AoC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2025

Abid is Assistant Principal Student Experience at Boston College, where one of his key strategic leadership functions is to ensure students have access to effective support services.

Charlotte Smith is a Youth Social Action Apprentice at Long Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge Regional College, and Luton Sixth Form College. Her aim is to encourage young people to make their college and wider community a better space through a range of social action techniques. All the work Charlotte conducts is youth-led, challenging, and socially impactful.

Jagdeep Soor Executive Director Pathway Group leads the Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance, Multicultural Apprentice Network and the Apprenticeship Branding Conference. His primary focus is increasing Accessibility of Opportunity and Advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Mobility for marginalised groups in Apprenticeships & Skills. He has over 25 years’ experience in the employment support sector leading mainstream contracts across the United Kingdom. Jagdeep he is also a Fellow of the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) and a judge for several national awards including Worldskills ED&I Heroes Awards and the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Employability Awards.

Jim has been a Police officer in West Yorkshire for 27 years, through his career, he has focused on investigating crime and has been a Detective at every rank culminating in leading the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, managing the most serious and complex crime across the county. More recently, he has focussed on safeguarding. Having held roles several key roles including force lead for child safeguarding, Jim has worked locally, regionally and nationally on many critical issues. For the last 3 years Jim has been the District Commander for Kirklees, leading all aspects of policing across the geographical area.

Debra Gray is a nationally recognised leader in Further Education, known for driving equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through digital innovation and skills development. As Principal and CEO of Hull College, she has transformed the institution into a leader in AI, digital, and green skills, ensuring education is accessible and inclusive. As Vice Chair of the Jisc Board and Chair of the AoC HE Policy Group, she shapes national policy on digital accessibility and widening participation. Currently completing a Doctorate in Education, her work focuses on AI, automation, the future of work, and the role of education in addressing workforce challenges.

As CEO of Inspire Education Group, Rachel is pioneering strategic growth, focusing on high standards and prioritising high-quality employer-focused training, preparing today's students for tomorrow's jobs. We believe that diversity enriches our learning environment, challenges perspectives, fosters innovation, and prepares future generations for a society that embraces difference.

We are proud to be recognised as a College of Sanctuary as well as achieving the Rainbow Flag Award for our proactive efforts in supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion across our campuses.

We remain committed to dismantling barriers, celebrating diversity, and creating a truly inclusive environment where all can thrive.

As the Director of Operations at Helena Kennedy Foundation, Shahida has been leading the strategy and delivery of a national charity that supports students affected by disadvantages for over 10 years. Shahida manages the bursary scheme, the finance operations, the day-to-day operational management, and the fundraising activities of the organisation.

Shahida is passionate about overcoming social injustice and empowering individuals to reach their full potential and become pillars of society. Shahida has a background in welfare to work, adult education, and creative sector programmes, and has developed new partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders to enhance the impact and reach of the charity.