Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama To Host Mastering Diversity Conference 2025 As Leigh Day “Lawyers Against Injustice” Headline Sponsor
CARDIFF, Wales – The eagerly awaited Mastering Diversity Conference returns for its 2025 edition, reaffirming its commitment to promoting education, awareness, and action on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across Wales. Scheduled for September 11, 2025, the event will take place at the iconic Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, promising a day filled with insightful discussions, expert-led sessions, and unique networking opportunities.
With its nine dedicated zones, each focused on a key area of DEI impact, the conference continues to be a premier platform for fostering real-world change. The event will culminate in the Second Annual Mastering Diversity Awards, set to take place at the Senedd in November 2025, where outstanding DEI contributions will be celebrated.
Leigh Day “Lawyers Against Injustice” Announced as Headline Sponsor
Leading the event as Headline Sponsor, Leigh Day National Law Firm takes centre stage, known for its landmark victories in social justice and dedication to fighting inequality. Their partnership with the conference underscores their ongoing commitment to promoting fairness and equity.
Julia Reynolds, Clinical Negligence Partner at Leigh Day and Junior Vice President of the Cardiff and District Law Society, stated:
“This partnership is an extension of our commitment to fighting injustice. As lawyers against inequality, we are proud to support an event that not only promotes equity but also recognizes and elevates those making a significant difference in their communities.”
Returning Sponsors Championing DEI in Wales
Returning for the third consecutive year, NatWest Bank, a key supporter of the conference from its 2023 inception, will co-sponsor the Diversity in Business Zone alongside Hugh James Solicitors. Both organizations will also sponsor the Diversity in Business Award category at the 2025 Mastering Diversity Awards. Their sustained involvement highlights their commitment to driving DEI progress in the business sector.
Joining the lineup of sponsors is Browne Jacobson, who return as sponsors of the Representation Zone. Having previously sponsored the Public Sector Zone in 2024, Browne Jacobson has shifted its focus to increasing diverse representation across various sectors.
Laura Hughes, Partner at Browne Jacobson, shared:
“This year, we are proud to sponsor the Representation Zone to better reflect our comprehensive service offering in Wales. Many of our clients and partners are already engaged with the Mastering Diversity Conference, and we are excited to join forces with Bernie and her team once again to showcase and drive DEI excellence.”
Commonwealth Games Team Wales will continue their support as sponsors of the Diversity in Sports Zone, while Scouts Cymru returns as sponsors of the Education Zone, bringing a strong focus on youth engagement.
Additionally, the Digital Inclusion Zone has been expanded in scope and is now the Diversity in STEM Zone to reflect its broader focus on inclusivity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Returning 2024 sponsor Ogi will proudly sponsor the new Diversity in STEM Zone, highlighting their dedication to championing inclusivity within these vital fields.
Statements from Key Partners
Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, CEO of Commonwealth Games Team Wales, shared:
“We are delighted to partner with Bernie and her team once again as sponsors of the Diversity in Sports Zone. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to Team Wales’s mission, and we look forward to delivering engaging and impactful content during the conference.”
Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of Scouts Cymru, commented:
“The Education Zone represents a vital space for dialogue and learning, and we are thrilled to continue our involvement. This year, we are particularly proud to highlight the contributions of young leaders, including Josh Steer, aged 18, who joins the Mastering Diversity Youth Advisory Panel, and 22-year-old Izzy Hooper, who is part of the Task Force. Ensuring that youth voices are heard is crucial to shaping a more inclusive future.”
Ben Allwright, Chief Executive of Ogi, added:
“Expanding the Digital Inclusion Zone into the new Diversity in STEM Zone is an important step in showcasing how inclusive practices can shape the future of technology and innovation. Ogi is proud to sponsor this zone for the 2025 conference, supporting meaningful conversations about representation and access in STEM fields.”
Nathan Martin, Regional Board Engagement Manager said:
“NatWest have chosen to be part of Mastering Diversity event, as this supports our purpose driven activity to help our communities thrive, amplify the peoples voices and to help implement change and awareness for all.”
Given their long-standing involvement and support, NatWest Bank will now be recognised as Official Partners of the Mastering Diversity Conference.
Open Sponsorship Opportunities
A number of exciting sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations wishing to support key areas of DEI, including:
- Gender Equality Zone
- Diversity in Health Zone
- Cognitive & Neurodiversity Zone
These zones provide unique opportunities for sponsors to lead critical conversations and initiatives that promote inclusivity across Wales.
A Proven Platform for Lasting Change
Since its inception, the Mastering Diversity Conference & Awards has played a pivotal role in fostering significant change across Wales. Many previous award winners have gone on to receive further recognition and accolades. Notable examples include Anna Cooper, Molly Fenton BCAH, Sadique Maskeen, and Mfikela Jean Samuel, all of whom have been either featured in mainstream media and or honoured by the Welsh Government.
Sophie Mason, 2024 three-time Mastering Diversity award winner, made headlines by organising and hosting her own successful Diversity and Inclusion Awards in December 2024, further amplifying the DEI message throughout the region.
National Recognition for Bernie Davies
The widespread success and influence of the Mastering Diversity platform has earned its founder, Bernie Davies, national recognition. In October 2024, Bernie was invited to 10 Downing Street by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. She was also honoured with the High Sheriff of South Glamorgan’s Award for Contribution to Community and the Race Council Cymru Award of Excellence for Contribution to Race Equality, both presented at the Senedd.
With support from its sponsors and partners, including Cardiff Life Magazine and WCS Agency, who return as official media partners, the 2025 conference is expected to be a landmark event in Wales’s journey toward greater equality.
Confirmed Speakers for 2025
The 2025 speaker lineup already includes prominent figures such as:
- Dr. Carlton Brown, Founder of the Black British Entrepreneurs Conference
- Heather Fisher, Rugby Star and DEI Advocate
Additional speakers will be announced as the event approaches.
A Call to Action
The Mastering Diversity Conference 2025 aims to build on the momentum of previous years by fostering collaboration, sparking important conversations, and delivering actionable solutions for advancing DEI across all sectors in Wales. With its thoughtfully designed zones, expert-led sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities, this event offers an invaluable experience for attendees who are committed to creating a more equitable future.
For more information on sponsorship, attendance, or general inquiries, please contact:
Bernie Davies – Founder & CEO, Mastering Diversity CIC
Phone: +44 7384 250 113
Email: bernie@masteringdiversity.com
Website: masteringdiversity.com