EDI Lunch 2026
Join us for our 2026 EDI Lunch, bringing together business leaders and professionals for an inspiring discussion on creating more inclusive workplaces.
This year's event will explore two powerful approaches to driving inclusion: building understanding through meaningful dialogue and the critical role leaders play in creating workplaces that work for everyone. Through expert speakers, practical case studies and honest conversations, you'll gain actionable ideas to help create lasting change within your organisation.
You'll also enjoy networking, entertainment and great food with your peers from across the pro-manchester community.
Schedule:
- Speakers include Naheed Nazir, Director of EDI, MMU
What previous attendees said:
"A welcoming and supportive event with incredibly knowledgeable and inspiring speakers."
"The honest, practical discussions were refreshing and packed with valuable insights."
"A highly insightful event that sparked the important conversations every organisation should be having."
About the Speakers:
Bethany is the Head of Purpose, Inclusion and Impact at Bruntwood and Bruntwood SciTech, where she works with colleagues from across the business to design, implement and measure diversity and inclusion and social impact initiatives that deliver against Bruntwood’s purpose.
Bethany has a background in international human rights law and her previous experiences have included working with public and private sector partners to generate change and embed equity locally, nationally and internationally in various roles in the charitable and NGO sectors.
Naheed Nazir is a nationally recognised, multi award-winning leader in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, currently serving as Director of EDI at Manchester Metropolitan University. As an EDI Fellow, she is known for her visionary leadership and innovative approaches to driving sustainable culture change and advancing systemic equity across complex organisations.
With extensive experience spanning the public, voluntary, and higher education sectors, Naheed has built a reputation for reimagining inclusive practice — designing and delivering bold, evidence-informed strategies that embed equity at every level of institutional life. Her work is distinguished by a commitment to transformative practice, intersectional allyship, and strategic innovation, ensuring that inclusion is not an aspiration but an operational reality.
Her leadership has been widely recognised, including being featured in the Still I Rise campaign and named by Equality X as one of Europe’s Top 50 Influential Muslim Leaders. She is particularly recognised for her ability to translate vision into impact, mobilising people, data, and systems to create meaningful and measurable change.
As an EDI Fellow, Naheed continues to shape national conversations, mentor emerging leaders, and co-create inclusive environments where belonging, justice, and representation are actively lived and experienced. Her work champions a future-focused agenda — pushing boundaries, challenging inequities, and setting new standards for inclusive excellence
Nick Cooper is Managing Director of Adept Corporate Services, a Manchester-based provider of security, cleaning and technical services across the UK.
He started his career as a frontline security officer and has since held roles within large global organisations, shaping his approach to leadership and the importance of visible, engaged management.
Under his leadership, Adept has become a Real Living Wage and Living Hours employer, a member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, and a multiple award-winning business.
Nick combines a people-first approach with investment in technology and data-led services, helping organisations improve outcomes without compromising standards.
He is also a member of the Living Wage Foundation Leadership Group and regularly contributes to Adept’s “Adepting to Change” podcast.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
For any further enquires about this event, contact [email protected]
