Welcome

For over 55 years, the Runnymede Trust has worked tirelessly to progress racial justice in the UK.

Proudly independent, we speak truth to power on race and racism without fear or favour. We are not swayed by political agenda, profit or popular opinion. We are authentic, led by an ethnically diverse team we draw from our lived experience and that of our wide and inclusive community and partnership networks.

From broadening the curriculum to exposing the Windrush scandal, our work is rooted in challenging structural racism and its impact on our communities. Our authoritative research-based interventions equip decision makers, practitioners and the general public with the knowledge and tools to deliver genuine progress towards racial justice in Britain.

Today, the argument for equity is advanced on many more fronts than in 1968. The past four years has seen a sharp uptick in public commitments on racism from civil society organisations, public sector bodies and corporates. This moment offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to embrace and build upon this ground-up swell of energy for change.

Racism and prejudice damage lives in every civic domain – from COVID-19 to the recent Voter ID controversy, from Grenfell to the stark evidence on discrimination against people of colour in the private rented sector, Britain in 2024 is still not different enough from the Britain that saw the murder of Stephen Lawrence 30 years ago.

With its peerless track record and reputation, the Runnymede Trust can and will play a uniquely enabling role: as the convenor of all voices, as a deep reservoir of evidence and best practice in research, and as a benchmark for speaking truth to power. The courage, leadership and resilience required as we press for change will be significant; but if we persevere, the prize is invaluable.

I look forward to meeting you.

Dame Donna Kinnair CBE
Chair-designate, Runnymede Trust