Bernadette Thompson

Bernadette Thompson OBE is a highly accomplished HR professional and a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion. With over two decades of experience in senior roles at prominent UK organizations such as the Home Office, NHS, and Ministry of Justice, Bernadette has established herself as a trailblazer in her field. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Inclusion at Barts Health NHS Trust, she oversees diversity initiatives for a workforce of 20,000 employees.

Bernadette's career began in 1998 in the Civil Service, where she quickly progressed to positions of increasing responsibility. Notably, she served as the Deputy Director for Inclusion at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities. Her expertise encompasses various areas, including HR, equality, diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias. Due to her vast knowledge and experience, Bernadette is frequently sought after as a speaker on these topics.

In addition to her professional achievements, Bernadette is a passionate activist and an ambassador for Different Woman, an organization dedicated to empowering women. She also co-chaired the Race to the Top G6/7 network, which aims to enhance leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups within the Senior Civil Service. Her unwavering commitment to these causes has earned her recognition, including the Community Award from the Charity for Civil Servants.

Bernadette's influence in the fields of HR and diversity and inclusion is far-reaching, and her efforts continue to shape workplace culture and promote diversity in all its forms.