We have recently made a number of new appointments in our EDI community. To help you put faces to names, we asked our new team members to tell us a bit about their new roles and what they'd like to achieve.

EDIN Co-Chair (Professional Services) – Clare Cobb

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network is a forum for discussing ED&I initiatives across the University and ongoing matters relating to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Clare notes: "Working within Residence Experience for Campus Services, I have been committed to creating a supportive and accessible space where all resident students feel valued and empowered. As Co-Chair of the EDI Network, I look forward to applying the same passion and dedication to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion on a broader scale. I am eager to collaborate with colleagues across the university to drive meaningful change, celebrate diverse perspectives, and ensure that everyone feels a true sense of belonging."

Digital Accessibility Lead – Joshua Lim

University is excited to see a new Lead role being established that will focus on overseeing our activities around digital accessibility.

Joshua adds: "Digital accessibility is so important to how we study, work and communicate at the University. I'm really excited to be working on giving everyone a better experience accessing and creating resources."

LGBTQ+ Lead – Catherine Butler (from September 2025)

Catherine Butler has worked at the University of Bath since 2014 (with a break for a few years) and has worked in the area of LGBTQ+ psychology for 25 years both in University and NHS settings. She is a clinical psychologist and systemic psychotherapist and co-programme director of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Catherine says: "I'm excited to take up the post of LGBTQ+ Lead to work with students and staff to LGBTQ+ lives in the university and improve areas of inclusivity where needed."

International Staff Network Co-Chairs – Sadegh Javaheriafif, Bhagyashree Patil and Victoria Williamson

The International Staff Network (ISN) at the University of Bath is established to support, represent, and advocate for the interests of international staff. The network aims to foster an inclusive, diverse, and supportive workplace culture.

Sadegh, one of the Co-Chairs, shares: "I am excited to step into the role of Co-Chair of the International Staff Network, dedicated to fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and connected global community. I look forward to leading meaningful initiatives that empower and amplify the voices of international staff."

Bhagy, who is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, adds: "I have held various roles within the department, including Senior Tutor, Director of Studies, and member of the departmental Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee. I have experienced the many layers of international life in UK academia, from student to staff, and I am committed to creating spaces where colleagues feel seen, supported, and valued. My aim is to build a supportive community where we can connect, exchange experiences, and draw strength from our diverse backgrounds. I look forward to working with others to grow and strengthen the Network."

Victoria's research focuses on psychological adjustment after traumatic events, including combat trauma, human trafficking, cancer and moral injury. She serves on a NATO panel providing the UK perspective on military ethics, leadership and mental health, and is on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans. Victoria is the President of the UK Psychological Trauma Society.

Women career, growth and community network Co-Chairs – Annette Goddard and Clementine Seymour

The Women's Network – Career, Growth and Community (WN:CGC) is aimed at women in grades 2 to 7. This network has been established as a result of the Professional Services Women's Early Career Network survey feedback and institutional Silver Athena Swan action plan. The aims of the network are to enable connections, address common difficulties and facilitate peer support and training opportunities for women in grades 2 to 7 working in the University.

Annette, the Skills and Development Manager for the SU, reflects: "I am excited about being co-chair with Clementine and look forward to driving the Women's Network forward with the brilliant committee that we have. We hope to draw on our own experience and skills whilst engaging with others to provide skills development, social interaction and personal and professional growth. We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!"

Clementine, who works in Careers and External Engagement, adds: " My role is focusing on MBA students' career goals and how to progress with their learning and development on the programme. I also volunteer for 1st Impressions to help support women back into work. I’m excited to work with Annette as co-chairs of the Women’s Network to focus on the needs of the members of the Women’s Network, and the events and workshops we can bring to support the staff in their own career and professional development."

Military Matters network Co-Chairs – James Davenport and Victoria Williamson

The aim of the Military Matters network is to connect members, former members and families of the UK Armed Forces. This is one of the University of Bath's commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant.

James was an Army Reserve member for 21 years, and still maintains links with his former units and represents the University on the Bristol Military Education Committee. 

Victoria's research, as noted above, focuses on psychological adjustment after traumatic events, including combat trauma. She serves on a NATO panel providing the UK perspective on military ethics, leadership and mental health, and is on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans.

Mosaic Co-Chairs – Shyeni Paul and Daniel Matongo

Shyeni Paul, Director of the Doctoral College Operations for the university, have been a member of the Mosaic staff network since they joined the university in 2023. Shyeni add: 'I’m looking forward to being co-chair of the network and working to sustain the safe and supportive space for staff to socialise, network, and raise issues of interest around the importance of racial equality and representation.'

Daniel Matongo notes: ‘I’m happy to be stepping into my new role as one of the co-chairs of the Mosaic Network. I’m committed to helping build a space where people of colour feel seen, supported, and empowered.’

Neurodiversity Network Co-Chairs – Eden Day, Kelly Whittard, and Suzie Simcock

Eden, one of the co-Chairs of the network, shares: 'I am ecstatic to have been appointed as one of the new co-chairs of the University's Neurodiversity Network. I am passionate about driving forward positive change across the Higher Education sector and, being Autistic myself, am especially invested in improving knowledge about neurodivergence in HE and improving accessibility for our neurodivergent students and staff.'

Kelly adds: 'I’m excited about my new role as co-chair of the Neurodiversity Network. As an autistic member of staff, I’m interested in advocating for education and working environments to be more inclusive, accessible and understanding. I’m looking forward to working with my co-chairs, along with colleagues in the network, to create a supportive and accepting community where neurodivergent individuals feel valued and heard.'

Suzie said: 'As a new co-chair for the Neurodiversity Network, I'm excited to contribute to the growth of the University’s supportive community for neurodivergent staff and PGR students, and to promote neurodiversity acceptance and understanding. With my own experiences of ADHD and autism, I'm passionate about advocating for an inclusive university where everyone can thrive.'