Westminster hosts Second Annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Open Forum

The Open Forum is a group which reflects on collective and ongoing journeys towards challenging prejudice and acknowledging continued efforts to embed a culture of inclusion, as well as celebrate institutional diversity. 

The event was opened by Professor Dibyesh Anand, Head of the School of Social Sciences, and Professor Alexandra Hughes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability. They discussed the ongoing work of culture change taking place within the University, taken forward through activity such as the renewal of the Black Lives Matter Commitments; the University EDI Strategy; the support of Westminster’s Colleague EDI Networks; events programmes such as the World in Westminster Festival, the Westminster Conversations and the recent Conference on building an anti-racist University; and the work of the EDI Committee. 

Speakers at the event included Co-Chairs of the EDI colleague networks including Black and Minority Ethnic (BME); Colleague Disability; Q+; Women of Westminster (WOW); and Westminster’s emerging Faith, Spirituality and Belief Network.

Colleague Network Co-Chairs updated attendees on the work of their Networks and contributions to the University’s wider EDI agenda. Professor Pippa Catterall, Co-Chair of the Q+ Network, discussed the network’s research on inclusive spaces and its upcoming seminar Pride, protest or celebration, taking place on 27 June 2022. The Faith, Spirituality and Belief Colleague Network Co-Chair, Dr Matthew Linfoot, reported on survey findings that will be used to explore how colleagues can be better supported in the workplace.

Co-Chair Dr Deborah Husbands gave an update on the work of the BME Network, which has grown its membership from 70 to over 240. Achievements included producing a statement of demands reflective of challenges encountered by members; contributions to improvements in recruitment process; online events delivered through the Black History Year project; and the launch of the London Anti-Racism Network, an initiative involving 12 London Universities.

Co-Chair Dr Claire Robertson further introduced the work of the new Colleague Disability Network (CDN), a project initiated by colleagues working to ensure that students with disabilities have appropriate access to support and are able to participate fully in university life.

Dr Yaz Osho, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Organisations, Economy and Society and EDI School Lead, set the tone for the event: “It is fantastic that we have opportunities as people who are working passionately on EDI to connect with one another on best practice and feel motivated to continue fighting towards embedding EDI solidly into the institution.” 

Hayet Bahri, a Lecturer in the School of Humanities, commented: “Very inspiring talks. Thought provoking in terms of redefining diversity. Inviting and wonderful work from our colleagues actively promoting EDI. It is not just theoretical; it is put into practice. The highlight for me was the input from the students who are the consumers that are benefiting.” 

Watch the main session with Networks and School presentations.