EDI Training and Facilitation

Expert-Led Solutions to Build Inclusive, Equitable Workplace Cultures. We turn learning into action. And action into lasting change.

Introduction

Why EDI Training Matters More Than Ever

In today’s increasingly complex and diverse world, organisations must move beyond generic training sessions and surface-level awareness campaigns. To truly thrive, leaders must commit to doing the internal work necessary to shift systems, cultures, and outcomes for everyone—especially those who have historically been excluded.

At Bakare Barley, we believe every workplace has the potential to become a site of liberation and a force for equity. Our training and facilitation programs are designed to equip your people with the language, strategies, and tools to build inclusive environments where everyone—regardless of their identity, background, or position—can contribute meaningfully and be respected.

We don’t offer tick-box exercises. We offer transformation.

Why We do

What We Do & Why It Matters

At Bakare Barley, we believe EDI isn’t just training—it’s transformation. Our work is rooted in the belief that inclusive, equitable workplaces don’t happen by chance—they are built through intentional action, deep reflection, and courageous leadership. We’re here to help you do the real work of change, not just check a box.

We Centre Emotional Safety

We build trauma-informed learning environments where participants—especially those from marginalised groups—can show up authentically without fear of harm or dismissal.

We Design for Your Realities

Every session is custom-built around your organisation’s current needs, challenges, and readiness, ensuring the content resonates and drives real engagement.

We Embrace Discomfort as Growth

We guide participants through honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations, because that’s where real insight and transformation begin.

We Challenge Systems

Our work goes beyond personal bias to address the policies, practices, and power structures that uphold inequality in the workplace.

We Use Story, Data, and Dialogue

By blending narrative, lived experience, and evidence, we help your team understand the ‘why’ behind inclusion—and the ‘how’ to move forward.

We Create Long-Term Impact

Our goal is sustainability. We equip your leaders and teams with the tools to continue advancing equity long after the session ends.

What We Offer

Tailored EDI Training That Drives Real Change

We deliver transformative, evidence-based training programmes designed to meet your team where they are—and move them forward with confidence. Whether you’re laying the groundwork or deepening existing equity practices, our offerings support growth at every level of your organisation.

EDI Foundations

Build a shared understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging—grounded in real-world examples and practical application.

Bias-Free Hiring

Learn how to design fair, accessible hiring processes and recognise unconscious bias that can shape decision-making.

Power & Privilege

Explore how systems of power and privilege operate within the workplace—and what it takes to shift them.

Inclusive Leadership

Equip leaders with tools to build trust, encourage feedback, and create environments where everyone can thrive.

Cultural Humility

Explore how layered identities and lived experiences uniquely shape team dynamics and affect employee well-being.

Tailored Programmes

From executive retreats to industry-specific workshops, we co-create training tailored to your team’s goals, culture, and context.

HOW IT WORKS

Collaborative, Flexible, and Impact-Driven

We design and deliver EDI programmes that fit your organisation’s unique context. From discovery to delivery, our process ensures your team gets the tools, support, and space they need to grow.

Initial Discovery

We start with a deep dive into your goals, challenges, and context. This helps us understand where you are and what transformation could look like.

Bespoke Strategy

We co-create a learning journey that reflects your team’s readiness, industry, and values. Each session is built to be relevant, practical, and grounded in equity.

Interactive Delivery

Our sessions are engaging, safe, and reflective—encouraging participants to unlearn, challenge assumptions, and practise new behaviours in real time.

Lasting Integration

We help embed key insights into daily practices, policies, and leadership strategies. Ongoing support and reflection tools ensure long-term impact.

Our Experience

Decades of Insight, Grounded in Practice

With years of hands-on experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion, we’ve supported a wide range of organisations—from public institutions to private companies—in creating meaningful, systemic change. Our facilitators combine academic grounding, sector-specific knowledge, and lived experience to deliver training that resonates, transforms, and lasts.

Testimonial

Client Feedback & Reviews

Discover how our clients are creating lasting change and what they’re saying about the experience.

Feedback from colleagues was extremely positive and they very much liked the delivery style. Quite a few were anxious prior the session as their previous experience of EDI learning has not been positive, but they felt rejuvenated and ready to return to their work places with a clear understanding of the differences between equality and equity and feel more confident in challenging some of the practices within their establishments.

Francis N’Jie Service Manager, Adel Beck Secure Children’s Home

We recently had the pleasure of Ayo Barley delivering an insightful guest speaker session for employees at Siemens Healthineers. Ayo’s engaging and thought-provoking presentation on cultural humility made the session both enjoyable and educational. Those who attended walked away with a deeper understanding of our cultural lenses and how to foster greater cultural inclusivity both professionally and personally. Thank you, Ayo!

Grania Heal Country Head, Ireland, Siemens Healthineers

It’s a pleasure to work with Ayo. A strategic thinker with an inspiring leadership style that creates transformational change. Ayo supported the design, delivery and evaluation of our leadership and career development programme for minoritised ethnic colleagues. The impact has been life changing for all those involved, and Ayo’s contributions were invaluable to the programme success. On top of that, she also keeps you super organised! Needless to say, we’ve hooked up with Ayo again to run the programme again!

Harriet Tyler People Engagement Partner, People Team, University of Central Lancashire

Ayo worked with us to deliver training for our members on how they might increase the diversity of people they involve. She was a real pleasure to work with – she responded to our brief and made changes to her plans following discussions with us. The training she delivered was great and really hit the spot. And it was delivered in a clear, authoritative and non-threatening way. I would definitely look to work with Ayo again

Bec Hanley (she/her) For the Shared Learning Group on Involvement

Ayo is one of the most insightful and knowledgeable professionals I have had the privilege of working with. Would absolutely go as far as to say her insights on community, race equality and networking are essential listening.

Karishma Asher Race Equality Officer, University of Liverpool
What We Offer

Let’s Build a More Equitable Workplace — Together

This isn’t a checkbox. It’s a commitment. If you’re ready to move from performative to transformative, from surface-level to systemic, from confusion to clarity—we’re ready to partner with you. Our team brings a depth of lived experience, research, and facilitation excellence to help you not only imagine a better culture—but build it.