Lincoln Professor Named in UK Top 50 Diversity and Inclusion Leaders List
5 December 2023
Written by: Hannah McGowan
Professor Belinda Colston has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 50 leaders of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) by leading inclusivity organisation, Inclusive Companies.
Professor Belinda Colston has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 50 leaders of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) by leading inclusivity organisation, Inclusive Companies.
Selected by an independent panel of judges for her significant contributions to EDI, Professor Colston was shortlisted for the Diversity Power List 2023 out of more than 1,000 submissions for professionals working in diversity and inclusion leadership roles throughout the country.
The List honours professionals who make a positive difference to the lives of others, creating an impact within their industry sector, and showcasing outstanding dedication to their cause. Previous honorees include notable figures such as veteran broadcaster, Olympic sport commentator and visible advocate for gender diversity in sport, Clare Balding CBE, and professional football player and campaigner for ending child food poverty Marcus Rashford MBE.
As founder of the University of Lincoln’s Eleanor Glanville Institute, Professor Colston has developed innovative practices in advancing EDI within the organisation. Her work was recognised as sector-leading by HEFCE in 2017 and received the prestigious Alastair Graham-Bryce Award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 2019 for inspiring the next generation of engineers.
In 2012, Belinda was appointed as strategic lead for EDI to build and deliver effective strategies towards inclusive cultures and environments across the University, assess best practice, and measure impact of inclusion interventions and initiatives.
Professor Colston also led the University to achieve its first Athena Swan award in 2014, followed by the Race Equality Charter Award in 2021.
Speaking about her award, Professor Colston said: “I’m thrilled to have ‘made’ it to this year’s Diversity Power List – a huge thanks to Inclusive Companies. I have a great team and we’re working on some exciting projects, not just across the University, but also for and with national and international partners and collaborators. It’s fantastic to have this work recognised.
“Bringing the ‘scientific method’ into the EDI space has been challenging, however, building the evidence base is really important and the only way to achieve sustainable, transformational change.”
Honorees from the List will celebrate their accolades in person at the Inclusive Awards, which will take place in London on Tuesday 5 December 2023.
Find out more about the Eleanor Glanville Institute online: https://eleanorglanvilleinstitute.lincoln.ac.uk/.