BNU holds ‘Inspiring Change: Creating a better future for the next generation’ event on Stephen Lawrence Day

BNU colleagues and students attended a thought-provoking panel discussion, Inspiring Change: Creating a better future for the next generation, to commemorate the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence. 

Stephen, who was tragically murdered in a racially motivated attack in 1993, continues to inspire change and challenge systemic racism, and this event is part of BNU’s commitment to recognising Black History all year round. 

Opened by Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Braisby, he told students, colleagues and external attendees: ‘Higher education is driven by the transformative impact of unlocking human value, enriching our society and helping people to lead fulfilling lives. 

‘Continuing racism and discrimination blights lives, and therefore undermines the historic work of universities. 

‘We all have to act and we must all play our part in eliminating racism and correcting the injustices it creates.’ 

Professor Braisby went on: ‘To mark Stephen’s death appropriately, we need to redouble our efforts. Within whatever organisation we work, to challenge customs, practices, policies, and procedures, to challenge our culture and ask ourselves difficult questions.’ 

SV2G chief-executive Jacqueline Roberts FRSA also took to the podium to speak about her own history in policing and the part we all must play in ‘unpicking the tapestry of injustices woven into our society.’ 

BNU continues to work with the S2VG charity as part of their five-year partnership to champion diversity, equality and inclusion, tackle racism and ensure that our community enjoys studying and working within the University. 

Panel members included Dr. Alison Heydari, T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Programme Director for the Police Race Action Plan, NPCC; Anita Grant, Assistant Chief Officer, Trust and Legitimacy, Sussex Police; Dennis Murray QPM, Assistant Chief Constable, Legitimacy and Public Value & NPCC Lead for Women of Colour in Policing, Thames Valley Police; and Calvin Wilson, ISOB Chairman, Thames Valley Police Race Action Plan. 

BNU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner, Zahara Chowdhury, chaired the event. 

The expert panel also took questions from BNU's policing students.  

Both Assistant Chief Constable Dennis and Assistant Chief Officer Grant addressed the importance of unpicking negative stereotypes and cultural semantics in language when looking at issues such as how a community can work together to overcome knife crime. 

While T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Heydari spoke about the Police Race Action Plan which was introduced in May 2022 and designed to set out changes across policing to improve outcomes for black communities. 

ISOB Chairman Mr Wilson also looked at how far we’ve come since the murder of Stephen Lawrence in terms of curbing institutional racism.  

The event ended with the Head of School of Aviation and Security, Dr Leah Fox, calling for everyone to ‘work collaboratively, promote equality and inclusion, to create a just and equitable society for all,’ to honour the legacy of Stephen Lawrence. 

Students and learners also had the opportunity to speak to recruitment officers from Thames Valley Police, to find out about job roles within the police force and how to apply. 

For more information and to view and apply to BNU’s policing courses, visit our website.