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JUDGES
Our Judges
Below is our roster of judges for the event. They were handpicked as the best placed individuals to assess the nominees and ensure each award ended up in worthy hands. Click on a judge to visit their Linkedin profile.
Sope Agbelusi - Head Judge
Founder | Mindset Shift
Andrew Bostock
Senior Partner | KPMG
Andrew is the Birmingham Office Senior Partner, overseeing 1,500 Midlands staff. A qualified accountant with 29 years’ experience, he leads client relationships and internal audits across public sector bodies, including hospitals and councils. He previously headed the UK public sector audit practice and Midlands consulting team.
Andrew is the Birmingham Office Senior Partner, overseeing 1,500 Midlands staff. A qualified accountant with 29 years’ experience, he leads client relationships and internal audits across public sector bodies, including hospitals and councils. He previously headed the UK public sector audit practice and Midlands consulting team.
Annisha Taylor
Group Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion | Ofcom
A highly experienced People & Change leader specialising in the creation of distinctive strategies that promote inclusivity, champion diversity and address inequalities. Annisha cultivates environments which enable individuals and teams to thrive, grow and achieve compelling results.
A highly experienced People & Change leader specialising in the creation of distinctive strategies that promote inclusivity, champion diversity and address inequalities. Annisha cultivates environments which enable individuals and teams to thrive, grow and achieve compelling results.
Aphra Brooks-Barnes
Chief People Officer | PlatformX Communications
Aphra is Chief People Officer at PlatformX Communications, known for her leadership in telecoms and energy. She champions inclusivity and equity, serving as senior sponsor for BAME and Neurodiverse networks, and driving meaningful workplace change across the UK and global sectors.
Aphra is Chief People Officer at PlatformX Communications, known for her leadership in telecoms and energy. She champions inclusivity and equity, serving as senior sponsor for BAME and Neurodiverse networks, and driving meaningful workplace change across the UK and global sectors.
Bernadette Thompson OBE FCIPD
Director of People & Culture | North Middlesex Hospital and Community Services
Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at King’s College NHS Trust. With over 23 years’ experience in government and healthcare, she is a nationally recognised leader in culture change and race equality, and an award-winning speaker, trainer, and passionate advocate for inclusive leadership.
Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at King’s College NHS Trust. With over 23 years’ experience in government and healthcare, she is a nationally recognised leader in culture change and race equality, and an award-winning speaker, trainer, and passionate advocate for inclusive leadership.
Caroline Mayhead
People Director | Serco
Caroline has over 20 years HR experience across a variety of industries and disciplines. She has worked for household names including John Lewis and Waitrose.
Caroline has over 20 years HR experience across a variety of industries and disciplines. She has worked for household names including John Lewis and Waitrose.
Dan Braithwaite
Youtuber/Podcaster (Ex-Recruitment Director)
David Carrigan
Group Director of Diversity,
Inclusion & Wellbeing | Sky
A proven diversity leader
with a passion for driving change in organisations that may need support in realising their ambitions for diversity.
Inclusion & Wellbeing | Sky
A proven diversity leader
with a passion for driving change in organisations that may need support in realising their ambitions for diversity.
Dominique Sidley
VP Global Indirect Sales | Merlin Entertainments
Dominique Sidley is VP of Global Indirect Sales at Merlin Entertainments and a Non-Executive Director at the RAF Museums Enterprise Board. With a 30-year global career, she is an inclusive leader passionate about strategic sales, equity, and mentoring, with personal interests in faith and sheep farming.
Dominique Sidley is VP of Global Indirect Sales at Merlin Entertainments and a Non-Executive Director at the RAF Museums Enterprise Board. With a 30-year global career, she is an inclusive leader passionate about strategic sales, equity, and mentoring, with personal interests in faith and sheep farming.
Dr Jasmine Momoh
Junior Doctor | NHS
Jasmine currently works as a junior doctor following the completion of her bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery. She also has a first class degree in Biomedical Science. She is now launching a business which aims to help healthcare workers feel more comfortable, represented and well-dressed whilst at work.
Jasmine currently works as a junior doctor following the completion of her bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery. She also has a first class degree in Biomedical Science. She is now launching a business which aims to help healthcare workers feel more comfortable, represented and well-dressed whilst at work.
