Speakers
Insight
Kamaljit Poonia will share insights from recent research into community cohesion in Bristol, exploring how people feel heard – or excluded – in conversations about issues such as immigration and inequality.
Drawing on this work, she will examine how workplaces can create safe, respectful spaces for difficult discussions, where people feel able to talk openly without fear of judgement.
Kamaljit will reflect on systemic inequalities, the context behind people’s attitudes and how organisations can foster genuine culture change. She will highlight that while activism often comes from minority groups, it is equally important for majority groups to have safe opportunities to ask questions, learn and grow. With EDI, the goal is not to dictate behaviour but to encourage open dialogue that recognises and respects difference.
Kamaljit Poonia is an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) leader with over 15 years’ experience driving meaningful change across government, higher education, and local authorities.
She has led ED&I strategy at Bristol and Camden City Councils, advised DFID and the Cabinet Office, headed equality initiatives at the University of Southampton, and supported ED&I research across Bristol and the South West.
Recognised as a Top 100 Global Diversity & Inclusion Leader by the World HRD Congress, Kamaljit combines strategic expertise with a deep commitment to inclusion. Her work spans policy development, cultural transformation, community engagement, and leadership coaching—empowering individuals and organisations to embed diversity at every level.