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St Anne’s College University of Oxford
The Ship
The Ship 2018 – 2019
St Anne’s College
Woodstock Road • Oxford • OX2 6HS
+44 (0) 1865 274800
development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk
www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk
Registered charity number: 1142660 2018 – 2019
@StAnnesCollege
@StAnnesCollege St Anne’s College Record 2018 – 2019 • Number 108 • Annual Publication of the St Anne’s Society
COMMUNICATIONS calling 01865 284517. Please provide
Helen Nicholson College two business days’ notice to so
Keeping in contact with our alumnae and Alumnae Relations Officer that Development can notify Catering of
friends is vital to all that we do at College. +44 (0)1865 284517 additional numbers at lunch.
Most importantly, we want to help you helen.nicholson@st-annes.ox.ac.uk
keep in contact with each other after Disclaimer
you have left St Anne’s and to foster and Janette Gilbert The views and opinions expressed in arti-
nurture a global community of alumnae Communications Officer cles featured in The Ship are those of the
and friends of the College. +44 (0)1865 284834 authors and do not necessarily reflect the
janette.gilbert@st-annes.ox.ac.uk views of St Anne’s College. All alumnae are
You can update your details at any time, welcome to contribute to The Ship.
or opt out of communications, via our Hannah Olsen-Shaw If you would like to write an article get in
alumnae area online at Database and Research Officer touch with us at
www.alumniweb.ox.ac.uk/st-annes +44 (0)1865 274804 development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk
or you can get in touch with us at hannah.olsen-shaw@st-annes.ox.ac.uk
development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk Photographs (not credited inside):
Mary Rowe Except where otherwise credited in the
View our privacy notice at: Development Assistant magazine, all photos are © St Anne’s
www.alumniweb.ox.ac.uk/st-annes/ +44 (0)1865 284536 College or have been provided by the
privacy-notice mary.rowe@st-annes.ox.ac.uk authors.
PERSONAL NEWS Lost alumnae
Over the years the College has lost touch
Please send personal news for with some of our alumnae. We would very
The Ship 2019-2020 by email to much like to re-establish contact, invite
development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk them back to our events and send them
or by post to: our publications such as The Ship and
Annual Review. Please encourage your
Development Office contemporaries to contact us if they do not
St Anne’s College receive our communications and would
Oxford like to be back in touch.
St Anne’s College Record 2018-2019 Bristol & West Branch: Eve Phillips Front cover: Photography © Keith OX2 6HS
Number 108 Cambridge Branch: Sarah Beeson-Jones Barnes. Glasswork by Hazel Rossetti Dine in College
Annual Publication of the St Anne’s London Branch: Lynn Biggs DEVELOPMENT OFFICE CONTACTS: College is delighted to be able to offer
alumnae the option to lunch at St Anne’s
Society (formerly known as the Midlands Branch: Jane Darnton Inside front cover: Designed and printed by Windrush Group,
Robert Nodding on a Monday to Friday during term time
Association of Senior Members) North East Branch: David Royal Photography © Keith Barnes. Windrush House, Avenue Two, Station
Senior Development Officer (term dates). You are welcome to dine on
North West Branch: Lizzie Gent Lane, Witney, OX28 4XW
+44 (0)1865 284943 up to two days per term and also to have
Committee 2017-2018 Oxford Branch: Hugh Sutherland Inside back cover:
robert.nodding@st-annes.ox.ac.uk lunch with up to three guests in the Hall
President: Hugh Sutherland South of England Branch: Stella Photography © Keith Barnes. between 12 and 1.30 pm. Seating will be
Vice-President: Jackie Ingram Charman Rachel Shepherd with the students and costs £8 per person.
Honorary Secretary: Maureen Hazell Regular Giving and Stewardship Officer This includes two courses and coffee/tea.
Honorary Editor: Judith Vidal-Hall +44 (0)1865 284622 Book by emailing
Ex Officio: Helen King rachel.shepherd@st-annes.ox.ac.uk development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk or
Contents From the Editor – Judith Vidal-Hall 2 Devaki Jain Lecture: Eudine Barriteau 69 From the SAS President – Hugh Sutherland 3 From the JCR – Gagan Khurana 72 From the Principal – Helen King 4 Student News 73 From the Librarian – Clare White 7 College News 76 From the Development Office – Kate Davy 10 Fellows’ News 78 Community Week and Giving Day 13 Alumnae publications 80 Alex on Giving 14 Events 81 COSARAF Foundation - Jonathan Freeman 15 College News: Aim for Oxford 82 Anniversaries: Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act - Jo Delahunty 18 Darcey Bussell at St Anne’s - Thomas Robertson 83 Anniversaries: The women who made Ireland - Patrick Gaul 22 Alumnae News 85 Anniversaries: Forty years on - Roger Crisp 26 Human Papilloma Virus - Diane Ackerley 87 Weidenfield Translation Prize - JVH 29 Silly Monkeys - Robert Gardner 90 Tribute: Amos Oz - Jonathan Freedland 31 Prison Reading Groups - Sarah Turvey 91 Centre for Personalised Medicine - Jason Torres 34 Self Publishing - Ann Revill 94 Anniversaries: Iris Murdoch Centenary 36 Publications 96 Oxford Letter - Sister Frances Dominica ASSP 39 In Memoriam 99 Careers: Peace keeping with the UN - Peter N Due 42 Obituaries 100 Domestic Bursar - John Banbrook 44 Donations 112 Profile: Raymond Killick 46 Gaudy and Alumni Weekend 2019 119 Profile: Tom Ilube 49 SAS Branch reports 51 SAS London - Adam Smith 57 Gaudy Seminar 2018: Howard Hotson 59 Russell Taylor column 67
From the Editor From the SAS President
Future Imperfect Look to the future
HUGH SUTHERLAND
A year of nationwide uncertainty sixth form students from the North East. As ever, space prevents my doing justice It's a time of change in the College or ambition a representative body
before and behind countered by the This is a key aspect of the University and to everything in the issue. To mention just and the University. Is it also time and cannot have a formal voice in the
progress of important initiatives in St Anne’s outreach programme committed a few pieces that reflect issues currently to rethink the role and purpose governance or running of the College.
the University and St Anne’s to ensuring that the opportunities of an in the news: Jason Torres unpicks the of the SAS?
