Joanne Lockwood

Joanne Lockwood is a transgender woman and transformative Inclusive Culture Expert, uniquely merging lived experience with professional acumen to serve as a heartfelt mentor and trailblazer in diversity, inclusion, and transgender awareness.

Joanne Lockwood, is a renowned Inclusive Culture Expert and international keynote speaker, whose work carries special resonance for educational environments. With a rich background in IT/STEM and a current focus on HR/People consulting, Joanne brings an interdisciplinary approach to her advocacy for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).

Collaborating with education leaders, school governing bodies, and HR departments, Joanne's talk promises to offer fresh, actionable insights for nurturing an inclusive school culture where both staff and students can flourish. Her talk is tailored to tackle issues of exclusion and bias that can manifest in educational settings, from unconscious teacher behaviours to student interactions and the curriculum itself.

Joanne’s own life journey as a transgender woman adds a poignant depth to her expertise, especially in developing Allies Programmes and LGBTQ+ inclusion strategies. She is keenly aware of the unique challenges that schools face in promoting DEIB and is prepared to offer bespoke solutions that are both practical and effective.

Her key accomplishments include:

- Fellow and Chair of the Board of the Professional Speaking Association UK&I (FPSA)
- Fellow of the Institute of Equality and Diversity Professionals (FIEDP)
- Regular columnist for various publications, such as HRZone, The HRD, and TrainingZone),
- Featured in the UK Channel 4 documentary, "The Making of Me"
- Host of the ‘Inclusion Bites’ podcast
- Contributor to "Your Choice 'The Complete PSHE Programme' - KS5" published by Harper Collins

A hallmark of Joanne's approach is her mantra, "Smile | Engage | Educate," which she believes is instrumental in creating an inclusive atmosphere. It's an approach that prioritises not just policies and rules, but real human connections, empathy, and shared values that lead to Positive People Experiences.

Joanne’s impact on the world of diversity and inclusion has garnered her multiple accolades, underscoring her commitment and effectiveness in this domain. When you choose Joanne for your educational event or programme, you're not just getting a speaker but a committed partner who will help guide your school towards an inclusive culture where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

In a nutshell, Joanne's talk will inspire, challenge, and guide school communities towards embracing inclusivity and equity, truly transforming lives and educational experiences for the better.