At the fifth annual University of Westminster Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Open Forum students and colleagues celebrated the University’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive culture while challenging systemic inequities and fostering meaningful change across its diverse community.
This year’s theme, Championing Inclusive Outcomes for All in a Diverse Community, underscored the University's mission to embed EDI across every aspect of its operations - from education and research to employability and global engagement.
The Forum took place on 11 June and began with a welcome from EDI Committee Co-Chairs Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability, and Dr Deborah Husbands, Reader in Race and Sociocultural Psychology, along with EDI Manager Clare Peterson. Their remarks reflected on five years of progress since the first Forum and set the tone for a day of reflection, collaboration and forward-looking action.
The morning’s first session, Knowledge Shared is Knowledge Squared, brought together EDI leads from across Westminster’s Schools and Professional Services. The discussion highlighted best practices, ongoing projects and collaborative approaches that support inclusive teaching, leadership and workplace culture.
Following a brief break, the next session focused on the integration of EDI through the University’s Being Westminster 2022-29 strategy, touching on areas such as inclusive education, research and knowledge exchange, career readiness and global engagement. Presenters, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education Dr Sal Jarvis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange Professor Andrew Linn and Professor Anand, along with key colleagues in their teams, illustrated how intersectional approaches are creating real impact within and beyond the institution.
A vibrant networking lunch gave attendees a chance to connect informally before the afternoon’s interactive session titled How Do We Champion EDI Within Our Own Teams took place. During the talk, participants discussed team-based strategies, challenges and actionable solutions for creating a sense of belonging at work.
This was followed by The Value of Working Together presentation - a spotlight on EDI Colleague Networks. Co-chairs from the Women of Westminster (WoW) Network, Q+ Network, BME Network, Faith, Spirituality and Belief Network and Colleague Disability Network all shared their achievements, aspirations and how their grassroots work continues to shape institutional culture.
The final session, Diverse Empowerment Programmes: Students’ Lived Experiences, brought together powerful student voices, including EDI Champions and EDI Interns. Students involved in initiatives such as BHY Create, the Elevating Futures Programme, the LGBT+ Empowerment Programme, Parliamentors and the Future Leaders Programme shared personal reflections on their experiences. Together they spoke about how these programmes have supported their development, built confidence and shaped their aspirations, while also highlighting areas where continued support and progress are needed.
The Forum closed with reflections from Clare Peterson, Dr Husbands and Professor Anand. Their remarks reinforced the University’s values, recognising that the journey to equity is continuous and collaborative.
Dr Deborah Husbands said: “The interactive nature of this Forum meant that attendees were able to discuss EDI ‘as-practice’, shifting from a symbolic representation of equity and inclusion to one that is alive (if not lively!), all-encompassing and forward-thinking. The Forum is a brilliant example of how we ‘give witness’ to EDI at Westminster, and the collective and positive energy in the room from colleagues and students across all Schools exemplified that.”
Professor Dibyesh Anand said: “This is the fifth year in a row that I have been closely associated with the institutional EDI Open Forum, and this was the best one in every single way. I learnt so much, was pleased to note how much progress we have made in the last five years, how much more buy-in we have from different stakeholders. The joy I felt is not naive, it is based on determination that we can make our University and the wider sector a better place for all by being relentlessly focused on being more diverse, more equitable and more inclusive.”
Clare Peterson added: “This was my first EDI Open Forum and it offered a fantastic glimpse into the impressive efforts colleagues are making to address inequity and foster a truly inclusive culture for students and colleagues. The energy in the room was truly inspiring, motivating us all to keep moving forward on this important journey.”
This annual event continues to contribute to the University’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnership for Goals. As the University moves forward, it remains committed to ensuring all voices are heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Find out more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Westminster.
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