Welcome to the latest instalment of In The Chair – a series where each week a different expert joins host, Sophie Scott, to share their insights on a pertinent and timely topic.

Why is wellness just so white? In response to the Black Lives Matter movement there has been increasing focus on the lack of diversity in the UK wellness industry.

In this episode, Sarah Greenidge, the founder of Well Spoken, which advocates for credibility across the wellness industry, shares her vision for a more inclusive and accessible industry. Tabling The Wellness Industry Charter for Racial Diversity, Inclusion and Access, the first of its kind, Sarah talks about the need for brands and businesses to take practical steps to raise standards across the sector. From ensuring representation via social media and ad campaigns, to addressing the pay gap, the time is now to combat structural and institutional racism within the sector.

And, with studies showing that black people are four times more likely to die from COVID-19 than white people, the discussion turns to why it’s taken a pandemic to face up to the racial health inequalities that exist.

Wellness brands that are committed to uplifting Black and minority communities are asked to sign the charter here.