Vanessa Boon
Principal Consultant
Award-winning EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) change-maker, trainer and facilitator of courageous conversations.
Innovative development & diversity professional with over 20 years experience. A self-starter, taking the initiative with 15 years as an independent self-employed specialist with happy repeat clients and team of associates. Chartered HR practitioner working with integrity, creativity & engaging style. Attentive deep listener able to quickly ‘tune in’ to a client’s context & needs, swiftly building rapport & identifying credible solutions for transformation.
A trusted communicator, from experienced media spokesperson to inspiring keynote speaker to one-to-one motivational mentor. An infectious passion for social justice and nurturing each person’s potential. Highly effective presentation, facilitation, and training skills. Creative and resourceful in problem solving, combining a strategic perspective with peoplecentric care. Experience in both the public & private sectors.
My Background
Track record of high-impact EDI strategies & training with happy repeat clients including Motorpoint, NHS, Metropolitan Housing, NUS (National Union of Students), Universities, Law Firms, Engineering Development Trust, Local Authorities, Digital & Creative & Charity Sectors
• Facilitation of over 100 change-making Equality Audits for clients including NHS, Probation, Police & Fire Service, removing barriers to services & staff potential
• Created a successful alternative dispute resolution service, with a diverse pool of trained mediators; 12-month results: reduced conflict times, escalations, stress & absence, drawing a CIPD HR Excellence Award
• Designed a two-year diverse talent positive action intervention doubling the representation of women and achieving racial diversity targets in specialist roles Delivery of empowering training as a trusted associate of Skills & Education Group, Springboard Consultancy (part of Instructus) & WISE (Women Into Science & Engineering)
Facilitator Experience
Strategic EDI SWOT analysis, 360-degree review of client approach with input from diverse stakeholder focus groups, policy and data review, with recommendations, KPIs, action-planning and follow-up coaching support
Delivering positive action development programmes to support diversity targets; dismantling systemic barriers and internalised oppression to unlock the full potential of traditionally excluded, under-represented, groups
Design & delivery of intersectional EDI training to meet client needs, budgets & timescales e.g. inclusive leadership, equality by design (service design), diversity in action (customer care), disrupting unconscious bias
Specialist consultancy EDI policy & project work, coaching EDI & leadership teams, and trouble-shooting
Bringing innovative approaches from grassroots social justice and community organising models into the workplace.
Chief HR diversity advisor to the Police Authority, including equality legislation and strategic direction. Introduction of Mainstreaming Diversity Strategy, KPI’s, award-winning HR and positive action projects. Developed infrastructure, policies, tools & training to enhance organisational EDI capabilities. Best practices shared nationwide, attracting Police HR Award.
Providing HR advice to line managers and staff; wide range of personnel & payroll processes via HR IT system; case management support; policy reviews, data analysis & recommendations to HR Business Partners & management.
Design & delivery of IT, job search and personal development training for corporate and New Deal job-seeking clients.