Baroness Valerie Amos

Baroness Valerie Amos has spent her career at the intersection of public service, international affairs, education and social justice.

Born in Guyana, she went on to become one of the most significant Black figures in British public life. Appointed a life peer in 1997, she became the first Black woman to serve in a British Cabinet when she was appointed Secretary of State for International Development in 2003. She subsequently served as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council.

Her career has also taken her onto the international stage. She served as UK High Commissioner to Australia before becoming United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, a role she held from 2010 to 2015. She later became Director of SOAS, University of London.

In 2020, Baroness Amos became Master of University College, Oxford — the first woman to hold the position and the first Black head of an Oxford college. Her work has consistently reflected a commitment to equality, education, international development and creating opportunities for others.