Dr Katy Radford MBE appointed as Chair of British Council Northern Ireland
Dr Katy Radford MBE has been appointed the new Chair of British Council Northern Ireland’s Advisory Committee. She succeeds Alan Shannon, who steps down after completing two full terms as Chair over the past six years.
As Chair, Katy Radford will play an important role in steering the local advisory committee, which helps to ensure that British Council’s work in education and arts continues to connect internationally, leading to a better understanding of Northern Ireland and opportunities for collaboration.
Katy’s professional career has seen her work in both the community and arts sectors, working with young people and the most marginalised. She is a social anthropologist who currently serves on the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and is also the UK Electoral Commissioner appointed with responsibility for Northern Ireland.
She currently works at the Commission for Victims and Survivors. Previously she was a Vice Chair of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, and as a Member of the Commission for Flags, Identity, Culture, and Tradition convened by The Executive Office.
In 2021 Katy was awarded an MBE for her contribution to community relations in Northern Ireland.
Speaking about her appointment, Dr Katy Radford said: "It is privilege to be a part of the British Council's work locally reflecting and contributing to the organisation's transformation regionally, nationally and internationally."
Also welcoming her appointment, Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland said: “I am delighted that Dr Katy Radford MBE will take up the position as the next Chair of British Council Northern Ireland’s Advisory Committee. Katy’s hugely successful career across a wide range of arts and education sectors aligns well with our work in cultural relations and makes her an ideal Chair of the Committee. Her knowledge, experience and leadership will enrich our work in and on behalf of Northern Ireland and I look forward to working with Katy in building new opportunities for Northern Ireland to connect internationally.”
The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching. To find out more about their work in Northern Ireland visit nireland.britishcouncil.org or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
