Vanessa is the Equality Trust’s Senior Project Officer. She champions the meaningful implementation of the Socio-Economic Duty (SED) to help build a fairer society. She represents the Equality Trust on the SED Expert Advisory Group to the Cabinet Office, the #1forEquality alliance and Make Equality Real campaign coalition. Key to her work is centring the diverse voices of people with lived experience of socio-economic injustice.
Vanessa is known for her inspiring training sessions that empower policymakers and community stakeholders—at both national and local levels—to become changemakers. Her approach fosters co-production and collective action for social change. With over twenty years’ specialist experience in equity and social justice, she brings insights from both in-house roles and consultancy projects across the UK.
She has led the implementation of equality legislation within public authorities and developed impactful Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategies and initiatives. Drawing on participatory research, data analysis, and an intersectional approach, she has facilitated Equality Impact Assessments to enhance over 100 public policies. She holds a Master of Research (MRes) Degree in Social Science Research, with a two-year study focused on the SED, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel and Development.
A passionate public speaker, grassroots community organiser, youth mentor and advocate for liberation. Vanessa finds joy in nature, craftivism, and helping people to dismantle systemic and internalised oppression, nurturing their inner changemaker.
Email Vanessa: vanessa.boon@equalitytrust.org.uk