BLOG

  • The Cost of Belonging

    This past week, I have been reflecting on the terms social integration, assimilation, and multiculturalism. These are not abstract concepts for me; they are lived realities. I have often grappled with their meanings and implications, and I remain of the view that certain groups are expected to quietly and without protest embrace integration and assimilation,…

  • The Relationship Between Racial Identity and Body Image

    “The bodies of Black women have long been sites of trauma, carrying the weight of past and present stereotypes that dehumanise them.” – Waldron (2019) The Relationship Between Racial Identity and Body Image in Black Women written by Kristen Gayle, Howard University is a chapter of the book Colorism: Investigating a Global Phenomenon. Exploring the…

  • I Have an Admission: I’m a Hoarder—Of Books With Purpose

    Not of trinkets or things I’ll never use—but of books. Especially the ones that challenged me, unsettled me, and grounded me during the most difficult parts of my professional life. Books that offered clarity when the system offered confusion. Truth, when the institution offered denial. One of the books I’ve held onto throughout my policing…

  • Black History before Black History Month

    My latest read is Black Victorians. Hidden In History by Keshia N. Abraham & John Woolf. Learning about Black Victorians I had never heard of, which should be taught in schools are part of British history. For example, violinist and composer George Augustus Polgreen Bridgetown who was employed by The Prince of Wales, the future…

  • Identity: Chosen or Imposed?

    Every so often I dip back into books I’ve read usually prompted by a conversation, an article or another book. Recently had a conversation with a friend about identify and they said we don’t have to take on the identity others force on us. Some people may have the ability and privilege to be able…

  • PREVENT DISCRIMINATION. You can if you really want to!

    At what point does the treatment an individual receives in the workplace become so severe and harmful that, having negotiated their organisation’s grievance policies and procedures, they end up seeing no alternative but to put themselves through the employment tribunal process? When can exclusion become discrimination? First, let’s look at some examples of exclusion in…

  • Reflecting on Society and Policing

    In my latest piece, I delve into the broader implications of Assistant Chief Constable Karen Findlay’s recent appointment to the British Transport Police. The event has sparked essential conversations about misogyny, homophobia, and discrimination within the Police and society at large. As someone who has dedicated three decades to the force and now champions Diversity,…

  • Black History and Black Women

    Whilst the origins of Black History Month in the US can be traced to Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In the UK recognising the contribution of Black People and Black culture began in 1987 and is annually celebrated in the month of October. As a Black…

  • The Competence Question: Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace

    Organisational Competence and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion In this short blogpost, I want to share my views on the incompetence of organisations, industries, and sectors when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. Let’s start with a couple of useful definitions of competence. The Health and Safety Executive define competence as “Competence can be described…

  • Diversity In the Supply Chain

    I have been interested in diversity in supply chains and how it can support business growth and widen the availability of products and services for many years from a consumer perspective. Personally, I cannot understand how businesses could ignore a new market which has potential to be financially lucrative. For example, in the 1970’s I…

  • White Women: OMG!

    I don’t know where to start. How to describe the impact this book had on me? The minute this book was delivered I swept my eyes over the contents page and the preface and I was mesmerised. Hooked. A book that wasn’t written for a Black woman, but I was intrigued to see what Regina…

  • Speaking Engagement: Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Annual Meeting

    On the 25th of July 2022 I delivered a keynote speech titled “Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Nuclear Industry” at the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Annual Meeting. I thoroughly enjoyed this event and learnt from Lars van Dassen and Jeff Nevin who I shared this platform with.

  • Black History Month

    Black History Month 2020 has been quite something! To be frank, It feels like the UK has just woken up to Black people of African and Caribbean descents links and contribution, which is not just focused on slavery. Let me be clear, I am not dismissing of an industry which supported other industries using enslaved…

  • Who Cares?

    As a Black Women and EDI Partner, this subject area is close, personally, and professionally. I have personally experienced direct, indirect and the subtle forms of discrimination based on my skin colour in every area of my life, and in every work context. I am affronted when people say ‘I don’t see colour’ ‘I don’t…

  • Legislation History Lesson

    Examining the UK legislations timeline, the first whiff of equality came in the form of the Representation of the People Act 1918. The 1918 Act reformed the electoral system by giving some women the right to vote. However, they had to meet specific criteria, some being: Over 30 A householder or spouse of the householder…

  • Law and Inclusivity

    A couple of weeks ago I attended the d&I Leaders Global Forum in London where diversity and inclusion professionals worldwide gathered to share the stories about their organisation’s journey to make their workplace a more inclusive and diverse environment. The speakers were represented by Coca-Cola, IKEA, Lego, and Uber, together with some relevant academics. They…