Sharon Thompson

Sharon Thompson is the Deputy Leader at Birmingham City Council, the first ethnic minority to hold the distinguished role. A highly inspirational figure, Sharon overcame homelessness in her early life to lead a highly successful career in politics and government. At the forefront of social change in Birmingham, Sharon has over 20 years of experience in community development and is a thought leader on community engagement insights, tools, and strategies for organisations. In her speaking engagements, she provides inspiring presentations on homelessness, political engagement, housing, women in leadership and Black, Asian, and ethnic minorities in leadership.

A City of Birmingham councillor since 2014, Sharon began her professional career as an Administrative Assistant and Assistant Housing Officer for Optima Community Association. In 2003, she served as an Education and Training Outreach Worker for Enta CIC, helping people in some of Birmingham’s most deprived areas with personal development plans. Following that, Sharon became a Neighbourhood Community Worker for Birmingham City Council and went on to hold roles such as Constituency Playscheme Coordinator and Acting Ward Support Officer.

In 2010, she joined Cohesive Consultancy as a Managing Director, using pioneering ideas for community cohesion and engagement. Alongside working as a Magistrate at HMCS, Sharon also served as a Community Action Worker with the Birmingham Settlement before becoming a Training and Development Consultant at Cohesive Transformation Ltd. In 2016, she joined Volunteering Matters as the GOGA Project Manager and later became Head of the Midlands & Northwest Region. Sharon returned to Birmingham City Council in 2018 and held senior roles, including Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, Cabinet Member for Vulnerable Children and Families and Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness before being elevated to Deputy Leader.

Sharon is also the Director of Tilt360, a cutting-edge organisation specialising in talent development and empowerment to help individuals realise their full potential. As well as receiving several national awards for her contributions to social change and politics, Sharon has been featured on BBC Radio 4 and Sky News. She has also chaired prestigious government events and panels, participated in government consultations and roundtable discussions for the Home Office and shared platforms with notable speakers such as Rev Al Sharpton and former Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow. A prominent advocate and voice for change, Sharon is a determined and ambitious leader who has made vast contributions to her constituents. Translating her life experiences and expertise into captivating speaking engagements, she delivers impactful presentations on leadership, political engagement and diversity and inclusion.