Emergency Episode: Safety, Rights, and the Future of Inclusion in the UK

Emergency Episode: Safety, Rights, and the Future of Inclusion in the UK

Government guidance on single-sex spaces, like changing rooms and toilets, is just days away from changing. The new guidelines say that these spaces must be used on the basis of biological sex, and not gender. It has left many in the LGBTQ+ community feeling uncertain, vulnerable and exhausted. For example, the change means that a trans woman - a biological male who identifies as a woman - should not use female toilets or changing rooms. This is an emergency - bonus episode - of Raising the Glass, where we want to talk about what these changes mean in practice, look at the human impact behind the headlines, and what LGBTQ+ groups, communities and allies can do about it. Rom is joined by Kristiane Westray, a Whisky writer, author and was shortlisted for the 2026 Fortnum & Mason Drinks Writer of the Year Award. And Rye, who talks about their own experiences openly and honestly. In This Episode • The real-world impact of recent UK legal decisions and government guidance on trans, non-binary, and intersex communities • Why access to toilets, changing rooms, and other gendered spaces has become a flashpoint and what it means for everyday safety • Understanding the distinctions between biological sex, gender identity, legal sex, and intersex experiences • How policy ambiguity creates confusion for individuals, employers, venues, and public services • The emotional toll of discrimination, scrutiny, and feeling unsafe in public spaces • Why intersectionality matters in advocacy and data collection • Lessons from past social justice movements and the power of community solidarity • How allies can show up, support trans people, and navigate difficult conversations without fear of getting it wrong If you are in crisis please contact the NHS https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/ or your nearest healthcare provider LINKS Not a Phase: https://notaphase.org/ https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/ Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Unconscious Bias in Recruitment: How to Build More Diverse Teams

How can the drinks industry build more inclusive hiring practices? Welcome to The Tipple, Raising the Glass’ sister episode to the main podcast. Rom talks to Kayleigh Norcross, a recruitment and diversity specialist from the Advocate Group, a consumer product and FMCG recruitment agency. This conversation looks at how unconscious bias shapes hiring decisions and what organisations can do to create fairer, more inclusive recruitment processes. From the language used in job adverts to the way interviews are structured, Kayleigh tells us about the hidden barriers that can limit access to diverse talent, the common unconscious biases and why education is key to building stronger, more representative teams across FMCG and the drinks industry. Whether you're a hiring manager, recruiter, business leader, or job seeker, this episode offers actionable advice on recognising bias, widening talent pools, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. In This Episode • Why diversity and inclusion often look different in practice than on paper • How job briefs and job descriptions can unintentionally exclude diverse candidates • Understanding unconscious bias, including affinity bias and confirmation bias • The impact of gendered language and gender coding in recruitment • How interview processes can reinforce bias through first impressions and subjective feedback • Why "culture fit" can sometimes hinder diversity efforts • Advice for women looking to showcase their experience and confidence when applying for roles LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleigh-norcross-230664137/ https://www.advocate-group.co.uk/ https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/ Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Keeping the DE&I Beacon Lit: 2 Years of Diversity, Community Building, and Backing Yourself

We don’t know how we got here, but we’re so happy to celebrate Raising the Glass’ second birthday with you! If you’ve heard of us and are curious about what we do and what we stand for, or just want to celebrate with us, then this episode for you. Join Rom and Lottie Tregear as they look back on an incredible journey, with a bottle of bubbly. They reflect on the last two years, have big conversations about where DE&I is right now, how we navigate social and political divides, the impact we can all have on keeping that beacon lit, the people they’ve met along the way and the intent and purpose that continues to shape the drinks industry. They talk about the challenges they’ve faced along the way, and the vision for what comes next. Expect candid personal stories of growth, courage, and advocacy. Whether you’re passionate about inclusive leadership, community building, challenger brands, or creating meaningful change in the drinks industry, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of heartfelt moments. In This Episode • Celebrating two years of Raising the Glass and the impact in the drinks industry and beyond so far • Why connection and collaboration matter more than ever across the drinks industry • Recognising achievements, awards, and champions of diversity and inclusion • The importance of backing yourself • Navigating social and political divides while encouraging diversity of thought • The realities of sustaining momentum, energy, and purpose-driven initiatives • Future ambitions for Raising the Glass, from supporting challenger brands to expanding wider community impact • The role of mentorship, advocacy, and legacy in shaping the next generation • Personal reflections on resilience, purpose, and the networks that help us thrive LINKS https://www.linkedin.com/in/lotte-tregear-4a80543/ https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/ Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Untapped: How Women Are Changing the Food & Beverage Industry Through Collaboration

Welcome to a very special episode of Raising the Glass – The Tipple. Rom is joined by a special panel, recorded at one of our Untapped events. Joining her are Emma Heal, Miranda Ballard, and Ciara Cullen to explore the realities of building brands, navigating industry challenges as a woman, and creating better connections within the food and drink sectors. From scaling challenger brands and understanding consumer behaviour to navigating legal complexities and retail distribution, the conversation explores what it really takes to grow a business in a competitive landscape. They reflect on the importance of collaboration over competition, the power of authentic networking, why community plays such a vital role in supporting women founders, and the barriers women continue to face in industry spaces. In the episode Rom talks about a framework for measuring Social Value. The most widely adopted tool for this is the Social Value TOM (Themes, Outcomes, and Measures) System™, formerly known as the National TOMs.  Pour a long glass and enjoy. https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/ Emma Heal on LinkedIn Miranda Ballard on LinkedIn Ciara Cullen on LinkedIn Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions

Leading With Kindness: Lessons from Marnie Millard OBE

Rom sits down with Marnie Millard OBE to explore what leadership really looks like in today’s ever-changing world. From her early career in the food and beverage industry to her extensive board-level experience, Marnie shares the lessons that have shaped her approach to leadership. All of which are rooted in clarity, confidence, and compassion. Together, they reflect on navigating change, building resilient teams, and why kindness is not a soft skill, but a powerful leadership tool. There’s no escaping the fact that we live in uncertain times, and the conversation looks at the reality of this as a leader. Marnie talks about diversity at board level, the value of different perspectives, and the role leaders play in shaping culture through trust, flexibility, and empathy. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Leading with confidence and clarity during times of change • Why kindness and compassion are essential leadership qualities • Building inclusive, diverse, and effective boards and teams • The importance of trust and flexibility in modern workplaces • Creating safe spaces that support wellbeing and growth • Lessons from a career spanning executive and non-executive roles • Reflecting on purpose, legacy, and meaningful impact Pour a long glass and enjoy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-jane-millard-obe-12841028/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/ Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/