Inclusive practice and how to work inclusively

Inclusive practice is an emergent process that seeks to build on best practices and develop different actions that eventually transform culture. Inclusive practice promotes equality and supports diversity so individuals often end up with a better quality of life. Crucially, practice needs to become flexible and person-centred so it respects and responds to individual needs.

Working inclusively is not just about taking people's differences into account when providing services. It means being able and willing to engage authentically and genuinely with people in any situation (Richardson, 2015). For example, this could mean asking certain participants for their viewpoint, and not just the people you are more comfortable with.

To promote equity and diversity, we must treat people as individuals as well as members of broader communities. To avoid exclusion, a person's differences must be valued and the full potential of their needs and wants should be affirmed (All Answers Ltd, 2018).