In conversation with UK Athletics’ Equality, Diversity and Engagement Lead Donna Fraser

Equality, diversity and inclusivity (ED&I) can’t be an afterthought or a standalone process if the sports industry is truly committed to accelerating the pace of change. That’s according to Donna Fraser, the former British 400 metre athlete who is UK Athletics’ first Equality. Diversity and Engagement lead. “It’s got to be fully embedded into the organisation and not just within the HR team,” she insists.

Speaking behind the scenes at October’s Leaders Meet: Diversity; Black Excellence event, the latest in our Leaders Meet: Diversity Series, in partnership with Facebook, Fraser offers an insight into her transition from the track, and discusses what needs to be tackled to ensure the industry can become a more diverse place.

 

• In review – Leaders Meet: Diversity; Black Excellence
• Barclays: How football partnerships help drive its diversity and inclusion strategy
• Reflections from the top; one year on from the launch of W Series
• Diversity matters: In conversation with Nielsen Sports’ European Marketing Lead, Jerome Quartey

 

In this interview, recorded behind the scenes at Facebook, London, Fraser explains:

• The challenges she typically encounters within her role and the skillset required to tackle them.
• What organisations can change at board level to demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity.

 

And the diversity conversation continues in March. To coincide with International Women’s Day, we’ll be hosting two Women In Sport events, taking place on 6 March at Facebook in London and New York, followed on 18 May by Black Excellence, which kicks off Leaders Week New York 2020. Check out what we’ve got planned here.