As the founder and former Director of Operation Black Vote, an organisation established in 1996 to tackle the underrepresentation of Black communities in UK politics and public life, Simon Woolley has helped boost electoral participation and civic engagement in Black and minority ethnic communities in Britain. He now serves as the Principal of Homerton College, Cambridge, becoming the first Black man to head an Oxbridge college.


Biography

Simon Woolley is the founder of Operation Black Vote, an organisation dedicated to addressing the underrepresentation of Black communities in the UK's political and public life. Simon served as Director of Operation Black Vote from its inception in 1996 until 2021, during which time the organisation became a formidable force in advocating for electoral registration, political participation, and civic engagement among the UK’s Black communities. Since 2021, he has been the Principal of Homerton College, Cambridge - the first Black man to head an Oxbridge college.

As well as founding Operation Black Vote, Simon was one the architects of the government’s groundbreaking Race Disparity Unit,  which helps organisations inside and outside government to understand and tackle ethnic disparities, as well as serving as the first chair of its advisory group. 

As a speaker, Simon covers how embedding a system of core values at the heart of an organisation makes it more productive, more creative - as well as being better for company wellbeing and business. He talks about the importance of true allyship within organisations, and how understanding and appreciating the lived experiences of other people within an organisation builds better teams and improves company culture.

 

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JLA Presents

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Event - 17/09/2024 - 09:00

Speakers Breakfast

Navigating Risk and Chaos – Strategies For Coping With An Uncertain World.

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Clive Myrie, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Rt Hon Lord Parker of Minsmere, and Robin Niblett

On Tuesday 17th September we had the pleasure of hearing from a remarkable panel of speakers, who shared their expertise on the challenges of managing Risk in a chaotic world.

The panel featured esteemed speakers, Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton KFSM (Firefigter and Neuroscience researcher), Lord Parker of Minsmere (Andrew Parker, Former Director General of MI5), and Sir Robin Niblett (Former Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House). The event was hosted superbly by Mastermind and BBC News presenter Clive Myrie.

Over the hour, our panellists explored Risk on multiple levels, from global affairs to business environments and personal everyday challenges. They provided valuable insights into how we can better manage and mitigate Risk in today’s unpredictable world.

 

Location

87 Barts Close, 87 Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7EB

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Event - 30/04/2024 - 09:00:00

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Priya Lakhani and Anne-Marie Imafidon

We were joined at 87 Barts Close by three brilliant speakers on a panel that delved into the complex world of Artificial Intelligence. Over the hour our panellists de-mystified AI, speaking about AI’s immense promise for enhancing our lives, alongside the apprehension it has generated regarding job security, privacy infringement, and ethical considerations.

Location

87 Barts Close, 87 Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7EB

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