An obvious purpose we could take up is
Oxford education are accessible to all, tangled ethics of genetic engineering;
Forgive me if I begin by more or less Defining the purpose of the St Anne’s fund raising. There is a point of view that
regardless of background. Sister Frances Dominica challenges us with
repeating myself. Little has changed for Society is difficult. We have a ship, we says that the prospect of being asked for
the news that in one of the UK’s richest
the better in the UK in the past year, if A project that has been significantly are captains of our destiny, but we lack a money is a barrier to members engaging
cities, rough sleeping has doubled in the
anything, things are worse: the Brexit furthered by the support of the COSARAF mission. The constitution of the Society with the SAS. Raising funds through
past year; and though we may think we live
impasse, a mind-numbing contest for the Foundation’s Sheikh Family Scholarship uses wording which is wide in scope and charging for events is disproportionately
in unprecedented times, Adam Smith and
Tory leadership and a toxic internecine Programme for Muslim students in which potential for interpretation: ‘preserve risky: it is quite hard to make an event
Howard Hotson remind us that even the branches in facilitating members meeting,
battle in the Labour Party continue to St Anne’s is a key participant. This unique and strengthen links’, ‘keeping in touch’, successful and harder still to reliably
most intractable contemporary issues have exchanging ideas and making friendships
dominate the media, while the ‘democratic project will significantly advance diversity ‘the exchange of ideas’. That wording is return a surplus. Oxford has a reputation
parallels in the past. where they live. Having gone out into the
deficit’ of our parliamentary system in the University and begin to redress admirable in its lack of constraints, but also as an accumulation of great wealth and
a bit vague and so not much help in setting world with what our time at St Anne’s gave
and a loss of faith in politics generally the paucity of Muslim students in UK We don’t get a lot of feedback on The Ship power. Fund raising from the wider public
out a mission or objectives. Much of the us, there will be a time to acknowledge
is increasingly apparent. Thanks to the Universities. but one of the few comments we have is a big ask so members are an important
hard work with which the Society became that influence, to return and to give back,
inimitable Alex and his creator Russell had was that unlike many publications source of donations and a validation of the
Once again, we have some important but that must be at a time and in a way we
Taylor we need say no more on this. circulating around the University, our involved in the past is now done wholly donations of others. But fund raising is an
anniversaries to celebrate. While 1918 saw decide.
magazine was ‘totally unthrowawayable’. by capable and dedicated professionals activity that is increasingly tightly regulated
Meanwhile, neither the University nor the granting of the vote and the right to
And that, of course, is entirely due to the – maintaining a directory of members, and must be done in a way that ensures This is the final year of my tenure as
St Anne’s has allowed events to block sit as MPs to (some) women, Jo Delahunty
variety, range, experience and skill of our organising events, encouraging donations. members’ data and rights are respected. President and nominations for the post
important developments over the past recalls a less well-known, but possibly
contributors. I thank you all who over the Some of those professionals are employed and for the committee generally are
year. As we went to press we heard that even more significant step on the road There is a tendency to see the SAS as
years have not only kept The Ship afloat, by the College; the University also does most welcome. You can contact the Hon
an unprecedented £150 million grant to equality, the 1919 Sex Discrimination drawing people back to the time, the
but made it the rich vessel it is. The person similar work, even leading with initiatives Secretary through the College. I would
from US billionaire Stephen Schwarzman, (Removal) Act. And Patrick Gaul reminds us place and the experiences that played
who has more than anyone over the past in areas such as mentoring and faculty like to thank the committee and the
will fund the building of a Humanities of the role played by Ireland’s women in its such a big part in their lives. We might
nine years ensured this was possible, is networks. College staff for their patience and help. In
Centre and, more important to many, will fight for emancipation and independence. seek to complement that tendency by
Kate Davy of the Development Office. She's particular, I would like to thank Jules Foster,
put the University at the cutting edge of We can reflect on what the Society should emphasising the mission to tell the world
And our own particular anniveraries? Roger recently moved on, but I want to thank her Kate Davy and Ali Albrecht for their work
the development of AI and enable it to not or cannot do. The members of College about what goes on at St Anne’s now, that
Crisp, now a Fellow of the College, recalls one last time for all the time, energy and in contributing to make the Development
‘construct an ethical framework’ at a time are a source of wisdom and advice, so all members of the SAS, including current
the moment that changed St Anne’s for patience she put into the magazine over Office so successful in a demanding period
of rapid change.' the strong links are important to make students, are welcome to take part, that
ever: the arrival of the men 40 years ago; the years we worked together. of transition and change, and to wish them
sure the Principal and Fellows are able it is a marvellous institution and should
And there is good news for St Anne’s too. and we celebrate the centenary of one of well in their future endeavours.
Judith Vidal-Hall (Bunting 1957) to consult with members on their views. be supported. As part of that objective we
In May, the Principal launched the Aim for the best known members of St Anne’s, Iris
However, the Society is not by constitution would put greater emphasis on the role of Hugh Sutherland, (1983)
Oxford programme for state-educated Murdoch.
