Professor Julia Black appointed Co-Chair of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership

The Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Julia Black CBE FBA FRSA as its new Co-Chair, succeeding Baroness Jan Royall, who steps down as her term as Principal of Somerville College comes to an end in September.

Professor Black brings a wealth of experience in public service, academia and policy, with a distinguished career spanning legal scholarship, financial regulation, and national leadership roles. Currently Warden of Nuffield College, Oxford and Professor of Law and Regulation at the University of Oxford, she is also a non-executive director of the Financial Conduct Authority and serves on the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology. She was President of the British Academy from 2021 to 2025 and has held senior leadership roles at the London School of Economics, including as interim Vice Chancellor. She is a widely respected leader with a deep commitment to social equity and supporting people to reach their potential.

Professor Julia Black said:

“The University and Colleges are an important component of Oxfordshire’s local economy, and I am delighted to be taking on this role with the OIEP and sharing its endeavour to create a more inclusive and equitable region.”

Baroness Jan Royall said:

“It has been a great privilege to help establish and lead the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership. I’ve been proud to work with such a committed and passionate group of partners who care deeply about creating opportunities for everyone in our region.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Julia Black will be taking on the role – her experience, insight and values make her the ideal person to help take OIEP forward.”

Jeremy Long, Co-Chair of the OIEP added:

“On behalf of the whole Partnership, our heartfelt thanks go Baroness Royall, who co-founded the OIEP and has been a driving force behind its development. A tireless advocate for equality and inclusion, Jan’s leadership and passion have been at the heart of the Partnership’s achievements and have helped shape a bold, collaborative approach to tackling inequality in Oxfordshire”

The OIEP remains a unique collaboration of over 100 organisations from across business, education, local government, and the voluntary and community sector, working together to build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy for all who live and work in Oxfordshire. They have a Charter which helps organisations to embed social value into their operations to work to improve lives of the county’s residents and reduce inequality. By signing the Charter, organisations become members of the partnership.