Joanne Lockwood: Championing Diversity, Inclusion, and Transformation Across Industries
Joanne Lockwood is a name that stands out in the realms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI). As an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and advocate for marginalized groups, she has dedicated her career to transforming workplaces and communities. With a deep-rooted commitment to transgender inclusion, LGBTQ+ rights, and inclusive leadership, Joanne’s work has empowered countless organizations to create environments where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is a core value.
In this article, we’ll explore Joanne Lockwood’s journey, her professional experience, educational background, and the numerous ways in which she’s shaping the future of diversity and inclusion, particularly in Bradford, and beyond.
Who is Joanne Lockwood?
Joanne Lockwood is an Inclusive Culture Expert and the founder of SEE Change Happen, a consultancy specializing in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). With over 30 years of experience in the business and IT sectors, Joanne made a bold career transition, moving from the world of technology to become an advocate for transgender rights and inclusive leadership. Her personal journey as a transgender woman provides her with a unique perspective that allows her to approach EDI challenges with empathy, authenticity, and a wealth of practical experience.
Lockwood’s journey hasn’t just been about professional growth. It’s also been about transformation—both personal and organizational. Her philosophy, “Smile | Engage | Educate,” reflects her holistic approach to driving change. Joanne’s work is rooted in education, encouraging organizations to create spaces that are not only diverse but also welcoming and inclusive for all employees and stakeholders.
Joanne Lockwood’s Experience and Leadership Roles
Founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen
Since founding SEE Change Happen in 2017, Joanne has used her expertise to advise and mentor organizations on creating more inclusive cultures. SEE Change Happen focuses on helping businesses and teams address barriers to transgender inclusion, promoting strategies for equality, and offering tailored workshops and training programs.
Her consultancy’s Transgender Inclusion Readiness Audits are particularly impactful. These audits help businesses assess their internal practices and identify areas where they can improve their support for transgender employees. Joanne’s team works with companies to build inclusive workplaces that value all people, no matter their gender identity or background. The goal is not just to implement diversity but to create environments where inclusion is deeply embedded within the company culture.
Advisory Roles and Board Memberships
Joanne Lockwood’s influence extends beyond consultancy. She’s held several advisory and board roles that have further amplified her impact on diversity and inclusion.
As an Advisory Board Member for Level=, a sports recruitment company, Joanne works with teams to improve recruitment practices in sports by making them consciously inclusive. Her work with Level= aims to tackle biases in sports recruitment and ensure that inclusivity is embedded in hiring practices across the industry. This work aligns with her vision of a world where every person, regardless of background, feels valued and included, especially in environments where diversity is often underrepresented, like sports.
In addition, Joanne has served as an Associate Consultant for Housing Diversity Network (HDN), helping housing organizations prepare for accreditation in diversity and inclusion. Her work with HDN supports businesses in creating policies that reflect equality, foster inclusivity, and improve customer outcomes.
Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights
Joanne’s advocacy work has also been impactful in the LGBTQ+ rights space. She has worked closely with organizations such as akt, a UK-based charity that helps LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness or living in hostile environments. Joanne served as a member of the Board of Trustees for akt, where she helped shape initiatives aimed at providing safe homes and support for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
Through this role, Joanne has brought her expertise in inclusion and understanding of marginalized communities to bear, offering critical insights into how businesses and organizations can better support LGBTQ+ individuals.
Education and Certifications
Joanne Lockwood’s educational background and certifications reflect her commitment to professional growth and continuous learning. She holds an NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Equality & Diversity from Petroc College, which further solidified her foundation in EDI practices. Additionally, she holds an A Level in Computer Science from Southdowns College and an HND in Avionic Systems from RAF Cosford, reflecting a technical background that has undoubtedly contributed to her problem-solving abilities and analytical mindset in her EDI work.
Joanne Lockwood’s certifications also include being a CPD Accredited Speaker, a title that recognizes her proficiency in public speaking, especially around topics related to diversity and inclusion. This accreditation, along with her recognition as one of the Top 30 Diversity & Inclusion Leaders to follow in 2022 by leadersHum, underscores her authority in the field.
Awards and Recognitions
Joanne has earned several accolades throughout her career. Among the most notable is her recognition as one of the Top 30 Diversity & Inclusion Leaders to Follow in 2022. This honor highlights her influence in the field and her role as a leading voice in transgender inclusion and workplace diversity. Her work is a testament to her dedication to creating a more inclusive world.
Joanne Lockwood’s Impact in Bradford and Beyond
While Joanne’s work spans the globe, her influence is particularly felt in areas like Bradford, a city known for its diversity and forward-thinking initiatives in equality. Through her consultancy and advisory roles, Joanne has made significant strides in helping organizations in Bradford and other regions build more inclusive cultures.
Her focus on transgender inclusion has been especially crucial in areas where this conversation has often been sidelined. By engaging with local businesses and community leaders, Joanne has helped Bradford take meaningful steps towards becoming a more inclusive city, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their gender identity, can thrive.
Conclusion
Joanne Lockwood’s career is a powerful example of how one individual can create lasting change. Her work as an Inclusive Culture Expert, Advisory Board Member, and LGBTQ+ advocate has reshaped how businesses and organizations approach diversity and inclusion. From SEE Change Happen to her work with Level=, Housing Diversity Network, and akt, Joanne has shown that fostering a truly inclusive culture requires more than just policy changes—it requires empathy, understanding, and a commitment to continuous growth.
Through her leadership, certifications, and passion for transgender inclusion, Joanne Lockwood continues to inspire and transform workplaces, making them more inclusive, welcoming, and diverse for all. Whether in Bradford or beyond, Joanne’s work is reshaping the future of inclusion, one organization at a time.
Her journey serves as a beacon for others, proving that with determination and a commitment to positive change, we can all make the world a more inclusive place.
