Annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion talk

How to attend: Register to attend this event.

Please join us for our first Annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion talk, Q&A and reception, Why Diversity Matters with I. Stephanie Boyce.

This event brings external speakers with unique expertise and diverse experiences from different sectors, to inspire and expand our community knowledge and awareness of contemporary EDI issues.

Our speaker, I. Stephanie Boyce, is the Immediate Past President of the Law Society of England and Wales. In March 2021 she became the 177th President, making history as the sixth female and the first black, first person of colour to become president.

As President, Stephanie prioritised the issue of diversity, inclusion and social mobility, and spent her time challenging harmful and reductive attitudes. She will explore why diversity matters and why each of us have a responsibility to build truly diverse and inclusive professions.

Attendees will gain valuable insights relevant to our community from Stephanie’s journey to becoming President after four attempts. Leading with intention and purpose, her perseverance, determination, resilience and strength are an inspiring invitation.

Please note, this event is for St George's staff, students and alumni.

About I. Stephanie Boyce

I. Stephanie Boyce is the Immediate Past President of the Law Society of England and Wales. In March 2021 she became the 177th, the sixth female and the first black, first person of colour to become President.

Stephanie has chaired, or been a member of, several high-profile organisations, made appearances before Parliamentary committees (Justice Select) and engaged with Ministers in all parts of the United Kingdom and abroad. She holds a Master of Laws in public law and global governance from King’s College London. A Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Fellow of the Society of Leadership Fellows, an Honorary professor of King’s College, Dickson Poon School of Law and hold two Honorary Doctorates from Keele University and the University of East London.

In addition, Stephanie was a member of the government commissioned socio-economic Taskforce and a Commissioner with the National Preparedness Commission and the Shinkwin Commission. She also sits on the Thomson Reuters Women in Law Advisory Board.

As President, Stephanie led the Society through challenging times from the tail end of Brexit, a pandemic, the war in Ukraine, Afghanistan, the death of Her Majesty the Queen and the biggest shake-up to the way solicitors train and qualify in 30 years, to name a few.

Her strong leadership has been crucial to the Society’s stability and successes, securing a number of concessions from government and other stakeholders on judicial review, the Bill of Rights Bill and the solicitors indemnity fund.

With over 20 years’ experience of practice as a solicitor working with a number of organisations in helping to set tangible goals, formulate strategic plans, and develop strategic objectives at home and abroad, Stephanie’s past roles and experience brings a distinct perspective and insight to the development and delivery of her work.

Stephanie recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Women & Diversity in Law for her work on EDI and her contribution to the profession.