understanding of how to nurture a respectful and inclusive culture. 

• Developing the confidence to handle sensitive issues appropriately. 

• Equip people with the knowledge and skills to understand sexual harassment and how to mitigate risk. 

• Confidence to support diverse teams while respecting individual values and beliefs. 

• Understanding discrimination and how to deal with issues and mitigate problems. 

• Understanding EDI and individual responsibilities in an integrated organisation-wide context 

Implementation 
I delivered in-person workshops across all three sites for the entire team- 230 line managers and their teams. The sessions were highly interactive, discussion-led, and grounded in real workplace scenarios to encourage participation, reflection and constructive dialogue. 

In addition, one-to-one coaching sessions supported managers in reflecting on their behaviours, increasing self-awareness, and embedding inclusive leadership practices in their day-to-day work. 

Impact 

Engagement and Participation 
Workshops were fully attended with strong engagement and active participation across all sites. Teams reported that the content was relevant and practical.  

Leadership Confidence 
Leaders gained confidence in spotting risk, addressing sensitive issues and understanding their role in creating an inclusive workplace.  

Progress 
As every team member at Chess Dynamics participated in the workshops, the organisation achieved a shared understanding of individual impact and responsibilities in relation to EDI and how it aligns to the wider business context. Confidence in identifying and dealing with issues increased. 

Momentum 
Inclusion and respect are now active topics across the organisation, with managers and their teams empowered to continue conversations and learning, embedding change beyond the initial EDI development workshops and coaching. 

Client Feedback 

“The content was relevant to our organisation and the delivery was excellent. The feedback from our teams has been extremely positive and created higher engagement across the business on the importance of inclusion and diversity within the workplace. 

Kay was exceptionally good at ensuring everyone participated and got involved in the workshop, which created interesting and positive debate. Kay’s ability to handle sensitive situations and understand individual needs has been invaluable. 

Kay’s expertise, insight and energy has been really helpful, and I would highly recommend her to any organisation.”