Education Should Open Doors, Not Close Them: Sally Nish Wins the Diversity and Inclusion in Training Award

Some trainers teach a course. Sally Nish builds a doorway — one that stays open no matter how a learner walks through it.

That commitment has earned Sally, of Heart Starters First Aid Training, this quarter's Diversity and Inclusion in Training Award — recognition for a training philosophy that puts people, not process, first.

"I have always believed education should create opportunities, not reinforce barriers," Sally said. "A person's physical limitations, cognitive ability, learning challenges, mental health status or previous educational experiences should not determine whether they have the opportunity to learn skills that could help protect or preserve a life."

Meeting learners where they are

For Sally, inclusion isn't a checklist — it's a mindset. She takes the time to understand each learner's experience and confidence level, then adapts her language, pace and activities accordingly. Sometimes that means extra demonstrations. Sometimes it means simply slowing down. Underpinning it all is a focus on psychological safety, so learners feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes along the way.

"It is about recognising what each person needs to have a genuine opportunity to learn, participate and succeed," she said.

Training that adapts, not excludes

One standout example: a customised First Aid awareness session for learners living with complex mental health conditions and mild intellectual disabilities. Rather than measuring success against a standard course outline, Sally built the session around what participants could achieve — using clear language, repetition and a learner-led pace. The result was a level of engagement she describes as remarkable, once people realised they were in a judgement-free space.

"A learner's needs may require us to change the way we teach," she said, "but they should never be the reason we stop trying to teach them."

A philosophy built into the business

This approach isn't an add-on at Heart Starters — it's foundational. Where standard nationally recognised training isn't the right fit, Sally develops customised awareness education instead, so no learner is left without a pathway to practical, life-saving knowledge.

Her advice to other partners wanting to strengthen their own inclusivity? Start by listening. Don't assume you already know what a learner needs. And lead with respect and empathy — because sometimes the biggest difference a trainer can make is simply believing a learner deserves the chance to try.

Congratulations to Sally Nish and the Heart Starters First Aid Training team on a truly well-deserved award.