New University lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Fiona McClement has been appointed as the new EDI Lead for the University.
Image
Fiona has six years’ experience at EDI Director-level across two Russell Group institutions. She is currently Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Leeds, where she is responsible for EDI strategy implementation across the institution and leading a portfolio of strategic interventions and programmes.
Previously, Fiona was Director of EDI at University College London (UCL), in the President and Provost’s Office. At UCL, she spearheaded a holistic approach that encompassed employment, the research environment, education and extending impact as a knowledge institution for societal advancement. During her time at UCL, it became the first institution in the UK to receive both an Athena Swan institutional Silver-level award and Bronze Race Equality Charter award, in 2015. At UCL, she led on the design and development of a number of innovative EDI programmes that have been adopted by other institutions.
The University of Edinburgh is a fantastic university and I’m really looking forward to leading the EDI agenda, in close partnership with student leaders, colleagues and the wider community. I’m keen to create a collective vision of what genuine transformational change will look like, so that all members of the University feel a sense of belonging and can thrive, without being held back by unnecessary and unfair structural, systemic or cultural barriers. I firmly believe that a University cannot be world-leading without being inclusive.
“There is a great deal of excellent EDI work to build upon already at the University and it will be a privilege to advance and shape this further.
Fiona McClement
EDI Lead
I am delighted that Fiona will be taking up this crucial role, building on the significant work that has been taking place in this area over the last few years. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion form a core part of our Strategy 2030, exemplifying the values that we strive to embed across our whole University community. Fiona brings a wealth of experience in this field, and I look forward to welcoming her to the University in due course.
Professor Peter Mathieson
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley stepped down as University EDI Lead and Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee in July 2024. The Senior Leadership Team and colleagues across the University extend their thanks to Sarah for her strategic oversight of EDI across the University over the last 5 years, for championing diversity and upholding the University’s values in every aspect of our work. Sarah will be remaining at the University in her role as Professor of Medical and Family Sociology, and Co-Head of the Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society.