Grace Haynes
Head of People & Culture | Coventry City Council
Grace Haynes is a Global Majority leader with over 30 years in the public sector, committed to equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice. She now focuses on mentoring and tackling inequality, while personally working towards her PhD and studying fashion illustration at Central Saint Martins.
Grace Haynes is a Global Majority leader with over 30 years in the public sector, committed to equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice. She now focuses on mentoring and tackling inequality, while personally working towards her PhD and studying fashion illustration at Central Saint Martins.
Imogeen Denton
Director of Inclusion | Birmingham City University
Imogeen Denton is the Head of Equality Diversity and Inclusion for Birmingham City University. Imogeen is a Trustee for Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, a member of the Midlands Committee for the Royal Yachting Association, and a Regional Advisor for the National Trust.
Imogeen Denton is the Head of Equality Diversity and Inclusion for Birmingham City University. Imogeen is a Trustee for Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, a member of the Midlands Committee for the Royal Yachting Association, and a Regional Advisor for the National Trust.
Jenn Barnett
Head of ED&I and ESG | Grant Thornton UK Advisory & Tax LLP
Jenn leads Inclusion, Diversity and Sustainability at Grant Thornton UK Advisory & Tax LLP. A culture change and coaching expert, she’s driven transformative strategies and inclusion initiatives. She serves as a trustee for multiple charities and was named on Cranfield’s 100 Women to Watch 2024 list.
Jenn leads Inclusion, Diversity and Sustainability at Grant Thornton UK Advisory & Tax LLP. A culture change and coaching expert, she’s driven transformative strategies and inclusion initiatives. She serves as a trustee for multiple charities and was named on Cranfield’s 100 Women to Watch 2024 list.
Joanne Conway
Head of Inclusion & Culture | DLA Piper
Joanne, Head of Inclusion & Culture for EMEA & Asia Pac at DLA Piper, has over a decade of inclusion experience and nine years in finance. She drives transformative change and is pursuing a doctorate focused on privilege and inclusion across Class, Race, and Gender to address complex business challenges.
Joanne, Head of Inclusion & Culture for EMEA & Asia Pac at DLA Piper, has over a decade of inclusion experience and nine years in finance. She drives transformative change and is pursuing a doctorate focused on privilege and inclusion across Class, Race, and Gender to address complex business challenges.
Keith Fraser
Chair of Local Partnerships LLP | Local Partnerships LLP
Keith Fraser has extensive experience driving change in challenging environments, evaluating operational performance, and acting as an ambassador at senior levels. He champions inclusion and equity, leads national organisations, and serves as a judge for major diversity awards. Keith also holds key roles in youth justice, cultural education, and community development.
Keith Fraser has extensive experience driving change in challenging environments, evaluating operational performance, and acting as an ambassador at senior levels. He champions inclusion and equity, leads national organisations, and serves as a judge for major diversity awards. Keith also holds key roles in youth justice, cultural education, and community development.
Michael Wilson
Relationship Manager | HSBC
Michael is a proactive individual who aims to deliver results both professionally and personally. Coming from an underrepresented community he has a strong passion for diversity and inclusion. Michael has 20 years’ operating within financial services with the previous 10 supporting SMEs ranging from start-ups to businesses with more complex needs.
Michael is a proactive individual who aims to deliver results both professionally and personally. Coming from an underrepresented community he has a strong passion for diversity and inclusion. Michael has 20 years’ operating within financial services with the previous 10 supporting SMEs ranging from start-ups to businesses with more complex needs.
Rebecca Scott
Certified Mediator, Resourcing Leader & Inclusion Advocate
Rebecca is a senior leader with 30 years’ experience, passionate about courageous conversations that foster inclusion and belonging. A trained NVC mediator and fourth-year UK Black Talent Awards judge, she creates spaces where emerging Black leaders and underrepresented voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.
Rebecca is a senior leader with 30 years’ experience, passionate about courageous conversations that foster inclusion and belonging. A trained NVC mediator and fourth-year UK Black Talent Awards judge, she creates spaces where emerging Black leaders and underrepresented voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.
