Natasha Ferguson Takes the Helm at Taylor Bennett Foundation

UK GJDC Strategy and Communications Advisor Natasha Ferguson appointed as Chief Operating Officer for UK Charity As one of few Black women of Jamaican descent who occupy senior positions in UK business and in the third sector, international communications specialist, Natasha Ferguson, officially steps into the new role with growth strategy LONDON, 6th March 2024: Renowned U.K. charity the Taylor Bennett Foundation that encourages diverse talent from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds to pursue a career in the UK public relations and communications profession through their professional development accelerator programmes – has today announced the appointment of Natasha Ferguson as its first Chief Operations Officer.

As Chief Operating Officer, Natasha will focus on expanding their programme reach across the UK alongside developing new flagship partnerships to increase and diversify representation in new sectors and more.

Natasha’s entrepreneurial expertise and experience across executive recruitment, talent management and career progression over the last six years underpins her drive for increasing diverse representation in the workplace.

She will implement the new strategy whilst overseeing the charity’s day-to-day operations.

Born in the UK of Jamaican descent with family roots across Kingston and Mandeville, Natasha took on the advisory role of strategy and communications director in 2023 for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), working alongside U.K. South Representative Nathaniel Peat and Minister Terrelonge with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Having implemented the 2023- 2025 UK South Strategy and Communications blueprint, her success supports the enhancement of engaging with the Jamaican diaspora who are contributing towards Jamaica’s 2030 Vision for national development ahead of the 10th biennial Diaspora Conference taking place in Montego Bay this June.

As an international communications specialist with over 15 years of experience across industries in the consumer, corporate and not-for-profit sectors, the former journalist, editor and EU strategic communications consultant, plans to return home in the near future to support the transformation that Jamaica is undergoing on the ground.

The millennial mother of one said: “When I think about why both sets of my grandparents chose to come to the U.K., the intention was to generate what wealth and success meant to them at the time.

I hope my late grandparents are proud of this historic moment in knowing that the path of a better future for our family was not in vain.

Their journey as of many who come to the UK was met with the racism they dealt with and now I work daily to eliminate.

What a ting! In this position and in this moment the scripture that I hold on to for them continues to ring true that “all things are possible to those who believe”.

Natasha is one of few Black women who occupy senior positions in UK business and in the third sector. Just 17 of 1099 leadership roles across British society are held by Black people – just 1.5% compared to a 3.6% proportion of the national population, according to research by Green Park.

Furthermore, according to the ACEVO Charity Leaders Network, there is less racial diversity at the executive and non-executive leadership levels in charities. Inclusive Boards looked at the largest 500 charities by income and found that only 5.3% of people in senior leadership teams were from an ethnic minority background, and BAME women represented only 2.25% of leaders.

Nathaniel Peat, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council UK South Representative said: “I am so proud of Natasha Ferguson, and I am confident in her abilities too fulfil this role.

She has been a great asset to my position as the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) South Representative, implementing effective mobilisation and communication strategies for the region. Having her on the team has been fantastic.

Taking up the position of COO is a great move, and she will bring her expertise in strategy and governance to the role. Well done Natasha! Wishing you all the best in this new position.”