Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

As Group Head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI) Ashley Spiers always wants to hear from you - even if you think it’s something he won’t want to hear! If you have general comments, questions, ideas and suggestions related to fairness and equality, you can email him on aspiers@bedford.ac.uk or EDI@bedford. ac.uk

EDI is for everyone. You could make a huge difference to someone by getting involved in our work; maybe there is something you would like to see here that we don’t yet do. The best way to get involved is to be part of one of our diversity forums; so feel free to join one, or come along and ask questions - whether your passion is Disability, LGBTQ+ inclusion, Men’s health, Race Equality, Religion, or Women’s wellbeing.

To join one of our forums, please use the links below to contact the relevant forum chair.

• disAbility Advisory Group - Louise Bedworth

• LGBTQ+ Forum - Phil Wells & Naomi Horn

• Men’s Health Forum - Shaun Wilson & Daniel Twigger

• Multi-Faith Forum - Abby Smith & Mike Yates

• Race Equality Forum - Suzanie Knight & Pamela Knowles

• Unity Forum - Ashley Spiers

• Women’s Network - Hayley WedgwoodSetchell & Bev Holloway

Each department also has EDI Ambassadors to ensure that everything that takes place in all areas of the organisation is inclusive and free from discrimination/inequality. Their work also includes the following;

• Podcasts and Explainers

• Activities and Events

• Working Groups

• Policy and Guidance

• Training Sessions

• Lunch & Learns

• EDI Bulletins

• The Diversity Calendar

• EDI Resources

• Development Programmes.

They aim to provide a welcoming, friendly and safe environment for all, where every person should have the opportunity for full involvement in what takes place, and where everyone’s contribution to the college should be valued and respected.

You can read more about EDI on their CONNECT intranet page here.