Keynote Topics & Themes

I’m Liz Pemberton, Director of The Black Nursery Manager. I’m widely described as a leading voice in early years anti-racist practice, and I deliver keynotes for conferences, INSET days, leadership events and sector gatherings across the UK and internationally bringing together clarity, humour, challenge and deep sector understanding.

While every keynote I deliver is tailored to the audience and context, they often explore themes such as:

  • Moving beyond tick-box “celebrations” towards meaningful anti-racist practice

  • The 4Es of Anti-Racist Practice in early years education

  • From intent to impact: embedding anti-racist practice into everyday systems and culture

  • Leadership, responsibility and accountability in anti-racist work

  • Race, identity and belonging in early childhood

  • Creating early years environments that truly work for all children and families

Specific titles and focus areas are agreed in conversation, based on the audience and goals of the event.

“Liz has the unique ability to link evidence-based research to her work, which is easily understood and impactful. She has used her skills to be an additional editor on books and resources that I have created, and her knowledge has been invaluable on consultancy projects that I have worked on. Equally, her keynote speeches inspire delegates to take positive actions in their practice.”

Laura Henry-Allain MBE

Storyteller, Educationalist and Producer

Who, What and Where

I have delivered keynotes for organisations including Barnardo’s, Nursery World, local authorities, multiple education trusts and sector bodies across the UK and internationally.

Why Book Me?

My keynotes combine practical insight, honest reflection and deep sector understanding. They are grounded in the lived realities of early years and education settings.

Audiences value my ability to:

  • Speak honestly and clearly about race and racism without alienating or shaming

  • Connect big ideas to everyday early years practice, leadership and decision-making

  • Challenge complacency while keeping people engaged and reflective

  • Leave organisations with a clearer sense of what meaningful change actually looks like

Whether I’m speaking to senior leaders, whole staff teams or large conference audiences, I bring warmth, authority and deep sector credibility to every room.

Who I Speak To

I deliver keynotes for a wide range of audiences across the early years and education sector, including:

  • Early years and school conferences

  • Local authority and trust events

  • INSET days and staff development days

  • Leadership and senior leadership teams

  • Sector organisations, charities and partner organisations

  • Universities and training providers

Every talk is shaped to the audience, context and purpose of the event — whether that’s to inspire, challenge, set direction or deepen thinking.

  • "I've had the privilege of working with Liz over recent years as writer, speaker and adviser. Liz's is a passionate and practical advocate for anti-racist practice. I've learnt a huge amount from Liz's advice and greatly admire her writing and public speaking."

    Dr Julian Grenier

    Early Years Consultant

  • “The word that springs to mind when I think of Liz Pemberton’s work is expansive. She brings a deep anti-racist pedagogy grounded in wisdom and a passion to understand lived experience. A true advocate for early childhood, Liz has a rare ability to make seemingly complex ideas feel accessible, prioritised and deeply human.”

    Kerry Murphy

    Early Years Specialist and Author

  • "An incredible communicator, her speaking skills always capture the room, leaving her audiences enriched and enlightened."

    Delano Gournet-Moore

    System Change Manager 

    Barnardo's SEEN

  • “I love the way Liz Pemberton works. She takes complex, deep theory about race, childhood, and identity and makes it make sense , not in an over-simplified way, but in a way that people can actually use in real life. Her work feels grounded, practical, and alive. It’s thoughtful, but it’s never detached from the world we’re living in.”

    Warda Farah

    Writer, Researcher, Social Entrepreneur

Book Liz for Your Event

If you’re planning a conference, INSET day or leadership event and want a keynote that is thoughtful, challenging and grounded in the realities of early years and education, I’d love to hear from you.

Use the button below to start a conversation about your event, audience and what you’re hoping to achieve.

Enquire About Booking Liz