Research Symposium: Advancing EDI within the Accounting and Economic Professions

This full-day workshop aims to explore current trends impacting EDI within the Accounting and Economic Professions. Jointly organised by BAFA's Diversity Special Interest Group and the Royal Economic Society (RES) and hosted in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

Date: Friday, 19 April 2024

Time: 10:00–16:30

Location: Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) - Cambridge, UK

Registration: Free entry with registration (Registration is via your BAFA membership account)

Join us in Cambridge as we explore EDI best practice and research through a program of research paper presentations, industry round table discussions, keynote presentations, and presentations by academics and industry members. Learn from leading EDI practice in a setting conducive to scholarly inquiry, collaborative practice and support. With plenty of opportunity to network, engage and share ideas with those interested in advancing EDI within the Accounting and Economic Professions.

Keynote Presenters:

Felicia Odamtten Founder and Director of The Black Economists Network (T-BEN). Currently an Economist at the Resolution Foundation, Felicia's expertise stems from her previous role as a fast stream Economist in the UK Government’s leadership development program. Recognised as a dynamic public speaker, she has participated in various panels and debates, including her appointment as Ambassador for the UK Government Economic Services’ Civil Service fast stream recruitment scheme. Passionate about leveraging economics for societal advancement, Felicia advocates for equitable resource distribution, particularly in developing countries. 

Nathan Ghann
Known for championing EDI across the Higher Education sector. He currently serves as the Programmes Director at The Educate Group, a social enterprise focused on addressing educational disparities and increasing inclusivity for underrepresented groups. Nathan serves as an Associate Consultant with Advance HE and is the voice behind the 'Belong in HE' podcast published on Spotify. Previously, he undertook the role Student Success Lead at the University of Hertfordshire and was the founding Chair of the UH BAME Staff Network, where he effected strategic change and promoted racial equality. As a speaker, Nathan delivers informed, passionate, and compelling thought leadership with the aim to accelerate EDI across the Higher Education sector.

Dr. Anna Paraskevopoulou
Associate Professor in the Faculty of Business and Law at ARU Cambridge, specialises in sociology, focusing on work and employment dynamics. With expertise in workplace relations, equality, diversity, and labor migration. Anna completed her PhD at the London School of Economics. Her current research includes examining employment challenges in the creative industries and exploring Human Resource professionals’ perspectives on age discrimination. As an experienced supervisor, Anna oversees various research projects, addressing issues such as workplace selection preferences, Brexit’s impact on universities, and organisational learning in international entrepreneurial ventures.

This partnered event is proudly supported, in-kind by:

British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) Diversity Special Interest Group aims to enhance and support diversity in accounting and finance education, research and practice. The Diversity SIG ensures this is achieved by actively creating a professional space for diversity accounting and finance researchers and educators that seeks the broad inclusion and active engagement of multiple perspectives, experiences, and ideas in accounting and finance education, research, and practice. The Diversity SIG further seeks to create an awareness of diversity matters that impact research, education and practice as well as enhancing and supporting the professional development of all academics and doctoral students.

The Royal Economic Society (RES) is a prestigious organisation dedicated to promoting economic research and understanding. A preeminent professional membership body at the forefront of advancing economic knowledge globally since 1890 and has been foundational in building capability and excellence in the profession. With over 4,000 members located in over 70 countries, RSE encourages excellence, diversity, and inclusion in all activities.

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a renowned higher education institution committed to excellence in teaching and research. ARU is a proud member of Athena Swan and is committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity across all its activities and campuses.

Getting Here

On Foot:

Our East Road campus is approximately a ten-minute walk from the center of Cambridge, near landmarks like the Guildhall and Market Square. The Health Building and Music Therapy Centre are conveniently located around the corner on Young Street. A campus map is available for your reference.

Cycling:

Cambridge is renowned for cycling, with the Cambridge Cycling Campaign offering a free city map and route planner. Ample cycle parking is available on campus.

Park and Ride:

Cambridge operates four Park and Ride bus routes, including one on Newmarket Road that stops at Napier Street, a brief walk from our East Road campus. Park and Ride is often a quicker and more cost-effective option than parking on-site.

Bus and Coach:

We're a 15-minute walk from Drummer Street bus station, and National Express coaches stop at Cambridge Coach Station on Parkside, just a five-minute walk from campus.

Train:

Trains run regularly between Cambridge and various destinations including London, Ipswich, Peterborough, and Stansted Airport. The journey from London to Cambridge takes around 50 minutes to one hour.

Car:

Central Cambridge can be congested, so we recommend using the Park and Ride service. Limited parking is available for Blue Badge holders, and multi storey car parks like Queen Anne and Grafton Street are nearby. Please avoid parking in residential streets around the campus.

Maps:

For detailed maps of Cambridge and our campus, including city centre guides and surrounding area maps, refer to the links provided in the flyer.