Lord Simon Woolley

Lord Simon Woolley is a renowned political and equalities activist, who is famed as the Founder and Director of Operation Black Vote. Sitting as a Crossbencher in the House of Lords, Lord Simon is now also the Principal of Homerton College and a Trustee of the Police Now charity. Passionate about inspiring the Black and Minority Ethnic community, Lord Simon has dedicated his career to tackling the Black British and ethnic minority democratic deficit. Also raising awareness of race inequalities in health, employment and education, Lord Simon is now booked as a speaker to share his passions for race equality.

A pivotal figure of race equality within the UK Government, Lord Simon first became engaged in politics when he joined Charter 88.  From that point on, Simon dedicated his research to the impact of the Black vote, and how such votes would influence marginal seats in elections. In 1996, Simon founded Operation Black Vote, an initiative dedicated to addressing the Black British democratic deficit and race inequalities in health, education and employment. He has also been highly dedicated to increasing the number of Black and minority ethnic talent in political settings. Today, he is the Principal of Homerton College at Cambridge University, having made headlines as the first Black man to become head of an Oxbridge college.

Other prominent roles of Simon’s have included being the Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Chair of the UK Government Disparity Unit Advisory Group. During his time in such roles, Simon made a revolutionary impact on racial equality, including increasing the number of Black and minority ethnic MPs from four to over 50. In recognition of his decorated career, Simon was awarded a Knighthood in 2019 for his Services to Race Equality and was created Baron Woolley of Woodford in the London Borough of Redbridge. He has also claimed a Pride of Britain Award, been named on the Powerlist from 2012 to 2015, named as one of the Most Influential People by The Daily Telegraph twice and named as one of the Most Influential People by the Evening Standard.

Having also been appointed to the Equalities Commission and been a member of the Lord’s Youth Unemployment Committee, Lord Simon is now a popular choice as a speaker for a range of corporate events. Sharing his passion for racial equality, Simon highlights the inequalities that still exist in society today and the importance of hiring diverse talent. Having dedicated his career to tackling democratic deficits and inequalities in education, employment and health, Simon has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Westminster in recognition of his achievements. When looking for a passionate racial equality speaker to deliver an engaging speech on the inequalities that continue to exist in society at your next event, book Lord Simon Woolley today.