Lydia Collins

Lydia joined Included as a Consultant in 2022 and supports the delivery of client work across the 5 key Service areas. 

Previously, she worked with the Student Success department of Pearson, supporting 300 students with varying needs in attaining their Master’s Degrees. During her time at Pearson, Lydia was involved with D&I initiatives, and Pearson Able (for employees devoted to the inclusion of Disabled people).  Lydia was invited to represent Pearson Able in meetings with the CEO, and Chief Diversity Officer during her time at Pearson. Outside of this, Lydia co-created a community of learners and activists as part of community group EDIT (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Thread), running workshops on topics from microaggression, to loneliness, to accessible activism, during the pandemic.  

Lydia led the Global Changemaker Award winning Imagine a Day Team as UK Manager, and delivered projects in Kosovo, Brazil, New Zealand, and the UK. In Kosovo, this was the first inter-ethnic post conflict resolution workshop of its kind, and Lydia later presented her research on this project at the International Drama in Education Research Institute conference in Auckland. 

As an experienced researcher, Lydia has partnered with the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice in evaluating various intervention projects, including those which work with young people with experience of domestic violence, young women who have been involved with gang activity, young people at risk of criminality, isolated and vulnerable people, and victims of crime. Lydia also co-authored research into public perception of the Police, including recommendations, and data regarding inequality and culture within the organisation. 

As an Associate Lecturer at the University of Northampton, Lydia was awarded an Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Institute, with acknowledgement for her work towards D&I at the institution. She was also selected to represent the University of Northampton at the ASHOKA U Changemaker conference in Boston.