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Patrick Vernon knighted for services to racial equality and social justice
We are delighted that our patron Professor Patrick Vernon has been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List with a Knighthood for services to racial equality and social justice.
His work has included leading the successful national campaign for Windrush Day, supporting efforts to expose the Windrush Scandal, convening the Windrush 75 Network, leading the campaign and co-authoring 100 Great Black Britons to promote a more inclusive understanding of British history, and co-founding the Majonzi Fund to support communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 bereavement.
He has also been privileged to serve in a number of leadership roles, including Chair of NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, Walsall Together Partnership, the ARÉ Windrush Justice Programme, and as a founder member of the Windrush Justice Clinic. He was formerly Chair of the Citizens Panel for the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch, a Councillor for the London Borough of Hackney, Specialist Adviser for Communities at the Centre for Ageing Better, and Independent Adviser for Equality and Inclusion for the Crown Prosecution Service.
He currently serves as Chair of Hackney Thinking Spaces, Pro-Chancellor for Health at the University of Wolverhampton, Commissioner for the UK Commission on Bereavement, and Chair of the Windrush Advisory Group for the Black Equity Organisation.
Patrick said of this honour: “For me, it is a great honour to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to racial equality and social justice, reflecting more than 30 years of contribution across a range of sectors and issues.”
“I see this recognition not simply as a personal achievement, but as an opportunity to further tackle inequality and promote greater dialogue and engagement across the UK around the ongoing injustices faced by the Windrush Generation and migrant communities.”
“As we approach the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 2028, I remain committed to promoting and preserving the history and legacy of Windrush and migrant communities, including the campaign for the recovery of the anchor from the Empire Windrush ship.”
“This honour belongs to all the communities, colleagues and campaigners I have worked alongside over many years.”