2 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 3
From the Principal From the Principal
rising by almost a quarter since 2014. In contextualised form, so that tutors can developing these schemes and gaining
Reaching out 2017 over 21,500 applicants (nearly all
of whom had top grades, school support
understand how a candidate compares
with other applicants from similar
University-wide support for them. The
initiatives also have the support of St
HELEN KING and convincing personal statements) schools. Interviews are designed to Anne’s Governing Body and we hope in
St Anne’s was one of the first doing really well academically, with a competed for about 3,300 places. In take applicants beyond what they have due course to welcome students to the
colleges to reach out to students generous automatic bursary, enjoying the most competitive subjects, it is been prepared for and to explore their College through both new routes. Once
from ‘under-represented himself playing University sport. only possible to interview fewer than a potential for thriving in the tutorial fully rolled out, Opportunity Oxford will
backgrounds’. Now, despite third of applicants. Departments now system of teaching. provide 200 places a year to students
criticism, the University itself has That student is one of many who co-ordinate admissions so as to ensure who have achieved the standard Oxford
rolled out new initiatives to further motivate us to continue to spend The huge care taken by tutors during
College choice does not prevent the best offer grades whilst experiencing home
that cause over £100k a year as a college on our admissions has produced progress in
candidates overall from being the ones and/or school disadvantage (captured
outreach work. We go into schools, making the student body at Oxford
Over the past 12 months I have been to receive offers. This results in one in nationally recognised measures). Any
attend university and careers fairs more diverse and more representative
working with Governing Body and in four offers of a place being from a gaps in their teaching and confidence
and welcome school and other youth of the brightest and most ambitious
College Officers on a wide range of College that is not the one the candidate will be addressed through a summer
groups to St Anne’s in order to raise students in the UK. Just one (very
initiatives and plans that take forward applied to. ‘bridging’ programme. The ambition
aspirations of pupils, teachers and imperfect) way of measuring this is
the College Purpose (The Ship 2017-2018 for Foundation Oxford is to select
parents. We provide them with accurate Some schools and families are able that in 2018 more than 60 per cent of
pp7-9). St Anne’s has a proud history of up to 50 students a year who have
information about what it is like to to offer a huge amount of academic, Oxford’s UK freshers came from state
making an Oxford education accessible experienced severe educational or
study at Oxford and guidance about practical and emotional support to schools. However, this still compares
to under-represented individuals and social disadvantage (such as in care, an
how to apply. Our Outreach Officer, pupils preparing for the admissions with 73.2 per cent of A-Level students
groups, so in The Ship this year I wanted asylum seeker or significantly disrupted
tutors and student helpers are fantastic process and run special sessions and achieving at least three A’s at A-Level
to update you on what we are doing to educational background) for a one
ambassadors for St Anne’s. They are events for their Oxbridge applicants. being state educated. You can find more
ensure this continues to be the case and year, funded, Foundation Year, which, if
all involved in University Open Days This often includes intensive preparation data and other comparisons in the
that we’re not missing out on talented successfully completed, will give them
and I can’t recommend these events for admissions tests and interviews. annual data release on the University’s
students from schools and communities the knowledge and skills to flourish in
more highly for any secondary school Other candidates have none of website, which shows that progress,
that don’t have a tradition of sending see applying to Oxford as an attractive the first year of their undergraduate
pupil, or teacher or parent of bright and these advantages and may well be in while significant is also quite slow.
pupils to Oxbridge. or realistic option, often because of degree.
ambitious students. In 2019 these take schools where the teachers’ focus is,
Concern about the pace of change led
stereotypes and misinformation they understandably, on helping other pupils These programmes don’t replace the
In the College’s Purpose, we committed place on 3 and 4 July, and 20 September. to the University’s announcement in
have been exposed to. One of our to achieve C, D or E grades. College’s outreach work. In fact they
to being the ‘home of choice for the St Anne’s will be open from breakfast May 2019 of two initiatives that should
current, first-generation-at-university make it even more important that we
brightest and most ambitious students, and throughout the day. Please see the Admissions tutors at Oxford are increase the proportion of students from
students shared the following: his Gran share news of these opportunities
including those from under-represented website for details. provided with contextual data on under-represented and disadvantaged
had told him, ‘People like us don’t go with the pupils who will benefit from
backgrounds’. Broadly there are two candidates, including the area where backgrounds from the current level of
to Oxford’, his Dad had said, ‘I can’t The second challenge is how we ensure them. St Anne’s has decided to take a
main challenges in achieving this goal. they live and the schools they have 15 per cent to 25 per cent in the next
afford for you to go to Oxford’, and his all applicants have a fair chance of leading role in our link region of North
The first is to provide information, attended pre-16 and post-16 as well five years. I’ve been Deputy Chair of
teacher had said, ‘Don’t apply to Oxford, receiving an offer in the admissions East England by launching a new two-
insight and inspiration to bright and as whether they have been in care. the Admissions Committee, whose
you’ll have much more fun at another process. Oxford admissions are more year programme for less advantaged,
ambitious students who currently don’t Grades at GCSE are also provided in a members have played a key role in
university’. Of course he is now here, competitive than ever with applications academically able sixth formers, called
4 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 5
From the Principal From the Librarian
Art at St Anne’s
CLARE WHITE
It’s very different from the Old Singer Sargent. Thus the collection
Masters in some other places, but began before the Society of Oxford
the St Anne’s art collection includes Home-Students even had a premises of
some of the most eminent names its own in which to display the works.
of the twentieth century The tradition of portraits of principals
has continued with likenesses of Grace
As well as being rich in awe-inspiring
Hadow, Eleanor Plumer, Lady Mary
buildings, books and brilliant minds,
Ogilvie, Baroness Ruth Deech and Tim
Oxford is home to some impressive art
Gardam keeping a watchful eye over the
collections. At St Anne’s we may lack the Edward Lear, The Quarries of Syracuse,
buildings and rooms which bear their
type of Old Masters hanging in Christ Sicily, Italy.
names.
Church’s Picture Gallery, but we do have
subsequently gave the painting to
an extensive and interesting collection Portraits at St Anne’s are not limited
the College. As the saying goes, every
featuring names as significant as Pablo to principals. The seminar rooms
picture tells a story.
Picasso, John Minton, Paul Nash, Edward named after Fellows Gwynneth
Lear, Walter Richard Sickert, Marie- Matthews and Margaret Hubbard each Another portrait with an interesting
Above: The launch of the Aim for Oxford programme at St James’ Park: (from left to right): Joseph Turner, Current Student, Bronwyn Riani, Current Louise von Motesiczky and Barbara contain drawings of their namesakes. story is that of Philosophy Fellow, Dame
Student, Tom Ilube CBE, Advisory Fellow, Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, Helen King, Principal, Ryan Dornan, JCR Access Rep, Hepworth. Interestingly their creator is a St Iris Murdoch, painted by Marie-Louise
Gagan Khurana, JCR President Anne’s alumna, Dr Judith Tucker, who von Motesiczky. Marie-Louise was
The art collection exists mainly thanks
matriculated in 1978 to read Fine a Jewish émigré who fled her native
to generous donations from former
Art and who remains an artist and Austria in 1938. The two women met
Aim for Oxford (see p.82). This has to provide opportunities to those who my lasting hope that their experience students, tutors, principals and friends
academic. In a further pleasing twist, through the writer Elias Canetti and
been designed to provide some of the will benefit most from them. In turn, at Oxford will equip them in every way of the College. The Book of Benefactors
Judith, along with her sister Catherine, became friends. When Iris resigned
types of guidance and support more every student from this generation will to address the many important issues held in the College archives records
appears as the subject of a painting her post at St Anne’s in order to
advantaged pupils enjoy and to generate benefit from socialising, making friends that it appears my generation has failed the first gifts in the 1920s as portraits,
by the Welsh artist Claudia Williams, concentrate on writing, the College
a supportive peer group for students and learning with and from others from to grasp. In this way, I believe that drawings and photographs of the first
Two Children with a Cat. At the time wanted to have her portrait painted as
who may be the only one from their the widest range of backgrounds. Of increased diversity of Oxford students two principals, Bertha Johnson and
the painting was made, Judith’s parting gift. Iris suggested her friend
school aspiring to a top university. course, they take the understanding has the potential to change the world Christine Burrows, as well as early
father was a colleague of Gwynneth’s for the commission, writing in a letter
they gain from this experience with resoundingly for the better for us all. supporters of women’s education in
I’m proud, and I hope you are too, to at the University of North Wales to the Principal, ‘I admire her work very
them when they graduate. Many will Oxford. Several of these are pastels by
be a part of a College and a University Helen King Principal in Bangor. He gave the painting to much & I think she is not well enough
go on to careers where they have the Jane Emmet de Glehn, the US portrait
that is determined not to rest smugly Gwynneth and Margaret, with whom known in England.’ Mindful of the
opportunity to change the world. It is painter, wife of British Impressionist
on its laurels, but constantly to seek he remained friends, and the tutors cost, Iris also requested to be allowed
Wilfred de Glehn and friend of John
6 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 7
From the Librarian From the Librarian
to pay the difference between the Whereas most of the art works at Society (or the Association of Senior Members as it was known
contribution offered by the College and St Anne’s have been donated to the at that time).
