2025 Shortlisted nominee
HEAD OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AWARD
Jennifer Samuels has dedicated over 20 years to Westminster City Council, where she is now Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Growing up amidst racial tensions shaped her lifelong commitment to fairness, resilience, and speaking up for others. Beginning her career in housing and homelessness services, Jennifer developed a deep understanding of systemic barriers and the importance of equitable access. As EDI lead, she has driven measurable change, supporting increase diverse workforce and senior leadership representation and embedding accountability through directorate-level action plans. Her initiatives include the Big Conversations staff engagement programme, a council-wide Anti-Racism Charter, pay gap taskforce and inclusive mentoring. With 75% of staff now agreeing Westminster is an inclusive place to work, Jennifer continues to lead with courage, values, and impact.
