APM Wessex Network: DEIB Policy into Practice

Many professionals struggle with how to take policy into practice – our intention is to offer practical examples, discussion points and insights to support active inclusion. This event was hosted by the Wessex Regional Network on 27 November 2025.

This event brings 4 DEIB experts together to discuss a range of topics relevant to the project profession. The discussion offered personal insights, explored the challenges faced by the project profession and identified meaningful actions that attendees can consider taking forward.

The panel discussion was hosted by Wessex Regional Network volunteer, Dave Corbin, and included a question and answer session.

The event concluded with an opportunity to network with peers and/or further explore the discussion topics with this in attendance. 

The speakers have very kindly allowed their presented material to be made available for viewing. The slides on Slideshare are now available in our APM resources area and also embedded below for reference.

Speakers:

Sheilina Somani, Positively Project Management

Sheilina Somani is an Active Ally for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and a recognised speaker/author for over 30 years. Sheilina has over 35 years of project, programme and product management success across diverse industries and global regions. In addition to being a change agent and keynote speaker, she also coaches and mentors both aspiring and established professionals. She holds the titles of Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), Registered Project Professional (RPP), and Fellow of the Association for Project Management (FAPM). Additionally, she is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a Master NLP Practitioner.

Anuli Changa, Facilitator, Consultant, Trainer

Anuli Changa is a multifaceted creative, consultant, educator and trainer. Beyond achieving her LLB Hons in Law, Anuli is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Anuli creates and delivers Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for adults and young people. Her work focuses on exploration of microaggressions, language and active bystander principles. Anuli is also the Representation and Inclusion Trustee for Bi Pride UK, empowering and platforming the Bi+ community. Anuli advocates for intersectional inclusion in her writing for GAY TIMES and Just Like Us. Creatively, she is a performer and teacher for Bollyqueer.

Sophia Westbury, Volunteer & Operations Manager, MyBigCareer

Sophia holds a BA in Italian & Spanish from the University of Birmingham and brings wide-ranging experience across sport, events, and the charity sector. Her career includes roles at the International Tennis Federation and Threshold Sports. Now at MyBigCareer, Sophia has been pivotal in shaping the organisation’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion strategy; rewriting policy, embedding neuroinclusive practices, and achieving Disability Confident Employer status. Alongside this, Sophia leads initiatives such as the Results Day programme and Volunteer Champion Scheme. With a leadership style driven by empathy, and collaboration, Sophia is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where both volunteers and young people can thrive.