Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee is a committee within UKCP governance tasked with the facilitation of the strategic management of EDI within UKCP. The committee advises on the EDI agenda across UKCP, oversees implementation and monitors progress of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. It aims to have equality, diversity, and inclusion principles fully embedded in UKCP going forward so that the organisation can be held up as an exemplar of its EDI achievements and implementation. The EDI Committee reports to the UKCP Board of Trustees.

Our BIIDE commitment

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee has a commitment to operate under the BIIDE flag:

• Belonging
• Intersectionality
• Inclusion
• Diversity
• Equity

The word bide is also a synonym of persistence and endurance, which feels appropriate for change and transformation work.

Committee members

Dr Zahid Nawaz,  committee chair 

I bring a wealth of expertise in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across both the public and private sectors. With significant experience in various government departments, I have consistently worked on EDI initiatives and public affairs, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering inclusive environments in highly visible and sensitive areas.   

I have previously served as regional director for the Commission for Racial Equality and later as regional manager and national public affairs manager at the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), where my focus was on private sector engagement and the capacity development of local race equality provisions. My leadership experience extended to being director of a national regeneration think tank, a Magistrate at Birmingham Magistrates Court, and a non-executive director on a Hospital Trust Board. 

In addition, I have served as an independent board member for the West Midlands Police Authority, EDI Advisor to the British Science Association and senior visiting fellow at the prestigious Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. I also chair the governing body of a primary school in the West Midlands, reflecting the dedication I have to community service and education. 

Currently, I am the Chair of this committee, where I lead the strategic management of EDI efforts within the organisation. I oversee the implementation of the UKCP’s EDI-BIIDE* Action Plan, ensuring that the organisation's values of inclusivity and fairness are embedded in its policies and operations.  

* Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and belonging, intersectionality, inclusivity, diversity and equity (BIIDE) 

Sheetal Amin, individual therapist

Emily Bridges, UKCP senior management team representative

Charles Brown, individual therapist

Charlotte Chiu, representative for the College of Family, Couple and Systemic Psychotherapy

I am a systemic and family psychotherapist and supervisor. I am an elected member of the College for Family Couple Systemic Psychotherapy (CFCSP) and have been honorary secretary for the college council since 2018. I've been serving on the Education and Training Practice Committee (ETPC) and recently joined the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee.

I moved from Hong Kong to the UK in the 80s, and brought up two children with special needs. I am well aware of the micro and macro challenges as first generation migrant. For my doctoral thesis, I investigated the influence of risk and manualised treatment on reflexivity, race, ethnicity and cultural practice. I'm interested in diversity, intersectionality and equity issues, and how these impact on the practice of psychotherapists.

Will Daniel-Braham

Will Daniel-Braham, UKCP trustee

Hello, I’m Will. I am an elected member of the Board of Trustees and liaison between the Board and the EDI Committee. I’ve been in private psychotherapy practise since the year 2000. As well as seeing clients, I supervise and train psychotherapists and counsellors. My heritage is mixed UK and Caribbean and I identify as a pansexual within the queer community. My pronouns are he/him.

Jonathan Fisher, individual therapist

Joanne Hipplewith

Joanne Hipplewith, representative for the College of Family, Couple and Systemic Psychotherapy

My name is Joanne Hipplewith, and I am a registered systemic and family psychotherapist with the UKCP and AFT. In addition to my work for the NHS, I have a small private practice called Juntos Therapy Service. My interests include decolonising therapy training curricula and creating opportunities for conversations about cultures rather than race. Travel is one of my favourite pastimes, and I live with my two cats, Roswell and Jelly. As an inventor, I have received patents in both the United Kingdom and Europe.

Jo Parker, individual therapist

Manshant Rani Kaur, representative for the College of Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analysis

Pamela Vickers, individual therapist

Fiona Walkingshaw, representative for the College of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapies

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (EDI Action Plan)

The EDI Action Plan sets out to ensure EDI is at the heart of UKCP's work – for our members, our volunteers, our staff and, crucially, for the public with whom we and our members interact professionally.

Find out more about our EDI Action Plan.

Meeting minutes