On Thursday 31^st March, 2011, LSE’s BME staff network EMBRACE held its official launch. EMBRACE (Ethnic Minorities Broadening Racial And Cultural Exchange) is the result of like-minded LSE staff coming together to network with and support colleagues, and to get involved in School-wide issues of interest to members. 

The Chair of EMBRACE, Daniel Beckley, opened with a heartfelt speech, outlining how the group was formed and arrived at this point, the dedication and commitment of members and its hopes for the future. 

Professor George Gaskell, Pro-Director (Research and Planning) welcomed everyone to the event.  He spoke about diversity initiatives at the LSE and the School’s stance on equality and diversity issues.  He also spoke about the new Equality and Diversity Ad-Hoc Committee, how and why it was formed and its membership.  It was encouraging to hear that the School looks on equality and diversity with such positivity and importance, and the progress being made in these areas at LSE.

The evening’s keynote speaker was the Honourable Mrs Justice Dobbs.  Justice Dobbs is an LSE alumnus and member of the LSE Court of Governors.  She holds a number of honours which include being the first black person to be appointed a high court judge in the UK.  Her speech focused on the Equality Act 2010; its background, importance and place at LSE.  She spoke of how encouraging it is to have a network of this nature at LSE, and the importance of networking and mentoring amongst peers, which is very much at the heart of EMBRACE’s ethos. 

The evening was well-attended and held together by Dianne Delvaille, a member of EMBRACE.  The next step for the group is to build on the momentum of the launch and to engage more members of the LSE community.  Details of future events and meetings will follow.

For more information about EMBRACE, please email embrace@lse.ac.uk