Bonsignore takes CUP and Cambridge Assessment equality role ahead of merger

Serita Bonsignore has been appointed to a newly created director role working across Cambridge University Press (CUP) and Cambridge Assessment.

Bonsignore joined earlier this month as equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) director, in advance of CUP and Cambridge Assessment's merger on 1st August. “She will lead the newly combined organisation’s efforts to become a truly diverse and inclusive place to work,” CUP said.

Bonsignore holds a master’s degree in global diversity governance and brings more than 15 years’ experience in human resources management to the new position. She has spent the past four years specialising in equality and inclusion, most recently using artificial intelligence and technology to support business challenges in those areas.

“Equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging has always been a passion of mine, and I feel lucky to have been able to develop my career in this field over the past few years," Bonsignore said of her new role.

“My vision is for all our employees and stakeholders to understand and support what EDIB means at the new organisation. This means that all areas of the business and decisions that affect, for example, the employee life cycle, customer journeys, procurement, corporate social responsibility, leadership development, communications and engagement, are managed and delivered inclusively.

“My immediate priority is to meet as many colleagues as I can, to help to understand the challenges and priorities and to think how best these can shape our strategy.”

Mandy Hill, the press’ m.d. of academic publishing and champion for EDIB, said: “This is an important and exciting moment for our organisations. Serita brings a wealth of experience and a real passion for EDIB, which matches our commitment to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation."

The merger between CUP and Cambridge Assessment was first revealed last October, with the need for an integrated approach accelerated by the rapid uptake of digital education during the Covid-19 pandemic. CUP c.e.o. Peter Phillips and Cambridge Assessment chief executive Saul Nassé will work together over the next few months to create the new unified organisation. Phillips will then lead it, with Nassé departing.