Dr Deirdre Anderson

Background

A Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Deirdre leads and coordinates the Gender, Leadership and Inclusion Centre’s work in inclusive practices within organizations.

Prior to obtaining her PhD at Cranfield University and moving into academia, Deirdre spent over 20 years working within the private sector as a business psychology consultant. Her educational background includes an MSc in Occupational and Organizational Psychology from the University of East London, and a Masters in Research from Cranfield, as well as a BSc (Hons) in Business Studies from the University of Bradford.

Deirdre has taught on a range of programmes at both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels including Human Resource Management (HRM), Organizational Behaviour, Business Psychology and Qualitative Research Methods. As Head of Department, People and Organizations, University of Lincoln (UoL) from 2017 to 2019, she launched both UG and PG Degree Apprenticeships in Management, and also the full time BSc in Business Psychology.

Deirdre’s research interests include the gendered nature of careers, inclusive leadership women’s leadership development programmes, flexible working, and work-life balance.

Current activities

Deirdre is currently a Reader in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Director of the Gender, Leadership and Inclusion Centre, and a member of the Changing World of Work Group. She is Vice-Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Chartered Association of Business Schools, and a member (and previous Co-Chair) of the Academic Advisory Board of Working Families (the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers).

In her research, teaching and executive development Deirdre works with organizations and individuals to create more inclusive workplace cultures, where all employees can thrive and fulfil their potential. She has a particular passion and expertise in the field of women’s leadership programmes, working with senior leaders in organizations to address the systemic and structural barriers that can hinder career advancement. She has delivered such programmes for global organizations in Asia, Europe, West Africa, Middle East and North America.

Deirdre leads the Gender, Leadership and Inclusion Centre, a thriving research community including doctoral students and visiting Fellows. She supervises doctoral students researching various aspects of inclusion and social identity. She currently teaches on PG and Executive Development programmes in Women’s Leadership, Inclusive Leadership and Organizational Behaviour.

Deirdre frequently presents her research at academic and practitioner conferences within the UK and internationally, and she has twice been an invited speaker at the United Nations in New York. She publishes her research in journals of recognized international excellence, has edited a book on work-life balance, and has written several book chapters on flexible working and work-life balance, women's career choices and women-only leadership development.

Deirdre is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and a member of the British Academy of Management, the Academy of Management, and the Work and Family Researchers Network.

Clients

• Citi
• KPMG International Limited
• Microsoft Corporation
• Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC

Publications

• Articles in journals
• Conference papers
• Books