Marie-Louise’s normal fee. The finished College, Nash’s Poised Objects, 1932
Along with Harding and Barley a further sizeable donation
portrait, which depicts Iris against a belongs to a group of pieces that were
from another alumna, Honor Balfour (PPT, 1931), ensures
background of the sea and the prow actively collected, slightly surprisingly, by
that St Anne’s is never short of art work to decorate its
of a ship (no doubt in reference to the the JCR. In the 1950s and 1960s several
walls and to inspire, challenge and occasionally provoke its
ship as an emblem of the College), of the JCRs across the University took
staff and students. The pieces can be found throughout the
was received with mixed opinions by part in a scheme to buy contemporary
College, carefully curated over the past three decades by the
the Fellows of St Anne’s. Lady Ogilvie art for their own colleges, with some
designated Fine Arts Fellow – first Dr Ann Pasternak Slater
wrote in a thank you letter to Iris, ‘Not of the works even being displayed as
followed by Professor Kathryn Sutherland until her retirement
everybody likes it as a picture of the Iris an exhibition of JCR pictures at the
in 2017. Together the paintings act as mini exhibitions –
we knew, but everyone agrees that it Ashmolean in 1950. The JCR collection
Hepworth’s Aegean Suite in the corridor of Hartland House,
is a powerful and impressive picture.’ at St Anne’s includes fauvist and
the modernist pieces of the Barley collection in the foyer and
Troubled by the thought that College expressionist styles with works by
seminar rooms of the Ruth Deech Building, the botanical
should be paying towards a painting not Georges Braque, Georges Rouault and
illustrations from Shirley Sherwood’s collection in a seminar
everyone liked, Iris subsequently offered John Houston.
room in 48 Woodstock – whilst Fellows and staff are able
to pay the entire fee for the portrait
The war artist and surrealist painter Paul to choose individual favourites for their offices. The overall
and asked that the sum of money
Nash features in two other collections at collection is as eclectic as our architecture, perfectly reflecting
contributed by her former colleagues
St Anne’s which were donated by former the style, atmosphere and ethos of the College. In fact, the
towards this controversial leaving Marie-Louise von Motesiczky, Iris Murdoch. ©
Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust students Beryl Harding (Medicine, 1917) only place you will not find any paintings and portraits, in
present instead ‘be devoted to books for
2019. Harris and Marjorie Mynard Barley contrast to other Oxford colleges, is in the Dining Hall. After all,
the Library’. It would seem that in the
(Modern Languages, 1947), both avid as we proudly say in our video St Anne’s: Your Oxford College,
end, the College benefitted doubly from their 2017 exhibition The Working Artist:
collectors of modern art. Amongst ‘You wouldn’t want a dead guy staring at you while you eat.’
Iris’ generosity. The East London Group. These works are
the pieces in the Harding collection
particularly interesting because they Clare White is the Librarian at St Anne’s
Motesiczky’s Portrait of Iris Murdoch are works by Eric Gill and Gertrude
have been painted on the front and back
was loaned from St Anne’s in 2007 for a Hermes from the 1920s-1940s alongside
of the same canvas. The Signal Box, which
touring exhibition of galleries in Austria, watercolour landscapes by Paul Nash
is the piece the Nunnery Gallery wanted
Germany and the UK marking the and his younger brother John. The Barley
to display, has been partly written over
centenary of the painter’s birth. Other collection spans the twentieth century
(we assume by Hawthorne) and the
paintings in the College collection have with a particular focus on the 1980s, but
front of the framed canvas shows the
also been loaned to London galleries also includes earlier pieces by both Nash
work Landscape with House. The Nunnery
for more recent exhibitions. Paul Nash’s brothers. Images of a small selection of
Gallery was able to display the work in
Poised Objects, 1932, appeared in the works in the Barley collection were used
a custom-made plinth so that visitors
2016 Nash exhibition at Tate Britain to illustrate a Commonplace Book, which
to the exhibition could view the framed
and two paintings by Elwin Hawthorne some readers may recall was produced
work from both sides to see the two
were loaned to the Nunnery Gallery for in 2006 by members of the St Anne’s Paul Nash’s Poised Objects, 1932
paintings.
8 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 9
From the Development Office From the Development Office
Professional fundraising is now a key Events
Developing Development area for the University and its colleges,
and the growth of the Development
Over 220 events of all
different shapes and
KATE DAVY Office reflects this. sizes have been held
After a decade of expansion both office of seven though technically only the Director of Development and news since 2010 including
in staff and its range of activities, six people in terms of working hours. will be shared as soon as possible. We’ve raised a fantastic £23.6m since the Alumni Weekend
the Development Office is facing a In August, we will be joined by Janette 2010 from 3,793 donors! This includes and Gaudy each
time of change. Kate Davy, who has Gilbert as Communications Officer and Fundraising £1.1m in donations for the Kitchen, September, year and
been in the office in different roles Helen Nicholson as Alumnae Relations Given the extraordinary challenges of £8.6m in donations for the new Library, subject reunions, St
for the past nine years, and has Officer as we say a sad farewell and funding higher education in the UK, and over £3m for bursaries and a further Anne’s in the City, a
played a pivotal role in so much of thanks to Ali Albrecht who is returning in particular Oxford’s highly intensive £4.5m for other areas including welfare, fundraising dinner
this, looks back at her time with St home to the US. There have been teaching methods, the support we outreach, the library and travel grants. and auction in 2011,
Anne’s changes to roles since 2010 so that we receive from you is vital. Without your We continue to hold our annual and the Royal Charter
can focus on different areas of activity help many of the buildings that make telethon and we are about to trial this celebration in 2012.
