Westminster Business School hosts workshop to support career progression of second-generation ethnic minority migrants

On 25 February, 30 attendees gathered at the University of Westminster for a workshop to explore possibilities to support ethnic minority migrants in advancing their careers. The workshop was organised by Dr Rukhsana Kausar, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Co-Lead for Westminster’s School of Organisations, Economy and Society (SOES), funded by the University’s Diversity and Inclusion research community.  

Inspired by Dr Kausar’s research with Dr Issam Malki, Reader at the School of Finance and Accounting at Westminster, which explored the career progression of second-generation ethnic minority migrants in the UK, the workshop began with a presentation of their findings. They suggested that second-generation ethnic minority migrants encounter significant barriers and challenges to career progression compared to native individuals, particularly amongst males.

Dr Issam Malki and Dr Rukhsana Kausar

This was followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dr Kausar and Dr Malki to explore specific challenges and opportunities for the community. They were joined by Dr Sudha Mathew, Senior Lecturer and EDI Lead for Westminster’s School of Finance and Accounting, and external guests Maqsood Ahmed OBE, an experienced Community Development Director, Sayeeda Ashraf, Founder and CEO of the NGO Shewise, and Fauzia Hart, Director of Operations for the charity Migrant Leaders. They discussed how exclusion and a lack of sense of belonging create hurdles for ethnic minorities in professional settings, also noting how ethnic minority job segregation, combined with systemic issues like underperforming schools, creates significant barriers to accessing quality education and employment.

Panellists

Following the panel discussion, workshop participants divided into three breakout sessions to explore strategies to achieve equality of opportunity and pathways to career advancement, as well as how cultural heritage can be aligned with workplace norms. The first breakout group emphasised that cultural heritage in the workplace provides a sense of belonging, confidence and identity. Participants noted that acceptance of cultural differences would create more comfortable environments for everyone, with one attendee sharing how culture-sensitive training for GPs and NHS workers is helping to bridge inclusion gaps. The second group proposed strategies, including mentoring programmes and support for women returning to work after having children, while the third group identified the development of resilience and adaptability, inclusive curricula, career guidance and placement opportunities as essential to enhancing the career progression of ethnic minority migrants. 

Attendees then heard from various speakers including Dr Mazia Yassim, Associate Head of Westminster Business School College for External Relations, Gayani Fernando, Lecturer at the SOES, and Karen St. Jean-Kufuor, Senior Associate at Payment Systems Regulator, who shared their personal experiences of overcoming career challenges in the UK as minority ethnic professionals.

Finally, workshop participants aimed to develop a curriculum toolkit of materials, resources and strategies which will be disseminated across the University to support colleagues in developing modules and courses that incorporate culturally relevant content and critical thinking skills around social justice. The toolkit for change will reflect Westminster’s key priority of fostering inclusion, as outlined in the Being Westminster 2022-2029 strategy.  

About the event Dr Kausar said: “I am incredibly thankful to everyone who participated in the workshop to fill this day with powerful stories, insightful discussions and practical solutions.”  

Professor Lilian Miles, Co-Lead for the University’s Diversity and Inclusion research community and Co-Director for the Research Centre on Peripheral Populations, added: “So many people coming together to discuss this important topic is critical for fostering equitable and inclusive societies. It was inspiring to hear testimonies and aspirations and witnessing a strong sense of purpose in building inclusive futures.”

Justine Kenyon from the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange office commented: “The workshop was very successful in raising key questions from the research findings and bringing together external stakeholders and internal cross-disciplinary research interests for vital discussion about them. In many ways this is an exemplary model of practice, and I hope it proves to be the start of ongoing conversation on these themes with a view to uncovering further opportunity for collaboration down the line.”

Dr Sobia Razzaq from Women of Westminster colleague network was also among speakers and commented: “The workshop provided a key step in recognising the barriers faced by second-generation ethnic minority migrants in the UK, creating an opportunity for meaningful discussions and ideas for actionable change to address the gaps outlined in the research. It’s an essential step toward identifying strategies that support professional development and improve workplace practices to value diversity".

This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth,10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 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.

Find out more about upcoming Equality, Diversity and Inclusion events at the University of Westminster.