At the University of Westminster, inclusion isn’t just something we talk about—it’s part of how we show up for each other every day. It comes to life through people’s lived experiences. In this post, my colleague Kash shares his story.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion matter to me because they are deeply tied to my own journey and lived experience, both within and beyond the University of Westminster.

I am a former Westminster student, having studied a vast mix of modules before settling on Politics. Westminster has played a significant role in shaping my values, confidence, sense of social responsibility, and identity. Some of my most important personal and professional growth happened in these spaces, often in ways that weren’t immediately obvious at the time.

It was in lecture theatres, shared study areas, and informal conversations that I began to understand the importance of perspective and how different lived experiences shape how we see the world, and how crucial it is to make space for those perspectives to be heard.

I have carried those experiences with me throughout my personal and professional life. Whether working with NGOs, across education, design, and construction in the UK and abroad, or volunteering to tackle inequality in my local community. I’ve seen first-hand how inclusion (or sometimes, the lack of it) can shape outcomes, opportunities, and wellbeing. These experiences have influenced how I approach people, leadership, and decision-making. They’ve taught me that inclusion isn’t just a principle, it’s a practice, something that shows up in everyday actions, conversations, and choices.

Returning to Westminster in a professional capacity felt very meaningful to me, not just as a job, but as a continuation of a relationship with a community that helped shape who I am.

My day job in Estates, leading a facilities team is very challenging and involves a wide range of responsibilities which has allowed me to work closely with colleagues across departments, while also engaging regularly with students, external partners, visitors, and the local community. What I value most about this role is its reach.

Facilities work sits at the heart of the University experience, it’s not just about buildings, it’s about shaping the environments people learn, work, and connect in. That means we are uniquely positioned to influence how inclusive those environments feel, from physical accessibility to how spaces are set up, used, and experienced.

I joined Westminster during the COVID-19 pandemic, when our team was one of the few consistently on site. We navigated rapid change implementing social distancing, supporting on-site test centres, and adapting teaching spaces for new ways of active learning. Alongside this, we improved wayfinding and supported major projects, including multi-million-pound roofing works, all with a focus on making our spaces safer, more accessible, and more inclusive. Most recently I have been working with colleagues to improve our contemplation rooms to be accessible to all including our neurodiverse students and colleagues.

I’ve also developed a real passion for supporting events across the University. Events are where we come to life, bringing together different voices, disciplines, and communities in a shared space. Requests can be complex, time critical, and at times unpredictable, and it’s often in these challenging situations that I’ve had to step forward, making decisions under pressure, and supporting my team and colleagues through competing demands.

The World in Westminster events have really given me an opportunity to support in both a professional and personal capacity.

Some of these events such as Iftar 2025 have served as a benchmark for future events and planning. I am incredibly grateful for the colleagues who included me in the planning of this ambitious event.

Sometimes inclusion is about large institutional change, but often it’s about smaller, consistent actions, making sure a space is welcoming, a voice is acknowledged, or a barrier is quietly removed before it becomes an obstacle.

It’s for these reasons that I put myself forward to be a Professional Services EDI Lead. In this capacity, I support colleagues by sharing EDI information, promoting initiatives and events, helping people navigate University policies and support, and challenging areas that require change. I act as a point of contact for colleagues who wish to seek guidance or raise concerns, and I work to ensure those voices are heard and appropriately signposted. Just as importantly, I see this role as one of listening, understanding where people are, what they need, and how we can respond in ways that are thoughtful, practical, and meaningful.

Ultimately, EDI matters to me because people matter to me. It’s about creating environments where individuals don’t feel like they have to shrink themselves to fit in, but instead feel able to show up fully and contribute meaningfully. I am proud to support this work and committed to helping ensure that Westminster continues to be a place where inclusion is not just discussed, but actively lived.

If you’d like to get involved, have questions, or would like support, please contact the EDI team at inclusion@westminster.ac.uk

Stay connected —follow us on social media to keep up with events, initiatives, resources, and stories that celebrate inclusion and belonging across our community. 
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