Lord Simon Woolley is the Founder and Director of Operation Black Votes and is known for his work as a political and equality activist. Currently the Principal of Homerton College at Cambridge University, he is the first Black man to head an Oxbridge College. Lord Simon’s mission has made it his mission to reverse the Black British and ethnic minority democratic deficit. As a speaker, he is hoping to raise awareness about the racial inequalities people fact in health, employment and education and strives for equality in matters of race.
Lord Simon wants to increase the number of people from Black and ethnic minority communities in politics. From starting out at Charter 88 to founding Operation Black Vote in 1996, he researched the impact of the Black vote and how these votes influence marginal seats during elections. Operation Black Vote is an initiative that was designed to work towards solving the Black British democratic deficit and racial inequalities in health, education, and employment. Lord Simon has also been the Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and the Chair of the UK Government Disparity Unit Advisory Group. His aim to involve more people from Black and ethnic minority communities in politics was successful and he was able to increase the number of MPs from Black or ethnic minority origins from 4 to over 50.
Knighted in 2019 for his efforts to increase racial equality, Lord Simon was given the title of Baron Woolley of Woodford in the London Borough of Redbridge. A recipient of the Pride of Britain Award, Lord Simon was also named on the Powerlist from 2012 to 2015. He was also listed as one of the Most Influential People by the Daily Telegraph twice and received the same accolade from the Evening Standard as well. The University of Westminster has also awarded him with an Honorary Doctorate for his many achievements.
Along with being a Crossbencher in the House of Lords he is an advocate for racial equality through and through. Lord Simon is also a part of the Equalities Commission and a member of the Lord’s Youth Unemployment Committee. As a speaker, Lord Simon is resolved to bring focus to the inequalities that are prevalent in society and educate people about diversifying the talent they hire. If you are looking for a speaker who can educate the audience about racial equality and its importance, consider booking Lord Simon Woolley for your next event!
