Talent Bank Expert

Jacqui Gavin BEM

Specialisms

I specialise in the following areas:

  • EQIA Support
  • LGR Hub

Jacqui is an award‑winning Equity, Diversity and Inclusion leader with over twenty years of experience working across central government, local government, uniformed services, public bodies and large‑scale organisations.

Her career has focused on building inclusive cultures through strong governance, proportionate frameworks and practical delivery. She has led the design of EDI strategies, Equality Impact Assessment frameworks and action plans, while supporting leaders and practitioners to translate policy into meaningful, day‑to‑day practice.

Jacqui has held senior EDI roles within the Civil Service, local authority‑related services, regulated environments and global organisations. She currently works as an independent director and Non‑Executive Director with Middlesex FA and as a business owner for culture‑change consultancy 5 Senses of Inclusion, providing strategic oversight, challenge and assurance in equality, safeguarding and cultural change.

She is known for her steady, evidence‑based approach, her ability to work effectively with sceptical stakeholders, and her commitment to building inclusion that is robust, lawful and sustainable.

Key Strengths/Area of Expertise

  • Designing and embedding organisation wide Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies aligned to values, mission and statutory duties
  • Development and delivery of Equality Impact and Inclusion Impact Assessment frameworks
  • Strengthening governance, assurance and accountability for EDI in complex organisations
  • Supporting large volunteer, workforce and community based operating models
  • Policy design and integration of EDI across organisational procedures and regulatory frameworks
  • Building internal capability through training, coaching and practical tools
  • Safeguarding awareness and duty of care within people centred services
  • Calm, balanced leadership in contested or sensitive EDI environments

Professional Qualifications

  • Senior leadership development in culture, governance and organisational development
  • Accredited Equality and Inclusion Impact Assessment practitioner
  • Advanced training in EDI frameworks and legislation
  • Media and public engagement training
  • Trauma informed practice and mental health awareness

Testimonials/Case Studies

  • Led the development of an Inclusion Impact Assessment framework supporting decision making affecting employees, volunteers and apprentices within a uniformed service
  • Delivered Equality Impact and Inclusion Impact Assessment, DEI Strategy and Action Plan training across multiple councils and public bodies, building internal confidence and capability rather than reliance on external consultancy

Notable Achievements/Value Added

  • Honoured with a British Empire Medal in 2020 Queens Birthday Honours List
  • Awarded the 1121st Prime Ministers Points of Light Award
  • Won the 2016 NatWest British LGBT Awards Diversity Champion
  • Won the 2018 WinTRADE Head of Diversity of the Year
  • Shortlisted for various EDI Diversity Awards
  • Listed on internationally recognised lists for leadership in EDI

Relevant Sector Knowledge

  • Local government and public sector operating environments
  • Local government reorganisation and workforce transition
  • Central government and arm’s length bodies
  • Uniformed and emergency services
  • Sport and national governing bodies
  • Volunteer led and community based organisations
  • Governance, safeguarding and regulatory assurance

Training/Coaching Programs/Workshop offers

  • Equality Impact and Inclusion Impact Assessment design and application
  • Embedding EDI through governance rather than standalone initiatives
  • Board and senior leader accountability for equality and inclusion
  • Managing EDI risk in complex or sensitive environments
  • Inclusive leadership and culture change
  • Supporting volunteers and frontline teams through inclusive practice

LGR Experience & Expertise

  • Structural change
  • Supporting leaders to manage risk, assurance and staff confidence during reorganisation
  • Aligning equality duties with new governance and operating models

Useful Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquigavinbem