Trevor Phillips

Sir Trevor Phillips OBE first gained prominence as a significant voice in British public life, co-authoring the seminal book ‘Windrush: The Irresistible Rise of Multi-racial Britain’ with Mike Phillips in 1998. This acclaimed work earned him three Royal Television Society (RTS) awards, including Documentary Series of the Year in 1999. Earlier in his career, Phillips served as Head of Current Affairs for London Weekend Television (LWT) from 1992 to 1994, contributing to major networks like the BBC and Channel 4. His leadership in media and journalism was recognized with his appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999, and he currently holds the position of Vice President at the RTS.

Phillips’s career also includes a distinguished record in political leadership and public advocacy. He served as President of the National Union of Students from 1978 to 1980, followed by his tenure as a Member of the London Assembly, chairing it from 2000 to 2001 and again from 2002 to 2003. A pivotal turning point came with his appointment by Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2003 to lead the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) until 2006. He subsequently chaired its successor organization, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), from 2007 to 2012, overseeing crucial advancements in equality legislation and human rights protections.

For his extensive and impactful contributions to equality and human rights, Sir Trevor Phillips was awarded a knighthood in the 2022 New Year Honours. He continues to shape public discourse through his media presence and active leadership roles, reinforcing his commitment to human rights and social justice.