Welcome!
Whatever has drawn you to this website—thank you for visiting
My name is Amanda Heenan, and I trade as Arc of Inclusion. I am motivated by a vision of a world where equality, human dignity, and environmental rights are prioritised. A world where respect, kindness, and compassion are the norm, rooted in the understanding of our interconnectedness.
The boundaries between my work and passions are becoming beautifully fluid, and this website is a reflection of that. It highlights the areas I’m focusing on and the things that bring me joy, which might also resonate with you:
Find out more about:
Services:
The services I offer focus on the environments created by organisations, the people that power those environments and those who they impact on.
I take a supportive approach, taking time to understand your organisation's context and needs. I will walk alongside your organisation ensuring that actions are meaningful and not tokenistic
My services include:
- Equality impact assessment: developing your organisation's capacity to integrate meaningful equality impact assessment into your policies, service design and any other relevant piece of work
- Strategic transformation
- Integrating EDI objectives into operational plans
- Policy development
- Training
- Evaluation
Take time just for you
Sometimes, we all need support to navigate life's complexities. I may be able to help if:
- You need a sounding board or a supportive space to work through a project or dilemma
- You are working on an equality impact assessment
- You’re at a crossroads in life and seeking clarity
- You are facing conflict and want to work toward resolution (delivered in partnership with Catherine Brys). Read more...
Coaching is a deeply personal process, and it’s important to find the right fit. That’s why I offer an initial 30-minute session free of charge—so you can get a sense of whether we’re a good match.
The healing power of art
Art has been a healing and comforting force that has helped me transcend the distress and periodic grimness of ill health.
The delicacy of nature conjures up joy and I am so inspired by this. Nature’s kaleidoscope of light and shade and the subtle hints of light beyond the veil of the physical have been healing and comforting to me through times when I have hovered very close between life and death. I am blessed to live in beautiful Scotland which seems to be rich in so many thin places.
The sheer enjoyment of the delicacy of nature inspires me every day, whatever the weather.
Nurturing spaces to explore peacebuilding
I believe that peacebuilding and social justice work go hand in hand. The ability to empathise across difference is such an important key. Particularly in a world that is becoming more and more polarised.
I'm interested in reating spaces where people can explore issues with respect and curiosity. In nurturing brave spaces where we can hold mirrors up to each other, but most importantly to ourselves.
I'm a member of the UK and Ireland Peacebuilders Network, hosted by the Centre for Good Relations and supported by Quakers in Britain.
Principles that guide my work
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Disability justice
As a disabled person and activist, I understand firsthand that our rights are hard-won and that we are often invisible in decision-making processes. Including disabled people in leadership positions, where our diverse perspectives and lived experiences can drive change, is essential to achieving true disability inclusion and justice.
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Antiracism
As a white person who grew up in apartheid South Africa, I am acutely aware of my privilege and the everyday disparities faced by racialised communities. I am committed to ongoing learning and action to help address these inequities. I am proud to be a member of the Equality Republic, hosted by brap, engaging in meaningful antiracism work
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Feminism
My work with the rape crisis and women’s aid movements in Scotland has shaped my understanding of intersectional feminism and feminist leadership. It has deepened my awareness of structural sexism, power dynamics, and control. I believe we can disrupt these systems through highlighting everyday sexism and mysogyny, and also amping up kindness, collaboration, and solidarity.
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LGBTQ+ equality
In 2023, I earned certification as an LGBT Foundation Academy Gold Champion. Over the decades, I have had the privilege of working in partnership with several LGBTQ+ community forums, building meaningful relationships and fostering solidarity
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Intersectionality
Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw and rooted in Black feminist thought, recognises that structural inequalities intersect to create and compound disadvantage. We all have intersecting identities that shape how we experience the world, and addressing these complexities is critical to advancing equity for those who face multiple forms of discrimination
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Peacebuilding
I believe fostering understanding and collaboration is key to achieving social justice. As a member of the UK and Ireland Peacebuilding Network, I learn from and support a diverse group of peacebuilders working to create more equitable and harmonious societies.
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Reflective practice and continuous learning
This is a highly values based area of work, covering a myriad of complexities and challenges. As a practitioner, I recognise that my own biases and blind spots affect what I do. Being part of peer led communities of practice, as well as having mentors is a vital part of my development, whcih strengthens my practice.
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