Lord Simon Woolley

Lord Simon Woolley is renowned for his role as the Founder and Director of Operation Black Vote. As a Crossbench member in the House of Lords and the Principal of Homerton College, Lord Simon also serves as a Trustee of the Police Now charity. His career is marked by a fervent commitment to inspiring the Black and Minority Ethnic community and addressing democratic deficits. His efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness about race inequalities in health, employment, and education, making him a highly sought-after speaker on race and equality issues.

In 1996, he founded Operation Black Vote, an initiative dedicated to addressing the democratic deficits faced by Black British and ethnic minority communities. His work has not only highlighted inequalities in various sectors but also aimed to increase the presence of Black and minority ethnic talent in political arenas. His historic appointment as the first Black man to lead an Oxbridge college, as Principal of Homerton College at Cambridge University, underscores his groundbreaking achievements in education and leadership. Throughout his career, Lord Simon has held several influential positions, including Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Chair of the UK Government Disparity Unit Advisory Group.

His tenure in these roles saw a significant increase in the number of Black and minority ethnic MPs, rising from four to over 50. Recognised for his substantial contributions, he was awarded a Knighthood in 2019 for Services to Race Equality and was honoured with the title Baron Woolley of Woodford. His accolades also include a Pride of Britain Award, multiple inclusions in the Powerlist, and recognition by The Daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard as one of the Most Influential People.

As a keynote speaker, Lord Simon brings a wealth of experience and passion for racial equality. His speeches address the persistent inequalities in society and the critical importance of diversity in hiring practices. His career, dedicated to combating democratic deficits and promoting equality in education, employment, and health, has earned him an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Westminster & an Honorary Degree from the University of Leicester. For organisations seeking an inspiring and engaging speaker on racial equality and diversity, Lord Simon Woolley offers unparalleled insights and a compelling narrative that highlights both the challenges and the progress in the fight for equality.