Benji Shoker

November 2023 - 2026

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Status: Co-opted

Position held; Governor
Responsibilities: Careers

Company Director, Related to a Company Director, Partner or Owner of any Business? None
Trusteeships and Governorships including other Schools and charities? None.
Appointed by Board of Governors. 
Attendance 2023/23: 5/5

Profile:

I have a lifelong commitment and passion in challenging discrimination, injustice and inequality. 

I grew up in Southall, west London and moved to the south west in late 1970’s. I became very aware of diversity issues and the many forms of discrimination impacting upon communities and young people, particularly as a young person myself growing up in London. This informed my decision to become a Youth & Community Worker and having secured a place at university at 18, a gap year soon turned into 10 years, which included extensive travel and working in the far east with communities experiencing inequalities, the treatment of girls and women, hate crimes, poverty, discrimination especially in the work place and Human Rights issues.  

Having formalised my studies thereafter, I worked both in a paid/unpaid capacity in the voluntary and statutory sector in Devon and Cornwall. Roles have included Head of Youth Offending Service in Plymouth, Director of Devon Racial Equality Council, Anti-Racism Task Force Manager, Youth & Community Development Manager, Equalities & Diversity Officer, Deputy Community Education Tutor, Senior Policy Officer. I was also one of the founder members of the Plymouth Racial Equality Council, Devon Racial Equality Council and Refugee First. 

I have served as a Board member on a number of strategic partnerships including Local Criminal Justice Board and Plymouth Safeguarding Children’s Board and have taken the lead for Domestic Violence & Abuse, Children’s Sexual Exploitation, Cyber Bullying, Drugs & Alcohol link to Mental Health and Public Protection.