As many of you will know, Jules Foster, including communications, database up St Anne’s today would not exist, our in September instead of January. Our Over 3,000 alumnae
students really enjoy talking to alumnae have attended Family Day
Director of Development, has moved to management, thanking our donors and library would have far fewer books and
a fantastic new role at the International supporters, and careers and internships. we would not have been able to reach and raising essential funds for the different events as our Family Day, were added following
Red Cross and after nine very happy Recruitment is currently underway for out to as many prospective students. College with Direct Debits helping us to over the past nine years (though I am direct feedback that we needed to do
years at St Anne’s, I will be moving to a plan for the future. not sure that I have managed to meet more to cater for families and friends of
position in the University of Oxford. It’s everyone). St Anne’s. All alumnae are welcome to
an exciting time for the Development Over the past nine years, we have
host their own reunions in College. The
Office and I’ve been asked to write tried to replicate St Anne’s pioneering There are plenty of events in the pipeline Development Office will work with you to
the Development Office report for The approach and looked for different for the coming months and I encourage select dates, send event invitations and
Ship in which I will reflect on some of ways to fundraise – experimenting with you to come. Many events have talks will oversee all logistics for the reunion
the changes and our achievements crowd-funding for student projects for given by our world-leading researchers as needed. You just need to share the
over the past nine years. I hope this instance – and this year, ahead of other and provide excellent food for thought event within your own networks.
will also provide an overview of the colleges and universities in the UK, we on the day. We also provide excellent
held our first ever Community Week and food from our kitchen! We know that
different areas of our work and if you Volunteering
would like to know more, or want to get Giving Day (See p13). sometimes people worry that they won’t A big area of change has been the
involved, please get in touch with us at know anyone but we assure you that development of careers and internships.
development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk. I’d like to thank everyone who has given even if that is the case, you will be made In 2010, just a handful of opportunities
to St Anne’s both during these years and to feel welcome. were available to students. Through the
The team previously. Your support has made, and
Danson Foundation, Mike and Helen
The Development Office had just continues to make, a huge difference to We welcome ideas from alumnae to get Danson generously support St Anne’s
grown from three people to five when the lives of our students and the College more people coming back to College and students through bursaries and also
I joined in 2010 and we are now an community. some of the most recent additions, such internships available exclusively to our
The New Library and Academic Centre
10 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 11
From the Development Office Community Week and Giving Day
students each summer. 109 students produced nine Annual Reviews, over
have received Danson bursaries and 184 40 email newsletters (I know that many I would like to take this opportunity to Community Week and Giving Day 2019
internships have been undertaken since of you have commented over the thank Judith Vidal-Hall for all the work
2012. Thanks to alumnae and friends, years that you know my name from that she puts into The Ship every year
The success of St Anne’s first Giving quiz and College Dash.
other companies including ByBox, CQS, various emails), fundraising and event and for our time working together. For
Day has ensured the progress of • A telethon with student callers getting
Delta Holdings and Deutsche Boerse brochures, the College History with David me ‘the mag’ (as she fondly calls it) gets
important projects in the College in touch with alumnae for 30 of the 36
have also provided internships. This Smith and many other things. I hope you better every year with a greater range
St Anne’s prides itself on being ahead of the hours that the giving day was running,
summer there will be 36 internships have enjoyed reading these as much of articles and contributors. I know that
curve and at the end of February leading to starting at 8am on the Friday morning
taking place altogether, plus three as I have enjoyed working with Fellows, Judith puts in a huge amount of work
1 and 2 March St Anne’s held its first ever and calling around the world.
students will undertake a year in Japan. staff and students to find out the latest and I hope that she knows that this is
news, hear about their research and appreciated not just by me but by all Community Week and Giving Day. We were • Alumnae and friends getting involved as
In 2013, the first careers day was achievements, and find out a whole host in the St Anne’s community. Thank you amazed at just how many of our alumnae Social Ambassadors and sharing content
held and this has now evolved into a of things about the St Anne’s community Judith for all our time working together. and friends came together to get involved on Facebook and Twitter.
programme of CV clinics and workshops in order to produce them. I never cease – there was a great buzz around College in • Matched funding offered by alumnae
throughout the year with more to be amazed at the different stories and I’ve enjoyed meeting so many alumnae the Week and on the Day. that doubled the value of gifts made at
than 52 students able to meet with remarkable lives of our people. over the years, working with the St Thanks to your support the campaign certain times and in certain ways. Giving Day 2020
alumnae for advice in Michaelmas term Anne’s Society, and being a part of raised £99,627 and had 428 donors. Fifty- • Communications sent by post, email and Following the success of 2019, we are
2018. Feedback indicates that many I certainly feel that our communications the College. I am going to miss the St five donors under 30 donated, 27 of them on social media planning a Giving Day for February 2020.
students were applying for jobs and/or have become more streamlined since Anne’s community very much. And for the first time, and 151 people who We hope to make it even bigger and better
It is thanks to your generosity during the
wanted to update their CV. A review is 2010 and improvements to our database I am sure that the next chapter for hadn’t given in the last five years also gave. than 2019 and welcome any ideas you
Giving Day that we will be able to fund the
currently underway so that our careers allow us to take your preferences into the Development team will be just as have for this. We’d like to bring together
We had lots of positive feedback about this first year of our Aim for Oxford programme
programme for students can be further consideration in a way we never could exciting and full of change as my time as many St Anne’s members as possible
exciting new form of fundraising, including for disadvantaged and under-represented
tailored for 2019/20. when I first started. You can get in here! to further strengthen the bond between
from alumnus and parent Dan Morrow 6th form students in North East England.
