University of Westminster reflects on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion journey at fourth Annual Open Forum

The day commenced with a warm welcome and opening remarks from the chairs of the EDI committee Professor Dibyesh Anand and Dr Deborah Husbands. They were then joined by Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Bonfield and Deputy Vice-Chancellors Dr Sal Jarvis and Professor Andrew Linn. Their addresses set an inspiring tone for the rest of the day.

All sections explored highlights, challenges and ways of working going forward. Representatives were in attendance from the all the three colleges of the University, sharing their insights and strategies. Professor Christos Kalantaridis and his team from the Westminster Business School, Professor Janet Jones and her team from the College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries, and Dr Thomas Moore from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences discussed initiatives and practices within their respective college.

Besides, Zahrah Surooprajally, EDI Programme Manager, presented on various ongoing EDI projects that are supported through the Quintin Hogg Trust. This was followed by Dr Claire Robertson from the Colleague Disability Network, Sobia Razzaq and Dr Kumari Juddoo from the Women of Westminster (WoW) Network, Maria Jula from the Q+ Network, Stephen Bunbury from the BME Network, and Dr Matthew Linfoot from the Faith, Spirituality and Belief Network.

The afternoon sessions featured a dynamic range of topics, starting with discussions on EDI in education and student participation. Dr Andy Pitchford, Director of the Westminster’s Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation, and Dr Lucy Wright from the University’s  Strategy, Planning and Performance team discussed challenges of awarding gaps, differential outcomes for students, and opportunities of decolonising and diversifying the curriculum. They were joined by the Students’ Union’s Raveena Francis and community organisers, who provided updates and insights.

This was followed by an insightful session on EDI, employability and business engagement, led by Monica Deshpande, Head of Employability and Graduate Success, and Linsey Cole, Head of Business Engagement, along with Professor Miriam Dwek, College Director for Research and Knowledge Exchange.

The final sessions before closing reflections focused on EDI in professional services. Danielle Caldron, Edna Johnson and Sarah Thomas, EDI Professional Services Leads, discussed initiatives across various University departments, including Student and Academic Services; People, Culture and Wellbeing; Finance; Business Engagement; and more. They were joined by various Directors and Deputy Directors from different departments.

The forum concluded with a session on learnings from the day and priorities for the upcoming year, providing attendees with valuable insights and action points to further enhance EDI at the University of Westminster.

The event wrapped up with a reception, offering a perfect opportunity for attendees to network and reflect on the day's discussions.

EDI Officer Rajat Shah, who managed the event, said: “It was amazing to see the passion for EDI in every member of the University. It was an enlightening experience to witness not only the challenges and plans but also the many achievements we are making as a University. It is also inspirational to see that EDI is not just a checkbox exercise but an integral part of our work.”

Deborah Husbands, Co-Chair of the EDI Committee, said: “Now a standing event on the University of Westminster's calendar, the vision, energy and enthusiasm shown by colleagues at this year's EDI forum was palpable. Senior leaders reaffirmed their support for the forum and endorsed our efforts to mainstream EDI. Our collective mission is to see equity and inclusion reflected through our policies, processes, practices and culture. It was clear through the many insightful presentations from across the University that we are heading in the right direction.”

Professor Dibyesh Anand, Co-Chair of the EDI Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability, said: “The process to identify and challenge differential experiences and outcomes for colleagues and students along identity lines is a painful but urgent one. At our University, we do not shy away from recognising and taking actions. For a meaningful culture change process, we need a healthy mix of patience and impatience, perseverance and celebration. The Forum reminded me of Robert Frost’s lines from a poem – ‘Woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep’.”

This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Westminster.