London Metropolitan University’s new Deputy Director for Equity and Inclusion is on a mission to foster a truly inclusive environment across campus.
Date: 28 November 2024
In conversation with: Sharon Lloyd
London Metropolitan University’s new Deputy Director for Equity and Inclusion is on a mission to foster a truly inclusive environment across campus.
Earlier this year, Sharon Lloyd joined London Metropolitan University as our Centre for Equity and Inclusion’s new Deputy Director. Sharon brings a dynamic blend of expertise in higher education and social justice. Known for pioneering programmes that champion diversity, Sharon is committed to expanding the Centre’s reach and impact across the university.
In this Q&A, Sharon shares her background, motivations, and goals for supporting London Met’s diverse communities.
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Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to this role?
A: My journey has been a mix of academia, advocacy, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. Before joining London Met, my teaching career in the creative arts presented the opportunity to develop conversations and practice that centred on inclusion. Recently, I’ve also been working on my first book, which focuses on Black beauty ideals and explores the intersections of culture, beauty, and identity. These experiences, combined with my commitment to racial equity, made this role at London Met the perfect fit.
Q: You’ve worked extensively on inclusivity in the beauty industry. Can you tell us about your role with the British Beauty Council?
A: My work with the British Beauty Council began when Millie Kendall OBE, their CEO, invited me to review a diversity survey. I felt the survey wasn’t fully inclusive, so we organised town hall meetings with the Black community to gather feedback, later expanding to other minoritised groups. These discussions helped establish their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, where I’ve focused on creating a more representative industry. This kind of direct community engagement is something I’m passionate about and plan to bring to London Met.
Q: The Black Lives Matter movement brought racial equity to the forefront in 2020. How did this moment impact your work?
A: The events of 2020, especially following George Floyd’s death, spurred many of us into action. Together with Black and Brown academics, we formed an informal group to address race equity in higher education. Over time, this evolved into "Fashion and the Arts Creating Equity," a national network that I now chair. We’ve launched initiatives like the "FACE Race Handbook for Allies," a resource used in workshops to support allyship and race equity. I am happy to note that the handbook is now on the reading list at London Met!
Q: What drew you to London Met?
A: During my first visit to London Met in 2023, I was moved by the genuine diversity of students and staff, seeing people from so many backgrounds represented and thriving felt refreshing and meaningful. London Met’s commitment to community engagement also resonated with me, especially in terms of supporting students from underrepresented groups. That alignment with my values and goals made this opportunity incredibly appealing.
Q: You’ve led various impactful projects, including at Graduate Fashion Week. Can you tell us about that?
A: At Graduate Fashion Week, FACE members noted that Black and Brown students were often overlooked for major awards, so we launched an award specifically to recognise their work. The FACE Excellence Award allows students to self-nominate, removing the gatekeeping layer of requiring a tutor’s endorsement, which has made a huge difference to a graduate’s understanding of success and the importance of representation in leadership positions. It’s now been running successfully for four years, and students feel much more comfortable entering and showcasing their work.
Q: As Deputy Director, what are your immediate priorities?
A: My first focus is raising CEI’s visibility, ensuring that our efforts in equity and inclusion are known across the University and beyond. I’ll also be listening closely to the needs of different communities on campus, from students to staff, to tailor programmes that make a sustainable impact. We’ll be building on the CEI’s success to date, and relaunching it to create opportunities for high-impact research, wider engagement with our internal and external stakeholders and ensuring the CEI continues to contribute to a transformative institutional culture. This will be a very exciting time!
Q: What message would you like to share with the London Met community?
A: Inclusivity isn’t just a goal; it’s a journey we need to embark on together. Building an inclusive culture requires each of us to be actively involved—to listen, to learn, and to support one another in meaningful ways. I’m excited to work alongside everyone at London Met to foster an environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels they belong and are valued. Let’s work collectively to build a thriving, supportive, and diverse community that reflects the best of London and truly empowers its members.