We continue to work closely with the St touch with us at any time to update our alumnae and to grow our community
(Modern History, 1997) who said, ‘I thought Read more on p.x. Your donations will also
Anne’s Society, as well as other alumnae these – if you’d rather only receive Kate Davy, Deputy Director by holding even more events across the
the Giving day was superb and really help us to provide the very best welfare
who offer venues for events and their communications by email, or you only of Development and Head of UK and around the world. If you would like
showcased how progressive and forward support services, helping new students
time as speakers – most recently Eva want event invitations, just let us know. Communications to help host an event, support us as an
thinking the College has become. It made cope with the practical, academic and
Kurz (1983) gave this term’s ‘Be Well, ambassador, or donate matched funding
me very proud indeed as an alumnus as emotional challenges of transitioning to
Do Well’ talk. There are now so many to encourage your contemporaries to give,
well as a Dad.’ Thank you very much to University, as well as supporting the Annual
different ways to get involved and If you’d like to write an article, get involved with careers, volunteer for the St then we would love to hear from you.
everyone who took part. Fund.
volunteer to support St Anne’s and our Anne’s Society, make a donation, update your preferences, come along to our
students. Whether you made a gift, spread the Get in touch with
events (or hold your own), visit the College and/or dine in hall (see inside back There were lots of different elements to the
word as an ambassador, offered matched development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk.
cover), then contact us at development@st-annes.ox.ac.uk. The team would love Week and Day including:
Communications funding, set a challenge or got involved Rachel Shepherd, Regular Giving and
Since 2010, I’ve worked with Judith to hear from you and we look forward to welcoming you back to St Anne’s. • A bake off, puppy-petting session, with one of our Community Week events, Stewardship Officer and Kate Davy,
Vidal-Hall on nine editions of The Ship, lecture and drinks reception in New thank you again for your support. Deputy Director of Development and Head
York, outreach discussion and dinner, of Communications
12 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 13
Alex on Giving COSARAF Foundation
Righting the balance
JONATHAN FREEMAN
Muslims make up 7 per cent of the others, is not attracting the full spread supporting young Muslims, we know
UK population and 15 per cent of of talent that it should be welcoming to that far too many bright and capable
16-24-year-olds, but only 0.5 per benefit from its amazing support. young students in Muslim communities
cent of students at Oxford. The simply don’t feel they will be welcomed by
Wind forward 30+ years and I am now
COSARAF Foundation joins with universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
honoured to support the trustees of the
St Anne’s to start the process of COSARAF Foundation in launching an Put simply:
change exciting new university scholarship scheme
Access to Russell Group universities is
Back in 1986, an ambitious over-confident to support young Muslim students at
far from ‘fair’1 for those from poorer
young student from a comprehensive four leading academic institutions, which
backgrounds and those from certain
school decided that he would apply includes St Anne’s and which was launched
ethnic minorities, particularly Pakistani and
to Oxford University. He wasn’t alone; at College at the end of April. I am so proud
Bangladeshi, which comprise the majority
ten others from his school, urged on that my old college, which welcomed me
of UK Muslims communities. Evidence
by teachers who wanted the best for so very warmly all those years ago and
shows that ‘students from some minority
their students, applied to Oxford and supported me so well, is at the forefront
ethnic groups are significantly less likely
Cambridge. The young student got a place, of this important new initiative as part of
to attend higher status institutions. ...
admittedly by the skin of his teeth, to its wider commitment to become the most
For average applications from Pakistani
study PPE at St Anne’s College – one of his diverse college in Oxford.
candidates, the model predicted seven
friends got a place at Balliol and two others David Lammy MP’s well-publicised additional rejections per 100 applications
went to Cambridge. Not a bad result for campaign highlighting the worrying lack compared with the number from
a comprehensive school, even one from of young black students being accepted comparable white British applications.2
Surrey. at Oxford University and Stormzy’s
Muslim and other minority ethnic students
You will have guessed that I was that young scholarship programme for black students
also know, and the evidence unfortunately
student. When I set my sights on Oxford, at Cambridge University have brought to
backs them up, that they probably won’t
like most applicants I worried that I wasn’t public attention the important issues of
do as well as their peers even if they do get
bright enough; I worried that I might not fit access and diversity at our top universities.
a place. The Higher Education Academy’s
in and I worried that I might not be able to The COSARAF Foundation has focussed
2012 report found that:
cope with the stress. However, I never really on the position of young Muslim students.
worried that Oxford wasn’t for someone Why? Because according to the Oxford […] even after controlling for the majority
like me. Sadly, that is the case today for too University Islamic Society, Muslims of contributory factors (prior attainment,
many young people from minority ethnic comprise 7 per cent of the UK population subject of study, age, gender, disability,
and lower socio-economic backgrounds. and 15 per cent of 16-24 year olds, but deprivation, type of HE institution attended,
This means that the University, like so many only 0.5 per cent of students at Oxford. type of Level 3 qualifications, mode of
From our other work at the Foundation study, term-time accommodation and
14 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 15COSARAF Foundation COSARAF Foundation
ethnicity), being from a minority ethnic St Anne’s Fellows gave their backing to this comprehensive school student, somewhat every possible background – who today
group (except the Other Black, Mixed and new scheme – and to hosting the launch daunted by the history and reputation might dismiss the thought of applying to
Other groups) was still found to have a event as well. I have also been grateful of Oxford, I was encouraged to apply somewhere like St Anne’s to think again
statistically significant and negative effect for the support provided by Tom Ilube and supported throughout my time by and recognise that they have just as much
on degree attainment..3 CBE, Honorary Advisory Fellow, whose reassuring, tolerant and understanding right as anyone to study at this wonderful
leadership on matters of diversity at the staff across College. My fervent hope is place.
There are also additional pressures on
College has been superb (p.58). that these new scholarships, coupled
Muslim students, particularly around
with the College’s wider drive to properly Jonathan Freeman (1987) is CEO of
student finance, with the government’s St. Anne’s has a proud history of inclusion
widen access to all communities, will COSARAF Foundation and Managing Director
promise in 2014 to introduce Shariah- and equity – and bravery in challenging
enable young Muslims – and others from of Earlsbrook Consulting Ltd
compliant student loans still not having unfairness and social barriers. As a
been delivered.
