Nicola Beckford is an award-winning BBC journalist and a renowned current affairs and diversity keynote speaker. Known for her exceptional storytelling skills, she is the face breakfast time of the West Midlands' award-winning regional flagship television news programme, ‘Midlands Today’ on BBC One. Her most notable career achievements have been influencing permanent changes in UK law through her investigative journalism.
Nicola's early career is marked by a rich educational background and notable achievements in journalism. She began her journey as a secondary school teacher in inner-city schools, where she was dedicated to encouraging students from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their potential. Her passion for education and commitment to social justice were evident from the start, laying a strong foundation for her future in journalism. Transitioning to the BBC, Nicola quickly made a name for herself by utilising the Freedom of Information Act to uncover stories that had a significant impact on the public.
Throughout her career, Nicola has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions. Her investigative work, particularly on the plight of children detained in police cells due to a shortage of mental health beds, led to changes in the Mental Health Act. Additionally, her reports on preventable errors in hospitals, known as ‘never events’, have been highly influential in the healthcare sector. These achievements have earned her invitations to speak at prestigious conferences, including those hosted by the Health and Safety Executive, the Foreign Office, and the Scottish Parliament.
Hire Nicola Beckford as a keynote speaker due of her profound ability to connect with diverse audiences and address critical issues with clarity and empathy. She speaks on a range of topics, including current affairs, diversity, mental health, and social justice, which are vital in today's society. Her insights are not only informative but also inspire change and encourage action. With her engaging personality and extensive experience, Nicola is an exceptional speaker who brings depth, authenticity, and a unique perspective to any event.
How to hire Nicola Beckford
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Nicola Beckford for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Nicola Beckford's Official Speaker Topics are listed below:
- Diversity
- Current Affairs
- Investigative Journalism
2023/2024 - Host of BBC Radio 4's 'Pick of the Week' and 'You & Yours'
2022 - Contributed significantly to the media coverage of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham
2019 - Anchored a live half-hour 'Brexit' General Election results programme, interviewing experts and correspondents across the region
2016 - Presenter of the 8 o’clock bulletin on BBC One for BBC Look East, Cambridge
2015 - Senior Journalist Reporter for the Victoria Derbyshire Programme, reporting on issues such as Syrian refugees, adult ADHD, and asbestos-related cancer
2014 - Produced high-profile stories for BBC World Service's Newsday, including the Chibok schoolgirls' abduction and the Ebola crisis
2012 - Investigation into the detention of children in police cells due to a shortage of mental health beds led to changes in the Mental Health Act
2012 - Uncovered the prevalence of 'Never Events' in NHS hospitals, raising awareness and influencing policy discussions
2010 - Began presenting BBC Midlands Today’s main bulletin and BBC Radio 4 programs
2008 - Delivered weekly original investigations for 'Donal MacIntyre' on Radio 5 live
2005 - Started career with BBC as a Freedom of Information Journalist, uncovering significant stories including suspects wanted for violent crimes and the cost of bullying in the NHS
2003 - Began as a journalist with the BBC, quickly advancing due to impactful reporting
