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Diversity strategist & OBE speaker

Bernadette Thompson

Transform organisational cultures with Bernadette Thompson OBE, speaker and diversity strategist. Bernadette works with public sector organisations to implement inclusive recruitment practices and develop effective diversity initiatives, delivering award-winning expertise recognised by the UK Civil Service.

Trusted by UK Civil Service

Bernadette Thompson, Speaker | HR Pro & Diversity Campaigner
Bernadette Thompson

Bernadette Thompson

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Bernadette Thompson's biography

At a glance

  • Strategic HR leader transforming organizational cultures
  • Diversity and inclusion expert in public sector
  • Recipient of OBE for exceptional civil service
Bernadette Thompson OBE is a pioneering HR leader who transforms organizational cultures through strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives. Her practical approach bridges policy development with meaningful workplace change across the UK's public sector. As Associate Director of Inclusion at Barts Health NHS Trust, Bernadette oversees diversity strategies for 20,000 employees. Previously, she served as Deputy Director for Inclusion at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, following a Civil Service career that began in 1998. Her work earned her the prestigious OBE and the Community Award from the Charity for Civil Servants. Bernadette helps organizations navigate the complex challenges of building truly inclusive environments by identifying systemic barriers and implementing practical solutions. Her expertise in unconscious bias training, inclusive recruitment practices, and policy development enables institutions to create measurable improvements in workforce representation and employee engagement while meeting regulatory requirements. Audiences gain actionable frameworks for embedding inclusion into organizational DNA, practical tools for measuring diversity initiative effectiveness, and strategies for cultivating leadership buy-in across all levels. Her presentations blend data-driven insights with compelling case studies from her extensive public sector experience. Book Bernadette to equip your organization with proven strategies that transform diversity challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.

Bernadette's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Unconscious Bias
Examine the impact of unconscious biases in decision-making processes and explore strategies for mitigating bias to create a fair and inclusive workplace.
Anti-Bullying: Respect In The Workplace
Address the issue of workplace bullying and foster a culture of respect, empathy, and support within organizations.

Why we recommend booking Bernadette

Bernadette Thompson OBE transforms organizational cultures through practical diversity strategies that bridge policy with meaningful workplace change, drawing from her extensive experience as an HR leader across the UK public sector. Book Bernadette to equip your team with proven frameworks that convert inclusion challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.

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Trusted by UK Civil Service

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Bernadette Thompson for my next event?
Email bernadette.thompson.obe@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Bernadette's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

Bernadette Thompson draws on case studies from her public sector career — including work across the NHS and central government — to ground frameworks for unconscious bias mitigation and inclusive workplace culture in documented organisational contexts.

What is Bernadette Thompson's speaking style like?
Bernadette Thompson draws on case studies from her public sector career — including work across the NHS and central government — to ground frameworks for unconscious bias mitigation and inclusive workplace culture in documented organisational contexts.

Bernadette Thompson draws on case studies from her public sector career — including work across the NHS and central government — to ground frameworks for unconscious bias mitigation and inclusive workplace culture in documented organisational contexts.

What topics does Bernadette Thompson specialise in?
Bernadette Thompson OBE speaks on unconscious bias in decision-making, workplace bullying and respect, and diversity and inclusion strategy. She holds an OBE for her civil service work and serves as Associate Director of Inclusion at Barts Health NHS Trust, where she oversees diversity strategy for 20,000 employees.

Bernadette Thompson OBE speaks on unconscious bias in decision-making, workplace bullying and respect, and diversity and inclusion strategy. She holds an OBE for her civil service work and serves as Associate Director of Inclusion at Barts Health NHS Trust, where she oversees diversity strategy for 20,000 employees.

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What does 'typical fee range' mean?

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A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

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Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

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Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

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Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

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