This all really matters. It matters for
reasons of fairness and equity but
also because of the importance of
higher education to social mobility
and to integration. The Social Mobility Year 10 students from Mulberry Academy Shoreditch visiting the College as part of the
Commission’s recent report painted a stark COSARAF launch event.
picture of the consequences of this issue:
Foundation has launched the Sheikh Family cohesion, as well as a commitment to
Inequitable access to high status
Scholarship Programme. The programme public and community service. With a
universities, compounded by young
will provide graduate and undergraduate split between students on undergraduate
Muslims having significantly lower degree
scholarships to Muslim students from courses and those pursuing studies
attainment than their white non-Muslim
poor backgrounds, and preferably to first- with a view to becoming faith leaders,
peers, inhibits subsequent access to
generation university students, at St Anne’s the Foundation’s overall scheme is an
high status employment and thus has
College, Oxford University, Cambridge investment in the future of UK Muslim
direct implications for social mobility. The
University, Warwick University and the communities and wider society as a whole.
practices and policies of higher education
Open University at Cambridge Muslim
are at times enacted in ways which feel This programme represents a significant
College. In addition to funding support
discriminatory or racist. These practices and ground-breaking package of support L-R: Tom Ilube CBE, Advisory Fellow, St Anne’s. Farouq Sheikh, Trustee, COSARAF Foundation; Helen King QPM, Principal, St Anne’s.
of up to £10,000 per year, each Scholar Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP, for Tooting and Shadow Minister for Sport; Asad Ahmad, Reporter and Presenter, BBC London News (Asad was
are often under-challenged or under- to promote access to leading universities
will receive a package of tailored support our compere for the event). Hafsa, Sheikh Family Scholar, University of Warwick; Yaqub Eneborg, Sheikh Family Scholar, Cambridge Muslim
addressed, which can contribute to young in the UK for Muslim students from
including a personal mentor, a paid College; Haroon Sheikh, Chairman, COSARAF Foundation
Muslims feeling unsupported or not working class backgrounds, in line with
summer internship in a leading charity and
accessing support. This can, in turn, result the COSARAF Foundation’s commitments
access to a leadership support programme.
in them aiming low, and thus being unable to enabling young people to realise their 1
Vikki Boliver (2013), How Fair is Access to More Prestigious British 3
Higher Education Academy (2012), Black and minority ethnic student degree
to achieve their potential.4 These scholarships will provide long-term potential and building strong and cohesive Universities? British Journal of Sociology 64 (2): 195-382 retention and attainment
support to develop leadership within UK communities. 2
Philip Noden, Michael Shiner, and Tariq Modood (2014), ‘University offer 4
Jacqueline Stevenson, Sean Demack, Bernie Stiell, Muna Abdi, Lisa Clarkson,
Against this backdrop, and given its rates for candidates from different ethnic categories’, Oxford Review of Farhana Ghaffar, Shaima Hassan (2017) The Social Mobility Challenges Faced
Muslim communities, across all walks of
commitment to enabling young people I was delighted that, with the strong Education 40 (3) by Young Muslims, Social Mobility Commission
life, to enable enduring integration and
to realise their potential, the COSARAF personal backing of Principal Helen King,
16 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 17Anniversaries: Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 Anniversaries: Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919
Equality: where are we now?
JO DELAHUNTY
This year marks the centenary of to the case that challenged the
the Sex Disqualification (Removal) exclusion of women from the
Act 1919. It was a first step on the legal profession. The court ruled
road to equality for women, but that women were incapable of
there is still a long road to travel carrying out a public function
argues a distinguished barrister in common law: a disability that
must remain ‘unless and until’
As I write this article there are 238 days left
Parliament changed the law. ‘Are 1913: Gwyneth Bebb (R) and Maud Ingram
to the centenary of the Sex Disqualification
Men Lawyers Afraid of Women’s following the loss of their case in the Court of
(Removal) Act 1919. How many people
Brains?’ asked the (mostly) Appeal
know the significance of that Act? Many
sympathetic press. The publicity
readers may think the pivotal moment
helped to mobilise a campaign
in women’s fight for equality was when Doctor of Civil Law and in 1956 she was
for equality.
women over 30 got the right to vote elected an Honorary Fellow of St Anne’s.
under the Representation of the People After repeated bills in
So was professional equality gained in
Act 1918. But did you know that until the Parliament, the Sex
1919? Hardly. Some women were pioneers
Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919 Disqualification (Removal) Act
par excellence. 1949 marked the year
Act women weren’t recognised in law as 1919 finally admitted women
two women took silk (Rose Heilbron
a legal entity? I have been granted my to the legal profession. It also
and Helena Normaton). Dame Heilbron
Jurisprudence degree. I have been called enabled them to receive the
became the first woman to lead in a
to The Bar. I have sworn my Judicial Oath. I degrees from university they
murder trial in 1950 and in 1956 was the
am married but I maintain my maiden (and had earned and to serve as
first appointed woman Recorder. Dame
only) name and my children take it along jurors and magistrates. Gwyneth
Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 Elizabeth Lane become the first judge of
with my husband. One hundred years Bebb had been expected to be
the county court in 1962 and the first High
ago I would have been denied all those the first woman to be called
Court Judge in 1965. St Anne’s had its own
rights to professional and personal self- to the Bar; her early death
first woman to qualify as a barrister in receiving her BA or MA until the regulations leader amongst its ranks in the impressive
determination as a lawyer for no reason in childbirth prevented that.
England. It had taken her 19 years to get were reformed in 1920 after the passing of (but wholly approachable) person of our
other than I was born a woman. In law I did Gwyneth Bebb had been the
what a man could have claimed as his own the 1919 Act. She was a woman of ‘firsts’. In former Principal, Claire Palley (1984-1991),
not exist as a ‘person’. sixth woman to study law at
by right of his gender. Dr Williams had 1920 Dr Williams became the first woman who in 1970 had become the first female
Oxford, her predecessors
Law was the last profession in England, completed all her law examinations by to teach law at university (The Society of law professor of a UK university (Queens
included Ivy Williams: our very
apart from the Church, to hold out against 1903 but was prevented by the prevailing Oxford Home Students, forerunner of St University, Belfast). Barbara Calvert QC
own St Anne’s alumna. In May
women’s entry. In 1913 Gwyneth Bebb, who regulations concerning the qualification Anne’s College). In 1923 she became the became the first female Head of Chambers
1922, Dr Williams became the
had read law at St Hugh's, gave her name of women at Oxford from matriculating or first woman to be awarded the degree of in the Temple in 1974. We saw the passage
Ivy Williams
18 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 19Anniversaries: Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 Anniversaries: Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919
of the Sex Discrimination Act in 1974. to see the first woman appointed as a Lord caring responsibilities for children. The Bar creative woman called Dana Denis-Smith politics. We need to be prepared to hold Jo Delahunty QC (Jurisprudence 1982) is
But these fabulous women were clearly Justice of Appeal (the indomitable Dame Council Report of 2015 found the main (a former solicitor, international journalist factors such as allocation of briefs, chances one of the UK’s leading barristers, rising to
thought to be exceptions to the rule rather Elizabeth Butler-Sloss who later became the reasons for women leaving were current and now entrepreneur) conceived and set to be led and to speak at seminars (at the prominence for her work in the field of child
than illustrative of what women could and first female President of the Family Division and future income, the impact of criminal up ‘The First 100 Years’ project in 2014 in Bar), work allocation in the office and a abuse, winning multiple industry awards for
should do. in 1999). Women were still not allowed to legal aid cuts, child caring responsibilities order to help women place themselves in transparent reward systems (in private the legal and medical significance of her work.
