Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Summer Celebratory Dinner

Ann Francke is Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute the UK’s leading professional body for management and leadership with a global member community of over 180k. She started her career at Procter & Gamble and has held senior executive positions at Mars, Boots, Yell and BSI. In 2020, Ann was awarded an OBE for services to workplace equality.

Roger has been the IoD’s Director of Policy and Corporate Governance since September 2020. He also served as Director of Corporate Governance and Professional Standards at the IoD from 2008-2016. He is honorary associate at the Centre for Ethics and Law at University College London and was previously managing director of Governomics Ltd, a corporate governance advisory firm. He is also the author of numerous books and articles on corporate governance and board effectiveness.

Kevin Shinkwin has been a member of the House of Lords since November 2015. Prior to that, he had spent almost his entire career in charity public affairs and campaigning, working for charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK and The Royal British Legion. He has also worked in the private sector. Since being appointed as a Life Peer, he has focused on two policy areas in particular – disability equality, especially equality of opportunity, and Holocaust Remembrance, in memory of the orthopaedic surgeon who optimised his life chances and whose extended family lost their lives in the Shoah.

Lord Shinkwin is Chair of the IoD's Commission on 'The Future of Business: harnessing diverse talent for success'. The Commission published two White Papers in 2022, see the IoD website for more information.

Ridwana Wallace-Laher, a groundbreaking leader in the humanitarian sector, serves as the CEO of Penny Appeal, making her the first Muslim woman at the helm of a major British charity. With over 20 years of experience in education and charity leadership, Ridwana has driven organisational growth and diversification, promoting innovation, collaboration, and digital transformation.

Throughout her career in the non-profit sector, Ridwana has made a significant impact on local and international communities. She brings her passion for education and nurturing potential to the third sector. As CEO of Penny Appeal, Ridwana focus has been on future-proofing the charity in a post-Covid context, connecting with grassroots donor communities, and ensuring efficient and compassionate aid delivery.

Sophie Azam is the elected IoD National Spokesperson for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Ambassadors across the United Kingdom. She was elected due to her passion and extensive experience in ED&I across the education and professional body sectors. Sophie has also founded her own educational establishment - IgniteQuals Limited. Her achievement in developing a diverse Governing Board that champions all learners across a variety of backgrounds has earned her a board nomination award for the 'Greatest Impact for Inclusion Board of the Year 2023'. Her organisation was also a case study for the Shinkwin Commission report for setting the ED&I Strategy as part of the Governance Arrangements, and at early inception.