On Monday 8 June 2026, colleagues and students from across the University of Westminster came together at our Marylebone Campus for the Sixth Annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Open Forum — a day dedicated to exploring what inclusion really looks like in our everyday work and interactions.

This year’s theme, Inclusion in Practice, captured something important: that EDI isn’t just a set of values we talk about, but something we actively do — in classrooms, in research, in professional services, and in the way we show up for one another as a community.

Setting the tone for the day

The forum opened with reflections from EDI Committee Co‑Chairs joined by Vice‑Chancellor and President, EDI Officer and EDI Manager Clare Peterson. Together, they looked back at how far we’ve come since the first forum — and how much collective effort still lies ahead.

Our EDI Manager captured the spirit of the day when she said: “Inclusion becomes real when it shows up in every day – in the choices we make, the conversations we have, and the spaces we create together.”

We also heard updates on key institutional priorities, including ongoing Athena Swan work from our Self-Assessment Team co-chair and EDI Accreditations Lead.

The first workshop asked a big question: What should Westminster’s single most impactful EDI priority be over the next four years? The ideas that emerged will directly shape the next EDI Implementation Plan.

Students then took the spotlight. Our EDI School Champions shared their experiences and initiatives, offering honest insights into what helps create truly inclusive learning environments. Colleagues from Schools and Professional Services followed with examples of how inclusive practice is being woven into the fabric of everyday University life.

Networks, leadership and the work ahead

In the afternoon, we heard updates from the Westminster Programme for Enhancing Inclusion, Belonging, and Sustainable Development, as well as the Global Engagement team. Our colleague networks — the BME Network, Colleague Disability Network, Women of Westminster, Q+ Network and the Faith, Spirituality and Belief Network — each spoke about the key role they play in building belonging and advocating for change.

A panel with the three Deputy Vice-Chancellors explored how leadership can drive inclusion across the University’s four strategic priorities: Education, Global Engagement, Employability, and Research and Knowledge Exchange.

The final workshop, led by our DVC, Education, invited participants to name exclusionary practices — and, crucially, to propose practical solutions.

Closing reflections

The day ended with a shared commitment: to continue challenging systemic barriers and to make inclusion not just an aspiration, but a lived reality for everyone at Westminster.

This work also contributes directly to UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, aligning with the University’s holistic use of the SDGs since 2019 to guide strategic decisions and support a more equitable, sustainable and healthy society.

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