The agenda will be as follows:

•14:00 – Welcome and Introductions
Roberta Davies (BME Network)

•14:05 – Importance of recognising ethnic-diversity as an asset at the OU Professor
Josie Fraser (Deputy Vice Chancellor)

•14:25 – Update on Race Equality Charter (REC)
Professor Devendra Kodwani (Executive Dean, FBL and Race Champion)

•14:50 – Learning to discuss race and culture amongst colleagues – being comfortable with the uncomfortable
Asif Sadiq, MBE (Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at The Telegraph)

•15:20 – Tea/coffee break – Networking

•15:45 – LDS Pilot – what it is, initiatives and experiences to date, reasons for championing the cause and next steps
James Davies (Director of Commissioning – LDS)

•16:00 – BAME staff experiences at the OU
Rehana Awan (Communications and Engagement, Open Programme and Associate Lecturer)

•16:15 – BAME student experiences at the OU
Jessica Williams (OU Students Association BAME Group Chair)

•16:25 – Panel Discussion and Q&A – What does good look like?
Billy Khokar (Head of Student Support – Academic Services – Manchester) joined by Jake Yeo (Director, University Secretary’s Office) and previous speakers

•16:55 – Acknowledgements and closing
Rehana Awan (Communications and Engagement, Open Programme and Associate Lecturer)