Press Releases
Statement on the Tragic Death of Professor Jason Arday
The Institute for Equity, University Centre is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Professor Jason Arday. We extend our
Read MoreThe Institute for Educational & Social Equity (IESE) is proud to announce the successful completion of the Level 7 Certificate in Equity, Inclusion & Organisational Diversity to two learners, and the EDI Fellowship © to 10 learners, all of whom seek to drive positive change in their organisations and communities of practice.
The Level 7 Certificate in Equity, Inclusion & Organisational Diversity, accredited by NCFE, is one of two advanced level courses in EDI offered by the Institute. They are the first Level 7 academic qualification/courses in EDI to be offered in the UK and are designed to equip individuals with knowledge and skills to foster change in equity, inclusivity, and diversity within organisations. The programme is specifically designed for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of how systemic inequalities affect individuals and organisations, and how they can be transformed through intentional and strategic practices. The Level 7 Certificate is a valuable asset for professionals across a variety of sectors, including education, business, government, healthcare, and non-profits, who are looking to lead diversity and inclusion efforts in their respective fields.
Those awarded the Level 7 Certificate in EDI are:
Dr Catherine Minns Lowe
Associate Professor in Research, Musculoskeletal Research Unit Lead & Physiotherapy Research Lead, University of Hertfordshire
Sudhir Daya
Executive Coach, Life Coach, Wellbeing Coach, Facilitator, Speaker & Education, Life Architect, Vice-Chair of the CSP EDB Committee & Senior Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire
We are also pleased to announce the successful completion of the EDI Fellowship© by ten outstanding professionals.
Drawn from diverse backgrounds, including education, law, higher education and schools, the Institute is pleased to admit these 10 individuals to the EDI Fellowship ©. The 10 newly admitted EDI Fellows are being recognised for their significant contributions to leading change in EDI in curriculum processes, policies and systems. Through reflective and academic practices, our EDI Fellows have demonstrated impactful changes they have led in their respective organisational contexts.
The EDI Fellowship© – the qualification for EDI professionals – is a comprehensive, multidimensional, and intersectional programme designed, developed and delivered exclusively by the Institute. It is the world’s only professional programme in EDI, designed to professionals in-practice.
Those admitted to the EDI Fellowship © are:
Inclusive Curriculum Leadership
Janet Cash
Director of Education, Buckinghamshire New University
Professor Lubna Nasir
Professor of Comparative Oncology & EDI Director, University of Glasgow
Joan Lawrence
Principal Lecturer & Faculty Strategic Lead for Equity and Inclusion, Canterbury Christ Church University
Matthew Rich-Tolsma*
Senior Executive Coach, Organizational Consultant & Mediator, Rich-Tolsma Consulting
James Humphries
Director of Standards and Effectiveness, University of Chichester Academy Trust
Cate Worrall
Director of Academy Improvement and Development, University of Chichester Academy Trust
Alex Maxted
Leader of Academy Improvement, University of Chichester Academy Trust
Leading EDI
Caroline Weir
RE Adviser, Church of England Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle
Suzanne O’Brien
Faculty Strategic Lead for Equity and Inclusion, Canterbury Christ Church University
Lina Furnell
Faculty Coordinator, Tuition Delivery Coordinator & EDI Champion for Nursing, The Open University
*Matthew joins a growing number of learners to have completed their EDI Fellowship © from outside the UK.
Commenting on the success of our learners, Katie Morigi, Fellow & Head of Programmes, shared: “Achieving the Level 7 Certificate in Equity, Inclusion & Organisational Diversity represents a commitment to leading change in organisations so that everyone—regardless of their race, gender, background, or ability—can thrive and succeed. These two colleagues are now equipped with the tools, expertise, and insights necessary to lead in the complex and ever-changing landscape of organisational diversity and inclusion.”
“We are also thrilled to admit these ten EDI professionals into the EDI Fellowship©. Through their Case Studies, which explore representation, inclusion and embracing diversity, they have expanded our understanding of how to address the challenges inherent in EDI work. We look forward to collaborating with them to continue advancing the vital work of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.”
Notes to Editors
For further information contact: admin@instituteforequity.ac.uk
About the Institute for Educational & Social Equity
Institute for Educational & Social Equity is a specialist Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Institute. We are the only independent Tertiary level institution of its kind in the UK. We are a Google for Education institution, and a member of the UK Register of Learning Providers – Registration number: 10092202. We deliver the UK’s first and only suite of EDI qualifications, including: the EDI Fellowship ©, Level & Certificate in EDI, Level 7 Diploma in EDI and the MBA – Leadership for Equity, Inclusion & Organisational Development (September 2025).
* Partnership validation approved. Programme validation expected June 2025.
