Cardiff Business School academic leads crucial anti-racism campaigns across Wales

Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna CBE continues to undertake essential work surrounding anti-racism in Wales through his involvement with developing the Race Equality Action Plan. His research interests are in areas of organisational culture, equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Emmanuel’s work has explored racialisation in the UK labour market how this can impact Black and minority ethnic groups.

Professor Ogbonna is currently leading on its implementation as Co-Chair of the Welsh Government’s external accountability group, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Government, and is also a Trustee and the Vice Chair of Race Council Cymru.

Emmanuel’s role as co-chair involves addressing those in high powered, powerful positions, such as Directors and Executives, across a variety of sectors; including housing, healthcare and education. Either in-person at engagement events across Wales, or online, his objective is to speak to those in power to understand the urgency of this action plan, to support its implementation, and reinforce how it is an integral part of the Programme of Government.

The Welsh Government’s Anti‑racist Action Plan sets out a commitment to making Wales an anti‑racist nation by 2030, focusing on long‑term systemic change and measurable improvements for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. It addresses how racism affects everyday life, access to services, workforce experiences and the lack of visible role models in positions of power. The plan spans key policy areas, including health, culture, housing, education and employability, with a strong emphasis on leadership and representation.

The latest update strengthens actions, timelines and accountability. This follows on from a conversation Professor Ogbonna had with First Minister Eluned Morgan, who was concerned that we weren’t getting the level of progress from the community as expected and wanted to implement the plan and do as much as possible to empower others to address the need for change.

In addition, Emmanuel gave the keynote speech at a recent event hosted by Academi Wales. The event, held in November at Cardiff City Stadium, was titled “Driving Forward Anti-Racist Leadership: A Symposium for Change”. This was a dynamic, action-focused symposium designed to advance anti-racist leadership across Welsh public services. At its core, the event aimed to deepen the understanding of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, and Professor Ogbonna’s talk explored its ambitions further, and considered what it means for organisations to truly commit to an anti-racist attitude and outlook in leadership.

Internally, within Cardiff Business School and the wider Cardiff University community, Professor Ogbonna is involved with a variety of projects focussing on race equality. Emmanuel is the Chair of Cardiff Business School’s Race Equality Committee undertaking initiatives to help raise the profile of race equality, and to tackle racial inequalities. The Committee aims to foster an inclusive culture, remove barriers, and ensure fair progression and success for Black students and students from minority ethnic groups.

As part of this group, Emmanuel has taken part in Black History Month events alongside Cardiff University’s Chair of Council, Pat Younge. Additionally, Professor Ogbonna will be taking part in teaching on a Diversifying Leadership programme across Welsh universities.

Find out more about Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna’s drive towards an anti-racist Wales by listening to his episode of The Power of Public Value Podcast, hosted by Professor Peter Wells, Pro Dean for Public Value.