Jennifer Dyer: Leading the Charge for Diversity and Inclusion at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Beyond
Jennifer Dyer is a highly respected leader and expert in the field of diversity, equality, and inclusion (D&I). With an illustrious career spanning across different organizations and sectors, her work has left a significant impact in promoting inclusive cultures and fostering diversity. From her strategic role as the Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal British Legion (RBL) to her current position as the Equalities Manager at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Jennifer’s work has been pivotal in driving positive change in the workplace and beyond.
Early Career and Educational Background
Jennifer Dyer’s career trajectory showcases her passion for advocacy and organizational development. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Glasgow and went on to complete a Master’s degree from The Open University. Her academic background laid a strong foundation for her work in strategic inclusion and policy development. Throughout her career, Jennifer has used her education to influence positive change across various organizations, focusing particularly on fostering inclusive work environments.
Her professional journey spans a diverse range of roles, but her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been the cornerstone of her work. She is also an accredited coach and mediator, having earned certifications that have enhanced her ability to drive effective change in organizations.
Leadership at the Royal British Legion
One of Jennifer Dyer’s most notable roles was as the Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal British Legion (RBL), where she served from March 2021 to July 2024. The Royal British Legion, a prominent organization supporting veterans and their families, entrusted Jennifer with the critical responsibility of leading its diversity and inclusion efforts.
Strategic Vision and Organizational Transformation
During her tenure at the Royal British Legion, Jennifer was instrumental in developing and implementing the first-ever D&I strategy across the organization. Her work involved translating the strategy into concrete actions and initiatives aimed at creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. This included working closely with senior leadership, the Board, and staff to ensure that diversity and inclusion were embedded in the organization’s culture at every level.
Jennifer led efforts to build staff networks focused on issues like gender, race, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability. These networks were crucial in creating safe spaces for employees to share experiences and advocate for positive changes within the organization. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, Jennifer helped ensure that the Royal British Legion could better serve its diverse community of veterans, staff, and volunteers.
Promoting Equity and Accessibility
In her role at RBL, Jennifer worked on initiatives that aimed to make services more accessible to a broader audience. This included reaching out to diverse communities and ensuring that the Legion’s offerings were inclusive of people from different backgrounds. Her efforts focused on creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their identity or background, could thrive.
Moreover, she played a pivotal role in ensuring that data related to diversity and inclusion was accurate and up-to-date. This allowed the Royal British Legion to track its progress and make informed decisions about its future D&I initiatives.
Current Role as Equalities Manager at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
In July 2024, Jennifer transitioned to her current role as the Equalities Manager at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM). As Equalities Manager, she is responsible for leading the delivery of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) activities, plans, and interventions in support of the Trust’s strategic objectives.
Driving Change in Healthcare
SLaM is one of the UK’s leading mental health trusts, and Jennifer’s role is vital in ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integral to the services it provides. As part of the People and Organisational Development Directorate, Jennifer works alongside colleagues to inspire cultural change and improve the overall experience for staff and service users.
Her work at SLaM involves providing expert advice on human rights, equality, and inclusion, helping operational teams adopt evidence-based practices to ensure equity of access and outcomes for individuals receiving care. This is especially important in healthcare, where inclusivity can lead to better patient care and more equitable service delivery.
Impacting Policy and Procedures
Jennifer’s expertise extends beyond operational matters; she also plays a key role in shaping policies that impact both staff and service users. Her work involves influencing internal teams, such as HR, Learning and Organizational Development, and Communications, to ensure that inclusivity is embedded in key processes and day-to-day practices.
Previous Experience: Ofgem and the Institute of Physics
Before her time at the Royal British Legion, Jennifer held significant positions in other notable organizations. She worked as the Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, from 2019 to 2021. During this period, she led efforts to embed diversity and inclusion within Ofgem’s organizational culture. She worked closely with senior leaders and various departments to integrate D&I principles into recruitment, training, and organizational development processes.
Jennifer’s commitment to D&I was also evident in her decade-long tenure at the Institute of Physics (IOP), where she served as the Head of Diversity. She was responsible for strategic leadership in the field of diversity within the broader STEM sector, advocating for gender equality, disability rights, and access for underrepresented groups. Her work in developing the IOP’s framework for gender equality and advising over 50 physics workplaces on inclusivity has earned her widespread recognition.
Influencing Change in Education
Jennifer’s career also includes a strong focus on education, particularly in relation to accessibility and inclusivity for disabled students. As Policy Director at Skill, the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities, Jennifer was a leading advocate for the rights of disabled students in post-16 education. She worked closely with the government to ensure the effective implementation of legislation that would support disabled students and ensure their equal access to educational opportunities.
Advocacy for Disability Rights
Jennifer’s work has extended to numerous consultative roles, including her position as Senior Consultant for Disability at Action on Access, where she provided strategic advice on widening participation in higher education for disabled students. This advocacy work has been crucial in pushing for more inclusive practices in education and ensuring that students with disabilities have the support they need to succeed.
Jennifer Dyer’s Legacy and Future Impact
Jennifer Dyer is a trailblazer in the world of diversity and inclusion. With a career built on advocacy, policy development, and organizational leadership, she has made a profound impact on several sectors, including healthcare, education, energy, and beyond. Her strategic approach to D&I, which involves collaboration with senior leadership, staff networks, and key stakeholders, continues to inspire organizations to embrace inclusivity.
Her work at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust is set to continue driving change and ensuring that diversity and equality remain at the forefront of healthcare policy and practice. As an experienced and dedicated advocate for social justice, Jennifer Dyer’s contributions will continue to shape inclusive cultures and policies for years to come.
Conclusion
Jennifer Dyer’s career stands as a testament to her commitment to fostering inclusive, diverse environments across a range of industries. From her leadership in diversity and inclusion at the Royal British Legion and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to her groundbreaking work in education and the wider STEM sector, Jennifer’s expertise and passion for equality are clear. Her ability to lead and influence organizational change makes her a true leader in the field of diversity and inclusion. As organizations continue to prioritize inclusivity, Jennifer Dyer will undoubtedly remain a key figure in driving that transformation.
