Frances Trought, Honorary Doctorate of LSBU
Frances Trought is a London-based founder, consultant, speaker, and author who has spent nearly two decades advancing equity, employability, and inclusion for under-represented students. With 18 years of experience in higher education, highlighted by her tenure as Deputy Vice Principal for Student Talent Development at Pearson College London. Frances bridges the gap between the fields of academia and industry to empower students.
As the founder of Everything D&I (EDI) Ltd and the I Accelerator CIC, Frances established a platform to expand access to professional networks and real-world work experiences for students from diverse backgrounds. In 2019, she launched the flagship I Accelerator programme in partnership with Microsoft’s Embrace ERG. The five-day work experience initiative has since scaled across leading organisations, including Rolls-Royce, Deloitte, and Ford UK, resulting in over 1,000 students gaining work placements, building professional networks, with hundreds securing internships, graduate roles, and degree apprenticeships.
Frances is also a published author whose work focuses on employability and career pathways. Her books include Brilliant Employability Skills and the Degree Apprenticeship Application Guide, which provides parents, teachers, and students with strategic guidance on navigating apprenticeships, interviews, and employer expectations.
Her leadership extends beyond these roles: Frances has collaborated with industry for social impact—such as partnering with the University of Surrey to boost employability for computer science students and has created broader conversations through initiatives like the Bridging the Gap series, which connects educators with thought leaders in industry.
Driven by personal conviction, rooted in her experiences and a family story marked by the Windrush generation. Frances continues to champion diversity, opportunity, and social mobility through actionable programmes, mentorship, and cross-sector partnerships.