‘wear the trousers’ at the Bar. For nearly (mainly those aged 35-44) and an increase history. She has been a phenomenal force practice) up for scrutiny and accountability. She was part of the legal team acting for 76
Consider this text from a 1978 Careers
ten years I was forbidden to wear a trouser in expected pro bono work. in making visible the hidden achievements Equal treatment should be expected for families in the Hillsborough Inquests, the only
Advice Book which sagely advises readers
suit in court. It took a sustained campaign of women in law for generations. As she both men and women at all levels. As family QC instructed . She was appointed
that ‘an advocate’s task is essentially Statistics from recent QC appointments
from the Association of Women Lawyers for has recently said, ‘Diversity is not just Christina Blacklaws said, ‘Of course women Gresham Professor of Law in 2016. She is
comparative, whereas women are not indicate that even though women
that frankly ridiculous position to change about what you can see in terms of race need to support other women to achieve a part- time judge and Bencher of Middle
generally prepared to give battle unless applicants are more likely to be successful
in 1996. It was not until 2004 that Alison or gender … it can be found in the details this but men raising their awareness, Temple. She is an outspoken commentator
they are annoyed. A woman’s voice, also, in the competition, the number of female
Russell QC was appointed as a judge of of the challenges and struggles they have taking responsibility and being accountable on issues of equality and diversity at the
does not carry as well as a man’s’. Really? applicants remains low. A 2016 report
the High Court of Justice, assigned to the experienced to get where they are today.’ for gender equality is also critical to Bar. This year, on International Women’s
Tell that to the witnesses I cross examine. by The Bar Council highlighted that if
Family Division. She became the first judge The clarion cry she sounded was this: achieving true diversity and inclusion in the Day, to commemorate the Centenary of the
The women I know go not only into battle current trends continue, the proportion of
formally addressed as ‘Ms’ Justice, which ‘One Hundred Years ago the battle was profession.’4 Representation of the People Act 1918, Jo was
but do it with panache and skill. We dance women QCs is unlikely ever to mirror the
made the news (not in a flattering way). for participation in the legal system. With granted the Freedom of the City of London in
with words and when compared to a man number of women entering the profession. The unanimous call is for action and for
Our own former Principal Baroness Ruth more women than men now entering recognition for her contribution to law.
I channel this vibe (apropos Fred Astaire’s Christina Blacklaws, President of the Law advocacy to support equal rights. I strongly
Deech ‘retired’ from St Anne’s in 2004 to the profession what we need now is
skills): ‘Sure he was great, but don't forget Society of England and Wales, wrote this believe that it is the responsibility of those
become the first Independent Adjudicator equal numbers of men and women in
that Ginger Rogers did everything he did, April1 that whilst in 2017 women accounted who have climbed the ladder not to knock
for Higher Education and in 2005 was leadership positions, receiving the same
backwards and in high heels.’ for 50.2 per cent of practising certificate away the rungs but to lean down to offer
made a life peer sitting as a cross bencher. remuneration.’
holders as solicitors, out of 30,000 partners a hand to hold as others climb up and not
It took commitment and sheer bloody By 2009 Lady Hale had become the first
in private practice only 28 per cent are Dana and I are in accord when we say to be afraid of taking a public stance to
mindedness for women of my generation, woman Justice of The Supreme Court,
women. that ‘culturally we seem to need our give a voice to those who don’t have the
who didn’t have any family tradition or Deputy President in 2013 and our first female leaders to be perfect and at the autonomy to speak up and out. I am not
contacts in law, to assail the Temple walls female President in 2017. She remained Some words ring true across the
top of their game while mediocre men alone in that belief. There are fantastic role
with the brazen confidence of courage the only woman at this level until joined by generations. Some 25 years ago, Helena
climb the ranks all the time by simply models out there: The Lady Hale, Baroness
born out of ignorance of the obstacles we Lady Black in 2017 and Lady Justice Arden Kennedy QC, Baroness of The Shaws
being capable of doing their job’.3 The Helen Kennedy QC and our own Baroness
faced. Without St Anne’s as my academic the following year. said: ‘As in other professions, there is
task I believe we face in this hundredth Ruth Deech QC (Hon). They haven’t risen
pedigree, as a child of a single parent family a glass ceiling for women, which means
So have we now broken through that glass anniversary year is to identify and tackle to prominence by being quiet and avoiding
from a comprehensive school, I wouldn’t that getting to the top floor involves a
ceiling? Quite simply: ‘No.’ While increasing barriers to advancement. We need to look controversy. We need women to take up
have got off the career starting blocks at detour out through the window and up the
numbers of women have entered the at unconscious bias. We need to confront their baton. Many do. Listen out: the call for
the Bar. drainpipe, rather than a direct route along
profession over the past two decades, sexual harassment and male bias power equality is now a clamour.
the charted corridors of power.’2
I was called to the Bar in 1986. By that high numbers of women are leaving. Jo Delahunty
time Lady Hale had started her ascent to Women are more likely to leave if they While progress has been made, change is
judicial success by being appointed to the experience discrimination or harassment, happening far, far too slowly. How long can
1
‘Women and Equality in Law: a century on’ Family Law April 2019 Vol 49 3
March 2019 Solicitors Journal p 18
Law Commission. I had to wait until 1988 if they are BME or if they have primary the situation be tolerated? A fantastically 2
Kennedy H Women and British Justice (1992) pp 344-45 4
Women and Equality in Law: a century On’ April Family Law April 2019 Vol 49
20 www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 21You can also read
