Vernal Scott appointed Head of the Equality and Diversity Unit

Vernal Scott will join the University on Monday 2 October as Head of the Equality and Diversity Unit (EDU). Vernal joins us from the Essex Police, where he has been leading on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) for the past three years. Vernal is passionate about diversity and inclusion and has been involved in D&I work for over four decades within the public sector. 

I am thrilled to have been appointed, and look forward to working with my new colleagues in the months and years ahead. My mission will be to persuade everyone that excellence in Higher Education and EDI are integral values, not an add-on. The EDU team and I will be working to enable a collegiate University culture defined by inclusion and dignity for all. - Vernal Scott

Tim Soutphommasane, Chief Diversity Officer, says of Vernal’s appointment, ‘I am delighted to have such an experienced leader on diversity joining us, as we embark upon our new agenda on equality, diversity and inclusion. I also want to acknowledge the leadership of joint interim heads Jennifer Chapin and Sarah Stephenson-Hunter in supporting the renewal of the EDU over the past year.’

Speaking on behalf of the team, Sarah Stephenson-Hunter said, ‘We’re really looking forward to Vernal joining our fantastic team and working together with him and our EDI colleagues on the challenges and opportunities ahead. The wealth of experience and knowledge he brings will benefit us all. It’s been a real pleasure co-leading the EDU through this period of transition and I’m excited for what lies ahead for us under Vernal’s leadership.’

Markos Koumaditis, HR Director, also says, ‘I look forward to welcoming Vernal to the HR team, helping him settle in his new role and support the EDU team in their ambitious plans over the next few years.’