There will be a 3 course Indian celebratory meal for Non- Vegetarian and Vegetarian.

Our celebratory event will also feature:

•  Live DJ Taran
•  360 Video Booth
•  Henna Artist

Date: Saturday 16th November 2024
Venue: The Village Bar 
Times: 18:00 until Midnight
Dress: Smart or Indian attire 

Parking

There is parking available close to the venue, however if you are not registered as a staff member or a student you will be required to follow this link to organise payment, (ideally in advance)  https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/fm/services/traffic-parking/visitors/ .  Please make your way to the University West Entrance (LE11 3AJ) where you will be greeted by our Security who will be able to direct you to Car Park 3 at the Pilkington Library, which is in close walking distance of the Village Bar.

We're delighted to announce that the 2nd REACH Network Annual Conference - Towards Diverse Vibrant Communities through Racial Equity and Inclusion - is taking place on Wednesday 10 September 2025.

Our carefully curated agenda (allowing a timely break for the Professional Services Assembly - for LU Staff) brings together a diverse lineup of voices headlined by our keynote speaker Veronica Moore, who share rich expertise and lived experience.  Together, they’ll offer fresh perspectives, critical insights, and food for thought to foster an inclusive and thought-provoking conversation for all.

Session Overview:

• Keynote Address by Veronica Moore, Executive Director of EDI, Loughborough University and Sponsor of REACH Staff Network
• Exhibitions as a Methodology for exploring Racial Equity and Inclusion in HEIs and wider Society by Dr Kerri Akiwowo, Senior Lecturer, Loughborough University
• BEYOND UNIVERSITY WALLS: Promoting Racial Equity in wider Communities by Dr Iris Lightfoote, CEO, The Race Equality Centre (TREC)
• The Role of Staff Networks in Shaping Policies in Higher Education Institutions by Dr Perpetual Eze-Idehen, Founder and Chair, Carers, Parents and Guardians Staff Network, The University of Manchester
• Conference Group Activity: Culture Canvas by Denise Cole, EDI Manager, Loughborough University
• What really matters in Race Equality Charter in building Vibrant Communities by Dr Teslim Bukoye, Senior Lecturer, University of Bath
• The Chaplaincy's Role in Diverse and Inclusive Campus Communities in supporting wellbeing, faith and spirituality by Safra Razeek, Chaplaincy, Loughborough University
• Vibrant and Inclusive Communities at Loughborough by Professor Emily Keightley, Assoicate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Vibrant and Inclusive Communities, Loughborough University
• Rethinking Community Engagement by Dr Ayodeji Akiwowo, Founder, Black Excellence
• The impact of co-creating with communities by Amanda Hanton, Cultural Participation Team Manager, Culture Leicestershire, Leicestershire County Council
• Goodwill Video Message by Dr Jeevun Sandher, Member of Parliament for Loughborough, Shepshed and the Villages

The Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage (REACH) Staff Network used to be Blacks, Asians and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network. This Conference is designed based on public engagement model so that the network can interact and share ideas with the immediate University community, Loughborough community, Leicester and Leicestershire community.