Samantha Owo
Senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead | Lloyds Banking Group
Sam is Senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lead at Lloyds Banking Group, driving gender and ethnicity goals. With over 20 years in financial services HR and DEI, she serves on the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter Board and chairs Meadow Primary School’s Governors, championing equity for all.
Sam is Senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lead at Lloyds Banking Group, driving gender and ethnicity goals. With over 20 years in financial services HR and DEI, she serves on the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter Board and chairs Meadow Primary School’s Governors, championing equity for all.
Sapphire Clough
Consultant | Capegemini
Sapphire is a Change and Transformation professional with a background in Psychology. Her primary role is that of a Business Analyst, and serves as DEI lead at her firm. She is also an active member of her community, dedicated to enriching young people from age 8-13 with a diverse curriculum that includes topics such as Black History. She aims to be a transformative influence within her community, advocating for positive change.
Sapphire is a Change and Transformation professional with a background in Psychology. Her primary role is that of a Business Analyst, and serves as DEI lead at her firm. She is also an active member of her community, dedicated to enriching young people from age 8-13 with a diverse curriculum that includes topics such as Black History. She aims to be a transformative influence within her community, advocating for positive change.
Stewart Cumberbatch
Partner | Deloitte LLP
Stewart, a Partner at Deloitte with 24 years’ experience, specializes in financial services. A Loughborough graduate in Economics and Accounting, he champions diversity as a member of Deloitte UK’s Ethnicity Council and sponsors the Black Experience Programme and Deloitte Black Network in the Midlands.
Stewart, a Partner at Deloitte with 24 years’ experience, specializes in financial services. A Loughborough graduate in Economics and Accounting, he champions diversity as a member of Deloitte UK’s Ethnicity Council and sponsors the Black Experience Programme and Deloitte Black Network in the Midlands.
Thanh Catachanas
Head of Collaboration & Acquisition | JCDecaux
A media professional with over 20 years’ experience working with regional and national brands on multi-channel advertising and marketing campaigns.
A media professional with over 20 years’ experience working with regional and national brands on multi-channel advertising and marketing campaigns.
Tiana Osakwe
Culture Consultant | Tiana Louise Consulting
Tiana is an award-winning researcher, consultant, and community leader driving social change. With sociological expertise, she tackles organisational inequity at its roots. As an independent consultant, she helps organisations communicate their DEI journey authentically, while empowering young adults through SOAR, a ministry helping 18-30-year-olds lead purposeful, identity-rooted lives.
Tiana is an award-winning researcher, consultant, and community leader driving social change. With sociological expertise, she tackles organisational inequity at its roots. As an independent consultant, she helps organisations communicate their DEI journey authentically, while empowering young adults through SOAR, a ministry helping 18-30-year-olds lead purposeful, identity-rooted lives.
Mandisa Gordon
Finance Business Change Manager | Jaguar Land Rover
Our Youth Judges
Shekinnah Wilberforce
Brand and Licensing Grad Intern | Warner Brothers Discovery
Annabelle Olabode
2nd year Pharmacology undergrad student | King's Collage London
Oyinkansola Annabelle Olabode is a 2nd-year Pharmacology student and ambassador at King’s College London. Passionate about applying science to improve healthcare equality, she tutors part-time and volunteers for Save the Children. In her free time, she enjoys reading and exploring museums.
Oyinkansola Annabelle Olabode is a 2nd-year Pharmacology student and ambassador at King’s College London. Passionate about applying science to improve healthcare equality, she tutors part-time and volunteers for Save the Children. In her free time, she enjoys reading and exploring museums.
Michelle Lewis
Sales Manager |
Karen Ayodele
Solicitor Apprentice | Bird & Bird LLP
Nicholai Corbie
Senior Consultant | EY
Nicholai is a Senior Technology Consultant in Data & AI at EY. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, he holds an MSc in Advanced Chemical and Process Engineering. Since 2022, he has combined his scientific background with tech expertise to deliver impactful Data & AI solutions.
Nicholai is a Senior Technology Consultant in Data & AI at EY. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, he holds an MSc in Advanced Chemical and Process Engineering. Since 2022, he has combined his scientific background with tech expertise to deliver impactful Data & AI solutions.
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