My D&I Journey with:
Jestina Mpofu,
ED&I Supervisor, Wiltshire Police
My D&I Journey with:1. What was your journey into diversity and inclusion?
I have always been dedicated to learning, promoting, and practising diversity and inclusion in my professional journey. My early experiences and professional roles have given me a deep understanding of creating inclusive environments where everyone feels recognised and empowered. I am firmly committed to these principles and consistently work towards making a positive impact whenever possible. While working at the Institute of Packaging South Africa, I mentored students from diverse backgrounds, offering them support in shaping their careers in packaging. My strong passion motivates me, and I firmly believe each person plays a crucial role in advancing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
2. How would you describe a typical day in your role?
There is no ‘typical day’ at Wiltshire Police. Even if I think I have my day planned, for example, a team briefing, any immediate EDI queries or plan to look into positive action initiatives to improve underrepresented groups within the force. I am constantly distracted by emails or requests. That is one of the things that I love about my role. No two days are the same.
3. What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my work is seeing tangible improvements in diversity metrics, employee engagement scores, and overall organisational culture. It is highly satisfying to demonstrate the positive impact of EDI and Positive Action initiatives through data and personal stories. This sense of accomplishment is shared by my team, and seeing them make wins in their daily tasks is equally fulfilling. Together, we are making a significant difference in our organisation’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
4. What advice would you give to someone looking to move into D&I?
For anyone considering a career in Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), I cannot stress the importance of networking enough. Take the time to connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds and organisations. This will not only give you a comprehensive understanding of the job’s specific demands but also help you gauge whether this career path truly aligns with your passions.
5. What are the main challenges faced by D&I professionals at the moment?
D&I professionals encounter complex challenges that demand a multifaceted and strategic approach. Quantifying the success of D&I initiatives and addressing intersectionality and the unique challenges faced by individuals with marginalized identities can be particularly challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to stay informed about current events and societal issues that affect the workplace. This helps us remain knowledgeable and prepared to tackle these challenges directly.
6. Name three skills that support you to succeed in D&I
Empathy—It’s important to understand and appreciate the perspective of others without passing judgment or dictating how they should feel. This involves actively listening, showing understanding, and refraining from imposing our own opinions on how others should react or think.
Resilience – After facing a challenge, it’s crucial to bounce back effectively by utilising positive emotions to respond constructively.
Time management – When facing challenges that interrupt the project’s progress, I ensure everyone stays informed with regular updates to keep them engaged, satisfied, and supportive.
View more My D&I Journey profiles!
- Looking for a career in DE&I? View our Jobs Board.
- Training – Learn the The Foundations to Being an Effective D&I Leader in our popular CPD accredited training.
- What exactly does a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader do? View our template job specification.
Share Your D&I Journey
If you are a senior in-house diversity and inclusion leader, we would love you to share your career journey and highlights with our community.
Click here to complete our short questionnaire
The Foundations to Being an Effective D&I Leader
Online Training Workshops
600+ DE&I and HR professionals have now attended our ‘The Foundations to Being an Effective D&I Leader’ CPD Accredited online training series.
- Level 1 is for professionals looking to move into a D&I role, or those who have been in a D&I leader role for less than 12 months.
- Level 2 is for professionals who have been in a D&I role for between 1 to 3 years, and are looking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
- Level 3 is for professionals who have been in a D&I role for 3+ years, and are looking to enhance their capabilities and embed a whole organisation approach to D&I.
Each CPD Accredited level offers a unique opportunity to learn from three experienced D&I practitioners:
Gamiel Yafai; Fiona Daniel and Toby Mildon.
Tickets at each online workshop cost £499+VAT per person (£399+VAT for non-profit orgs). Spaces limited to 24 attendees to enable the day to be as interactive as possible. Workshops take place live on Zoom.