Celebrating inclusion across Estates and Facilities: EDI Festival 2026

Sharon Swales, Head of Campus Experience worked closely with the directorate's EDI Group and the central EDI team to design a 'festival fortnight' of EDI learning and development for colleagues, featuring lively in-person workshops at both campuses themed around our LBU value of inclusion.

A meeting of the initial men's mental health and wellbeing group created a safe, open spaces for reflection, connection and peer support. Colleagues also had the chance to learn more about the Wellbeing team and access wellbeing support and information.

Team members also welcomed the opportunity to meet and learn from Rev. Joseph Nelson, the university chaplain. This informal meet-and-greet helped demystify the role of the chaplaincy and highlighted the inclusive support available to colleagues and students of all faiths and none during a visit to the university's faith spaces.

Deputy Director Vicki Johnson said: "The delivery of the session I attended was excellent, engaging and well received by colleagues. This is the beginning of an important journey for Estates and Facilities as one directorate  and wonderful that you are there to support us on the journey. We have had really positive feedback from all the session and this has certainly started conversations between colleagues."

A key highlight of the festival was the Essential Learning: Introduction to EDI session, delivered by EDI Leads Eleanor Broadbent and Vanysha Sahota. Sessions we specifically tailored to give colleagues a chance to explore what equality, diversity and inclusion mean within the context of Estates, reflect on inequalities in society today, and build confidence with difference. The informal, supportive atmosphere encouraged participation and honest dialogue, reinforcing EDI as everyone's responsibility.

Putting inclusion into action

True to the nature of Estates and Facilities work, the festival went beyond discussion and into action! Everybody was encouraged to view our LBU spaces through an inclusion lens, identifying opportunities to remove barriers and improve accessibility for all.

One of our attendees said: "This has really helped me to think about how I can promote equity in my role."

Building momentum for the future

Feedback from colleagues highlighted how valued these opportunities were - not only to learn, but to listen and explore challenging topics.

As we continue our journey towards greater equity and inclusion, the festival stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when colleagues come together with curiosity, compassion and a shared commitment to inclusion in our university environment.