Cancer Research UK appoints Bayo Adelaja as new Trustee 

Cancer Research UK today announced the appointment of Bayo Adelaja as a Trustee. 

Responsible for setting the Charity’s strategic direction and monitoring the delivery of the charity’s objectives, as well as advising and supporting the charity’s chief executive, Cancer Research UK’s Council of Trustees plays a vital role in setting the organisation’s agenda. Adelaja joins 15 other Trustees on the board, chaired by Sir Leszek Borysiewicz. 

Adelaja brings to the role a wealth of experience in technology-driven diversity and inclusion initiatives. She is Founder and CEO of the open innovation racial justice organisation Do It Now Now, working with the likes of The British Council, ASOS, Google for Startups, Purpose and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support underserved communities. 

Adelaja also currently sits on the People and Remunerations Committee at Royal Voluntary Service, advising on the development of key anti-racism and inclusion strategies to empower stakeholders across the charity. 

Borysiewicz adds that Adelaja’s extensive expertise in operational development and strategic planning, particularly around equality, diversity and inclusion, makes her “a hugely valuable addition to the charity. I am excited at the prospect of working with her more closely.”

A flair for entrepreneurship

Adelaja developed a flair for technology and entrepreneurship early on in her career, building her first tech start-up whilst studying English Literature at Durham University.

After graduating, she took on a role as a parliamentary assistant, becoming the youngest professional working at the House of Commons at the time. She went on to complete master’s degrees in Health, Population and Society, and Culture and Society respectively, at the London School of Economics and Policitial Science. 

Adelaja also sits on Access – The Foundation for Social Investment’s Flexible Finance Investment Committee, and is a Trustee at Prince’s Trust International and Centre for London. In 2020 she was recognised by the Mayor of London’s Pay it Forward campaign as one of the top 5 people supporting the city’s business community. 

“COVID has brought unprecedented challenges that require new thinking,” said Adelaja. “Through my experience of technological disruption, developing innovative collaborations and business models, I hope to help Cancer Research UK adapt to the changed world and find new opportunities for growth.”

All Trustee roles at Cancer Research UK are unremunerated.