Diversity & Inclusion

Creating Environments Where People and Team flourish

Tesse Akpeki is a Senior Adviser for the Trustees Unlimited Diversity Panel and Adviser for BOND Diversity International Awards. She has spent over 35 years championing diversity, inclusion and equity in the governance and charity sectors.

Tesse was appointed lead convener for the AdvanceHE and GuildHE collaborative project exploring ways of enhancing board diversity, inclusion, equity and equality in higher education (2022–2024).

She was profiled by The Chartered Governance Institute on International Women’s Day 2022, sharing her perspective on how to break bias through initiatives and actions that support the creation of a gender equal, diverse and inclusive world.

“We often underestimate the value of thinking differently to achieve the best possible impact. Who is sitting round your board table?

Tesse’s paper ‘Golden Threads’ encouraging Universities to embrace Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in their governance published by Advance HE, stresses the return on investments (ROI) when Universities embrace talent, skills and innovative mindsets to strengthen their governance and leadership practices, policies, procedures, delivery and implementation.

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“Tesse shares her perspective on how to break bias through initiatives and actions that support the creation of a gender equal, diverse and inclusive world. She shines the light on the importance of heralding and supporting wellbeing, mental health and strengthening resilience.”

Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland — International Women’s Day 2022

Tesse's D&I Roles

Senior Adviser — Trustees Unlimited Diversity Panel

Supporting the Trustees Unlimited Diversity Panel in championing diverse and inclusive boards across the charity and non-profit sector — ensuring the right people sit around decision-making tables.

Adviser — BOND Diversity International Awards

Advising the BOND Diversity International Awards — celebrating organisations and individuals driving forward diversity, inclusion and equity in the international development sector.

Lead Convener — AdvanceHE & GuildHE Project (2022–2024)

Lead convener for the collaborative AdvanceHE and GuildHE project exploring ways of enhancing board diversity, inclusion, equity and equality in higher education institutions.

Judge — Charity Governance Awards (Clothworkers' Company)

Serving as a judge for the Charity Governance Awards since 2015, recognising organisations going above and beyond in diversity, inclusion and board effectiveness.

CGI — Black History Month Profile

Profiled by The Chartered Governance Institute during Black History Month — celebrating Tesse’s contribution as a Black governance professional over more than 35 years in the field.

CGI — International Women's Day Feature

Featured by the Chartered Governance Institute on International Women’s Day 2022, discussing practical steps to break bias and support a gender equal, diverse and inclusive governance landscape.

Pillars of Our D&I Practice

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Board Diversity

Championing diverse and inclusive boards in charities, public bodies and higher education. Who is sitting round your board table? We help organisations think differently about inclusion at the highest level.

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Cultural Inclusion

Building cultures where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Tesse believes that the more voices, the richer the conversation — inclusion is a strategic imperative, not a nice-to-have.

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Equity & Equality

Moving beyond diversity metrics to genuine equity — ensuring systems, structures and processes are fair and that everyone has what they need to thrive and succeed.

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Diversity of Thought

We often underestimate the value of thinking differently to achieve the best possible impact. Tesse helps organisations harness diverse perspectives for better decisions and stronger governance.

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Gender Equality

A passionate advocate for gender equality in the boardroom and beyond — sharing experience as a senior woman in governance to inspire and inform others.

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Race & Heritage

Black History Month profiling, diversity awards judging and active engagement with race equity in the sector — celebrating contribution and challenging barriers to belonging.