About Diversity and Inclusion at LJMU
Our role
- To work proactively within the University community to embed equality, diversity and inclusivity practices
- To provide both planned and bespoke equality, diversity and inclusivity advice
- Be responsible for the robust infrastructure of diversity networks which exist across the University
- To liaise with Liverpool John Moores Students Union (JMSU)
- Organise a series of events, workshops, and conferences to ensure a culture that embraces diversity is embedded throughout the university
Question about Diversity and Inclusion at LJMU? Email the team: equality@ljmu.ac.uk
The Team
Associate Director - Diversity and Inclusion
Moni Akinsanya provides expertise on all matters related to diversity and inclusivity. She works as a consultant with a range of local and national organisations, advising on EDI initiatives such as Reciprocal Mentoring and Positive Action Programmes. She serves as a trustee on several boards, making significant contributions and working in partnership with key community representatives.
Moni develops numerous project initiatives with community groups, both nationally and locally, and organises various programmes particularly for women of colour and faith some of which attract over 200 participants from around the world. She is actively involved in a wide range of local and national networks.
Pronouns: She/Her
Email: M.M.Akinsanya@ljmu.ac.uk
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
As Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Phil Bakstad works with the team to deliver the University’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy as part of the People Plan 2030. He has more than 20 years of experience working in higher education in a range of areas including Widening Participation, Student Services and D&I.
Previously, Phil was Associate Dean: Diversity and Inclusion for LJMU’s Professional Services alongside a substantive post as Student Inclusion Lead in the university’s Advice and Wellbeing team. In this role he led on support for students from a diverse range of communities, including care experienced and estranged students, Young Adult Carers, and other cohorts as identified in the University’s Access and Participation Plan.
Phil was previously Chair of the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) National Strategy Group. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and is currently working towards Senior Fellowship of Advance HE.
Pronouns: He/Him
Email: P.Bakstad@ljmu.ac.uk
Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Helen Cooper is Diversity and Inclusion Officer, contributing to the work of the team with specific focus on the Race Equality Charter and the provisions for staff members with a disability. Although she started this role in November 2024, Helen is familiar with LJMU as she completed her BA English here in 2011.
Helen’s belief in the transformational power of education led her to a career in teaching, and later, Widening Participation, and she has worked in Higher Education for over 10 years. Working with under-represented groups, and working on Access and Participation Plans has provided Helen with a great understanding of Diversity and Inclusion both in terms of legislation, but also more importantly, in lived experience.
Helen completed her MRes in Gender Studies, where her research area was interrogating the intersections of class, gender, and ethnicity, with specific reference to the progression to Higher Education for White, Working-Class Boys in the contemporary political landscape. She is therefore very interested in the impact of intersecting identities and research-informed practice.
Want to stay in touch?
If you are external to LJMU and would like to stay in touch with LJMU's Diversity and Inclusion Team and receive invitations to equality events and training opportunities, please "Opt-in" to the Diversity and Inclusion mailing list, by sending the following details to: equality@ljmu.ac.uk
- Your full name
- Email address
- Organisation
- Agreement statement: "Yes, I would like to stay in touch."
Please note:
LJMU's Diversity and Inclusion Team will not share the information you provide with any third parties.