New Executive Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

08 Aug 2024

Sarah Fox joins the University on 7 October

Our University has appointed Sarah Fox as the new Executive Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

Sarah has over ten years’ leadership experience in EDI roles across organisations like the BBC and Virgin Media O2, and in client facing roles at the Law Society and Stonewall.

At Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), as Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Sarah launched the organisation’s first EDI strategy, and drove improvements on representation of women and Global Majority employees through a combination of culture change and policy change. Sarah led VMO2 to become the first telecoms retailer to implement a zero tolerance approach to racism in retail stores. 

She introduced inclusive health which included fully funded healthcare for trans and non-binary employees, as well as menopause care.  She also introduced enhanced family leave policies including carers leave, neo natal leave, enhanced paternity leave, and a pregnancy loss policy. She transformed the reasonable adjustments policy leading to tangible improvements in the experience for disabled employees. 

At the BBC she led on the BBC’s strategic commitment to become the UK’s most inclusive broadcaster and drove improvements on recruitment and retention of employees from traditionally marginalised groups by using targeted interventions on positive action, inclusive recruitment and a culture change programme which focussed on inclusive leadership and anti-racism. 

Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted that Sarah is joining us and confident that she will build on Banji's legacy as our previous Director of EDI. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in large complex organisations and an infectious enthusiasm to make a difference.”

Sarah added: “I care about making the community I live in the best place it can be. It is a dream opportunity to lead on EDI from within an organisation which is so deeply embedded in my own local community in Manchester.

“I share The University of Manchester’s passion and commitment to making inclusion an everyday reality for all staff, students, alumni and partners and I can’t wait to get started.”

Sarah will join the University on 7 October. She will be a member of the Professional Services Leadership Team.