Ellen is an experienced Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) specialist who supports organisations to embed EDI principles across all aspects of their work. She offers expert guidance on policy development and reviews, equality impact assessments, data analysis, and research, as well as tailored training and strategic advice. Her approach is informed by a deep understanding of intersectionality and bias in decision-making.
While Ellen has particular expertise in gender and disability equality, her work spans all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. She has worked both within and alongside higher education institutions (HEIs), bringing a practical understanding of sector-specific challenges.
As a Senior EDI Consultant at Advance HE, Ellen has delivered a wide range of commissioned projects, including embedding EDI in curricula, conducting equality impact assessments, and supporting strategic equality planning. She has also designed and delivered training—both in-person and online—on topics such as sexual misconduct, bias, disability inclusion, transgender inclusion, and REF 2021.
Previously, at the Equality Challenge Unit, Ellen led the policy programme that piloted the Gender Equality Charter Mark and supported the Athena Swan Committee. She also played a key role in policy development, research, publications, stakeholder engagement, and responding to consultation processes and sector queries.
How has Ellen recently supported institutions?
- Review of UKRI terms and conditions of grant from an equality, diversity and inclusion perspective
- Working with individual institutions e.g. Nuffield College (University of Oxford), The University of Brighton, Canterbury Christ Church University, The College of Law on a range of EDI projects such as strategic action planning, disability equality training and equality impact assessment
- Advisor to the Disabled Students’ Commission
- Research Excellence Framework 2014 and 2021 training on Equality Diversity and Inclusion elements.
In her free time, Ellen loves to go for walks in Epping Forest and doing yoga.