Bernadette Thompson

Associate Director of Inclusion for the Barts Health NHS Trust, Former Senior SCS HR Business Partner for the Ministry of Justice & Different Woman Ambassador

  • Former Senior Diversity and Inclusion Manager for HM Treasury
  • Former Diversity Consultant at the Home Office
  • Appointed OBE for services to diversity and inclusion
  • Received the Community Award from the Charity for Civil Servants in 2019

When Bernadette Thompson is booked for events, they are known to discuss the following speaking topics:

Paying It Forward
Power of Choice
Personal Branding
Leading from the Middle
Inspirational Leadership Journey
Let’s Talk About Belonging
Windrush – Identity Vs Reality
Fostering Staff Networks in the Workplace
Employee Networks – How to Expand Vision and Ambition Over Time
Navigating the Hidden Culture in the Workplace
Relationship for Success in the Workplace
Cutting Through the Noise, Thriving as an Introvert
Let’s Talk About Race
Reverse/ Reciprocal Mentoring Briefing for Mentors and Mentees
Unconscious Bias
Leading with Authenticity and Trust
Understanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Anti-Bullying – Respect in the Workplace

Bernadette Thompson is a leading HR professional with a distinguished record working for prominent organisations, including the NHS, the Home Office, and the Ministry of Justice. Presently the Associate Director of Inclusion for the Barts Health NHS Trust, Bernadette is on a mission to diversify talent and drive cultural transformation across Britain. When booked for speaking engagements, she tackles a range of HR topics, such as diversity, equity and inclusion, unconscious bias, anti-bullying and Windrush.

Initiating her career in the Civil Service, Bernadette started her journey on the Legal Aid Board. Demonstrating an exceptional work ethic, she quickly rose in the ranks to become the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Manager for HM Treasury. This was followed by the role of Diversity Consultant at the Home Office before landing a role with the Civil Service Fast Stream as a Business Partner. Bernadette was elevated to the position of Senior SCS HR Business Partner for the Ministry of Justice UK and later joined the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities as Deputy Director for Inclusion Well-being and Employee Engagement.

Carrying out distinguished advocacy work for the inclusion of minority women in senior positions, Bernadette also serves as a Different Woman Ambassador. In recognition of her campaign work, she has been featured in prominent publications, including People Management, SHE2’s Wonder Woman and Still Breathing. Her accomplished work driving representation in the Civil Service has seen her receive the Community Award from the Charity for Civil Servants in 2019 and win the Workplace Hero category in the National Investing in Ethnicity Awards in 2020. Bernadette was also appointed OBE for services to diversity and inclusion and awarded Rising Star Champion by We are the City in 2021.

At the forefront of removing workplace barriers through her pioneering schemes, Bernadette is leading the way in creating more inclusive environments for ethnic minorities. Using her vast HR expertise, she has transformed workplace culture at leading institutions to create thriving workforces with exceptional workplace environments. Now a highly sought-after speaker, Bernadette eloquently talks about unconscious bias, diversity, equity, inclusion and Windrush.

Official Testimonials

Bernadette Thompson is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:

“Thanks so much. You were amazing and definitely led to some positive feedback and action to more people signing up to the network.”

Kubra, Insights Manager Group Investment Management, Lloyds Bank

“Bernadette sat on the panel for our 2022 International Women’s Day event. The theme was #BreakTheBias and Bernadette brought an inspirational perspective to the discussion. Her views were clear, relevant, and importantly, practical. We were delighted to bring Bernadette’s extensive experience in breaking boundaries to our audience.”

Paul, Partner, Moore Kingston Smith

“You are PURE CLASS. Thank you so much for your excellent presentation today, and for always being an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Kiren, Production Manager, Dods D&I

I just wanted to say a massive thank you on behalf of the whole team for the session yesterday. You were so engaging and made the team really think about how we can continue to check ourselves and be a truly inclusive team.”

Lindsay, Highly Specialist MSK Physiotherapist, Outpatient Therapies Mile End Hosp

To enquire about Bernadette Thompson for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@bame-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553.