As they approach their 10 year anniversary, the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei) transforms at the top by introducing Darra Singh as Chair and Sandi Wassmer as CEO.
The Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion is delighted to announce the appointment of Sandi Wassmer as CEO, effective 23rd November 2020. Sandi is a visionary leader, strategist and change agent, with senior executive experience within both the charity and commercial sectors.
The bulk of her career has been spent in the media sector, in a range of roles—from COO of the SyFy UK TV Channel to MD of digital agency, Copious. She moved into the charity sector in 2014, joining social care charity, Jewish Care, initially to develop its digital services portfolio and latterly as Head of Transformation and Service Design.
“I am delighted to be joining enei at such a pivotal time in our human history. The prospect of supporting organisations of all shapes and sizes in creating workplaces where people feel a sense of belonging, and where they can bring their whole selves to work, is one that fills me with energy and excitement”
Sandi was a trustee of the RNIB from 2014 to 2019 and chaired its marketing, fundraising and social change steering group. In October 2020, she joined the board of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England as a Non Executive Director. A lifelong human rights advocate, Sandi is driven to play her part in creating an inclusive society; after registering blind in 2008, she continued to strongly advocate her beliefs around equality and inclusion, working at the intersection of Government, Industry and the Third Sector, as well as writing and public speaking.
After over 10 years, Harry Gaskell, the Innovation Leader at EY hands over the role as Chair to the appointed Darra Singh.
Darra Singh joined EY in January 2012 and initially led the Local Public Service practice before being appointed as the UK’s Government and Public Sector Lead. He is now a Senior Partner in EY’s Government practice. Prior to EY he was Chief Executive of JobCentre Plus and Chief Executive of Ealing and Luton Councils.
“I am looking forward to working with colleagues at enei to ensure we provide the very best service and support to employers as they seek to deliver ambitions to improve equality and diversity. Our work is ever more important given the global pandemic and the commitment of our members is hugely valued”.
In addition to supporting public sector clients Darra has also taken on a range of other roles over the years. Most recently he has completed an independent review into the use of DNA evidence in immigration applications for the previous Home Secretary. He was a member of the Greater Manchester Prosperity Panel set up by the Mayor and BEIS. He was the Chair of the Panel investigating the UK riots in August 2011 and led the Independent Commission on Local Government Finance for the LGA and CIPFA. Darra has recently been appointed as a visiting professor for Social Justice at London Southbank University.
