Joanne Anderson – Former Mayor of Liverpool, Director – Innervision and Blast
Joanne Anderson is a pioneering British political and social leader who made history as Liverpool’s first female Mayor and the UK’s first Black woman to be directly elected as a Mayor, serving from May 2021 to 2023. Her tenure marked a period of progressive leadership and transformation during a challenging time for the city.
With a deep commitment to sustainability, equality, and community wellbeing, Joanne implemented a “triple-lock” decision-making framework—prioritising people, planet, and equality. Under her leadership, Liverpool City Council made strides in governance and financial stability, while amplifying its international reputation. One of her standout achievements was securing and hosting Eurovision 2023, delivering a £20 million return on a £2 million investment and generating an anticipated £250 million boost for local businesses.
Joanne also launched Liverpool Against Racism, a globally unique festival combining entertainment and critical discourse on racial equality, described by attendees as an “intellectual Glastonbury.”
With nearly 30 years of experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), Joanne is the founder of Innervision, a consultancy dedicated to advancing inclusive practices in business and society. Through Innervision, she has been instrumental in supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic-led businesses and launched BlaST, a standalone social investment fund specifically for those communities.
Her professional background also includes a significant role in the civil service as the Community Engagement Policy Lead at the Crown Prosecution Service, where she shaped policy with a focus on inclusive engagement.
Joanne’s work in the social enterprise and social investment sectors has earned her national recognition. She has collaborated with Social Enterprise UK to promote the Social Value Roadmap, advocating for policies that integrate social, environmental, and economic considerations into public spending. She is also spearheading efforts to develop a £50 million place-based social investment fund in Liverpool in partnership with regional and national bodies.
A trailblazer and changemaker, Joanne Anderson continues to inspire through her leadership in social justice, inclusive economic development, and community empowerment—both in the UK and on the global stage.
