Get to know our UKRN members: TPR’s Leslie Ibegbulem

Have you ever wondered who works in some of our member regulators?

Over the past few months, we have introduced the UKRN team and our expert panel but we want to extend this series to our members introducing you to some of the colleagues from our membership that make regulation not only an attractive career choice but do the roles that make regulation possible.

For BHM, we have chosen to focus on colleagues that often voluntarily provide their time to staff networks improving equity, diversity and inclusion in their own organisations.

We hope this series of articles allows you to get to know them better.

In this article, we are featuring Leslie Ibegbulem from The Pensions Regulator who is a member of UKRN’s Young Professionals network!

  1. Tell me a bit about yourself

Hi. I’m Leslie Ibegbulem (she/her). I was born in Italy to Nigerian parents and moved to London when I was 7. Later, I moved to Brighton for university and it’s been my home ever since. I love collecting records and staying active – I even competed in (and won) a Strongwoman competition at the end of 2022!

I’ve been at The Pensions Regulator (TPR) for 6 years now, starting in the Customer Support Team. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work as a Specialist in the Events Supervision team and in April of this year, I became an Investigator within the Enforcement team. I’m an ally and committee member for PROUD, our LGBTQIA+ network and I’m also TPR’s representative and committee member for UKRN’s Young Professionals Network.

  1. What is the aim of your ME network?

Our ME network aims to empower the Minority Ethnic (ME) community in TPR by promoting inclusion, fostering collaboration, celebrating diversity and ensuring equitable representation. It’s key goals are:

  1. Promote inclusiveness – create an inclusive environment where people from diverse ethnic backgrounds feel valued and respected.
  2. Advancement and Representation – Advocate for equal opportunities in recruitment, career progression and leadership roles for minority ethnicities.
  3. Cultural Awareness – Enhance understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures within TPR.
  4. Encouragement and Empowerment – Provide a platform for sharing experiences and offering resources for personal growth.

The ME Network’s objectives include networking, training outreach, policy advocacy, data driven decision-making, celebrating diversity and partnering with external organisations (as well as our other Diversity networks) to support its mission of fostering an inclusive workplace.

  1. Can you share more about the activity your organisation/network has planned for BHM?

We are very fortunate to have Shaun Wallace, who is an English barrister, lecturer and television personality speaking with us on 24 October 2024. He is one of the six “chasers” on the ITV quiz show “ The Chase” and is a part-time lecturer. Wallace also visits schools, colleges and other institutions to educate students on several aspects of law.

We also have a Reclaiming Narratives talk with Romain Muhammad on 30 October. ‘Redefining Narratives’ is a talk that challenges the conventional view of Black history in the UK beginning with the Windrush Generation. Romain is the founder and CEO of Diversify World, a consultancy and recruitment agency dedicated to empowering marginalised communities in the professional world. He started Diversify World in 2023 after spending 15 years in corporate recruitment. He strongly believes that education is the starting point for businesses aiming to create truly inclusive, diverse, and equal practices. 

With a particular emphasis on the role of allyship this year, we are extending our focus and have an online South Asian Heritage & Diwali conversation on the 30th October with Girish Menezes, an inspirational senior manager and leader in the pensions industry.

  1. Do you have a favourite book, movie, or piece of art that represents Black culture or history to you? How has it impacted you?

A piece of literature that resonates with me deeply is ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe, which I studied during my English Literature A Levels. Achebe’s novel is a powerful exploration of the clash between African traditions and colonial influence, reflecting the complexities of identity, cultural heritage and change. As someone with both Nigerian roots and an international background, this novel speaks to the nuanced experience of navigating multiple identities. For me, it’s a reminder of the importance of honouring where we come from while adapting to new environments, a balance that has shaped my perspective both personally and professionally.

  1. What advice would you give to younger Black professionals trying to navigate their career path, especially in industries where they might not see many people who look like them?

My advice to younger Black professionals is to be unapologetically confident in who you are and where you come from. It’s easy to feel like an outsider in industries where representation is lacking but your unique perspective is your strength. Surround yourself with mentors, seek out allies and build a network that supports and challenges you. Don’t be afraid to take risks and push for change when necessary – your presence in these spaces is a form of progress in itself. Always remember that you belong and your contributions have value.

  1. Lastly, how do you personally celebrate Black History Month, and what does it mean to you?

For me, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the resilience, achievements and contributions of Black people globally. It’s also a great opportunity to educate myself further on the parts of history that aren’t always highlighted as well as to celebrate cultural richness of the Black community. I see it as a moment to honour my Nigerian heritage (who, rather fittingly, celebrate their Independence day on the 1st of this month) while acknowledging the shared struggles and triumphs of Africa. I use this month to engage in conversations about representation and diversity, making sure that these values are upheld in my professional life throughout the year.

We really hope you enjoyed getting to know Leslie more. Please look out for our next featured UKRN member shortly!