Sheffield man named this year’s most influential black Briton
Idris Elba and Steven Bartlett were also named on the list
A Sheffield man is celebrating after being named as the most influential black person in Britain thanks to his work with young people across the region.
Ian Thomas topped the Black Powerlist, which was created in 2006 to celebrate the achievements of influential people with African and Caribbean heritage born in the UK.
The 57-year-old, who attended Newfield School near Graves Park, achieved this amongst the likes of household names such as Idris Elba and Steven Bartlett.
The school congratulated him on social media, calling him a “valued part of our school’s story,” and saying they were “incredibly proud.”
Mr Thomas was born in Sheffield to Jamaican parents who came over as part of the Windrush Generation. He originally trained as a footballer, and was signed to Sheffield United but suffered a back injury, redirecting his career path.
His career has been focused on helping young people, and began in 1999 at Trafford Council, before he joined Derbyshire City Council as the director of Children’s Services.
He then went on to oversee children and young people’s services in Rotherham in the wake of the 2014 child exploitation scandal.
The scandal identified an estimated 1,400 children who were sexually abused from 1997-2013. Thomas was recognised for his leadership in local government, and he played a major role in transforming the council’s social services.
“I never thought that I’d be recognised in this way,” Sir Ian said. “I’m a true believer that none of us succeeds alone, so I see this less as a personal accolade, and more as a recognition of the people, teams, and communities who have shaped and supported me throughout my life.
“I believe that if this recognition helps someone believe that they belong in those rooms, then it has real value.”
The headteacher of his former school Newfield, Ruth Hollingsworth, paid tribute to the success, saying: "We are absolutely delighted to see Ian receive this well-deserved recognition as the UK's most influential Black Briton.
“As a former Newfield pupil and governor, Ian has a deep connection to our school and community. His achievements in public service are remarkable, but what makes us particularly proud is the way he continues to champion opportunity, fairness and ambition for young people.
“It was especially meaningful to hear Ian reflect on the positive influence of his teachers at Newfield. His story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that education can have and of what can be achieved when talent is supported and nurtured.
“Ian is an outstanding role model for our pupils. We congratulate him on this fantastic honour and thank him for continuing to represent the values of our school and city with such distinction."
Mr Thomas is now the 51st Town Clerk and Chief Executive of the City of London Corporation, and the first Black person to lead the Square Mile’s governing body in its more than 900-year history.
His remit extends beyond a typical local authority, encompassing the City of London Police and 11,000 acres of open London spaces.
The sector contributes more than £110 billion annually in tax revenues as well as supporting around 2.5 million jobs nationwide.
The annual Powerlist is now on its 21st edition, and has shone a light on a number of trailblazers and leaders who have pushed conventions and inspired future generations.