A conversation with Fiona Bartels‐Ellis: About her background, her work on equality and diversity in the global environment, and her thoughts on future developments in the field

Abstract

Purpose

Dr Fiona Bartels‐Ellis is the Head of Equality and Diversity in the British Council. She has been instrumental in developing expertise in the organisation to implement the equality and diversity policy and strategy globally. The purpose of this paper is to explore, through an interview with Fiona, her background in social work and in higher education and how this has led her to this work and how she implements an equality and diversity strategy globally.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on two interviews with Fiona Bartels‐Ellis carried out in January and May 2010.

Findings

Fiona Bartels‐Ellis's experience of growing up in a family of mixed heritage and living in a variety of cultures provided her with extensive insights into both the benefits and the challenges of cultural differences. Her early career background in social work and then later education provided her with the environment to apply her understanding and knowledge of cultural differences and equality. Moving into the international arena of the British Council, she has been able to make an important contribution to the development of equality and diversity at a global level. She is a source of inspiration and support to others who wish to be effective in equality and diversity in their work globally.

Originality/value

This article provides tried and tested innovative ways of implementing equality and diversity strategies in an international setting. This should be a valuable resource and reference for anyone who is developing a culturally sensitive approach to equality and diversity in a global context.

Citation

Jackson, J. (2011), "A conversation with Fiona Bartels‐Ellis: About her background, her work on equality and diversity in the global environment, and her thoughts on future developments in the field", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 75-84. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610151111110081