Workshop
This session explores how organisations can move beyond words and statements to drive real, lasting change through an effective anti-racism strategy. Lizzie Johnson and Xavier Baker will share insights into establishing clear goals, co-producing strategies with diverse voices, and setting measurable benchmarks for accountability. Participants will examine practical steps to tackle structural inequities, foster inclusive cultures, and sustain progress over time. The discussion will highlight the role of power dynamics, privilege, and intersectionality in shaping organisational change, equipping attendees with tools to embed anti-racist principles in their work. By drawing on real-world strategies and lessons learned, this session offers a roadmap for individuals and organisations seeking to create meaningful, systemic impact.
Lizzie Johnson is the Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion at UWE Bristol, where she leads the design, development, and implementation of EDI and Health and Wellbeing strategies. With a background in health promotion and strategic planning, she has played a pivotal role in embedding wellbeing and equity initiatives across the university. Lizzie’s past projects include the development of the Mental Wealth strategy, the Healthy University strategy, and the One City Health Plan. She has worked extensively with local authorities, NHS partners, and national organisations such as Advance HE, Mind, and Stonewall to drive inclusive change. Her expertise spans equality, diversity, health promotion, governance, and strategic planning, making her a key advocate for embedding equity and wellbeing into institutional frameworks.
Xavier Baker is a Race Equity and Inclusion Advocate and Anti-Racism Strategy Manager at UWE Bristol, with a career dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive communities. A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Xavier has extensive experience in leading anti-racism initiatives, mentoring, and community engagement. He has worked closely with universities, organisations, and policymakers to implement effective race equity strategies, ensuring lasting institutional change. With a background in coaching, advocacy, and programme development, he supports individuals and organisations in translating anti-racist principles into tangible, sustainable action.
Afua Acheampong is Head of the Black Internship Programme at Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), where she leads the strategic design, delivery and expansion of a national programme focused on improving access, equity and career development for Black students and graduates in health data science.
She is a national Equality, Diversity and Inclusion leader, strategist and speaker with over seven years’ experience advancing racial equity across higher education and research institutions. Afua is the creator of the Nottingham Trent University Black Leadership Programme, a nationally recognised initiative she designed whilst Vice President of Education at Nottingham Trent Students’ Union. Created in 2019, the programme has supported and graduated over 800 Black students, and continues to support students in building confidence, leadership capability and a strong sense of belonging. Today, the programme remains a leading model for inclusive practice in Higher Education.
Afua most recently led race equality at Queen Mary University of London, where she secured the institution’s first Race Equality Charter award. Her practice focuses on institutional culture change, increasing representation of minoritised staff, and embedding race equity across policy and leadership.
At a national level, Afua is Deputy Chair of the Black in Biomedical Research Advisory Group (BBRAG), a national Medical Research Council board overseeing investment into racial equity in biomedical research. She serves as Finance Chair of the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF), where she leads financial oversight and governance for the conference. Previously, Afua sat on the Office for Students Teaching Excellence Framework Advisory Board.
Afua holds a degree in Law (LLB) from Nottingham Trent University and completed study abroad at Western Washington University, studying Political Science.
