Moving Beyond Words: Meet the external guest speakers of the Inclusivity Conference

Join us on what promises to be a lively and thought-provoking event, with a strong focus on Action. Because change does not happen simply by wishing it.

Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 June

The fourth annual Inclusivity Conference is this year taking place in a hybrid format, with sessions available to book both on campus and online. It is open to all academic and professional services staff, as well as students. If you have not already done so, please book your place.

As part of this prestigious event, we are delighted to be welcoming two very special guest speakers who will be sharing their experiences and contributions to the cause of furthering the inclusive agenda. 

Jonathan Glazzard, our Keynote speaker, is an eminent professor with a background in primary school education, and a passion for inclusive practice, mental health, and special education needs. Jonathan has published widely on aspects of inclusion and social justice for marginalised groups, and he is deeply committed to research which improves the lives of individuals, as well as research-informed teaching. See a full bio below.

Peter Chand is a Wolverhampton-born and based storyteller, performer, and trainer who has accumulated over 25 years of experience in the art of oral narrative, following a background in marketing. Peter has recently been awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Wolverhampton recognising his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion and, for championing the voice of other Global Majority storytellers. For a taster of what's to come, you are invited to listen to a podcast that was recorded with Paul here at the University earlier in the year as part of the D.I.I.verse hub podcast series (see below). 

Keynote: Professor Jonathan Glazzard 

Tuesday 20 June, 11.15am-12.30pm 

Our keynote speaker for Day One is Professor Jonathan Glazzard, Professor of Inclusive Practice at Edge Hill University. 

Speaker Bio

Professor Jonathan Glazzard Jonathan is deeply committed to research which advances social justice. He has published widely on aspects of inclusion and social justice for marginalised groups, and he is deeply committed to research which improves the lives of individuals, as well as research-informed teaching.

His research focuses on mental health, wellbeing and inclusion in education. Recent projects include exploration of head teacher resilience, teacher and child mental health and the experiences of teachers who identify as LGBTQ+.

Jonathan is a co-convenor of the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Special Interest Group, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education, and is Series Editor of the Positive Mental Health series with Critical Publishing and he has co-authored a series of books with Samuel Stones on LGBT inclusion.

See Johnathan's full bio: JONATHAN GLAZZARD — Edge Hill University

Guest Speaker: Storyteller Peter Chand

Tuesday 20 June, 12.30pm - 1pm

Speaker Bio

From Southall to Singapore, Dublin to Delhi, Tyneside to Toronto, and many a place in between; Peter Chand has enthralled audiences both near and far with his skilfully told tales.

He is one of Europe’s most renowned storytellers and is in constant demand for his powerful, evocative and moving stories from the Indian subcontinent. He has also helped countless Storytellers, Public Speakers, Teachers and Corporate employees to gain confidence in storytelling techniques through his dynamic training workshops.

Peter regularly visits his family in the Punjab, India, and collects traditional stories and translates them into English. 

Alongside this specialism, he also has an ever-growing repertoire of world stories which he shares in schools, festivals, libraries, theatres, and cultural events across Britain and further afield.

Peter has recently been honoured for his storytelling work by being chosen as one of the 100 Masters in England, an award which celebrates creativity and excellence within the many towns and cities which make up the Black Country region.

The D.I.I.verse Hub podcast: Stories for Social Change in conversation with Peter Chand

In this D.I.I.verse Hub podcast, Peter Chand joins The University of Wolverhampton's Kerensa Hodge and Julian Gwinnett for rich discussion on the art of storytelling. Kerensa introduces Pete by encapsulating him in four words: Bold. Wise. Impactful. Kind. Listen on to find out about the power of oral narrative, the value of listening, and the impact of promoting social change via story activism. 

Listen to the Stories for Social Change podcast

For the full conference programme, and to reserve your free place in person or online - please see the Eventbrite booking page.