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Diversity leader & ex-offender advocate

Darren Burns

Transform workplace diversity and inclusion with Darren Burns, speaker and Director of Diversity at Timpson Group. Darren helps organisations recruit ex-offenders, improve social mobility, and create inclusive cultures, leveraging expertise from Cambridge University and his police background.

Trusted by Timpson Group

Darren Burns, Speaker | Diversity & Inclusion Leader
Darren Burns

Darren Burns

Manchester, 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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Manchester, 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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Darren Burns's biography

At a glance

  • Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Timpson Group
  • Head of the Timpson Foundation
  • Advocate for ex-offender employment and social mobility
Darren Burns is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Timpson Group, as well as being the head of the Timpson Foundation. He specialises in both the recruitment and retention of ex-offenders and others who face barriers to employment. Darren also fosters relationships with many UK prisons and organisations such as police and probation services. He manages the Timpson prison training academies and has responsibility for overseeing the transition from custody into the workplace. He is passionate about diversity and inclusion and provides consultancy services for forward-thinking businesses, as well as helping to educate others on the benefits of championing social mobility and employing marginalised groups. As a former Police Officer, his experience of working in some of the most challenging parts of the UK enables him to help break the offending cycle and ensure marginalised groups can find employment. Darren has recently completed a Masters degree in Applied Criminology, Penology and Management at the University of Cambridge.

Darren's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Supporting Marginalized Employees
In this session, Darren Burns shares his unique insights from his background as a Police Officer and now as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Timpson Group. He’ll educate your team on the benefits of hiring marginalized groups as well as sharing effective strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces and supporting marginalized employees.

Why we recommend booking Darren

Unlock the potential of your team with Darren Burns, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Timpson Group. His expertise in recruiting marginalised groups and fostering social mobility can transform your workplace. Book now to drive meaningful change and enhance your business's impact.

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Trusted by Timpson Group

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Darren Burns for my next event?
Email darren.burns@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 Darren'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.
What is Darren Burns's speaking style like?
Darren Burns draws on his dual background as a former Police Officer and Director of Diversity and Inclusion to frame his sessions around practitioner-led case study evidence, using the Timpson Group's employment model as a concrete reference point for strategies on hiring and retaining marginalised groups.
What topics does Darren Burns specialise in?
Darren Burns speaks on supporting marginalised employees, hiring ex-offenders and those facing barriers to employment, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. He serves as Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Timpson Group, where he manages the company's prison training academies and oversees the transition from custody into the workplace, drawing on a background as a former Police Officer and a Masters in Applied Criminology, Penology and Management from the University of Cambridge.
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