Michelle Cox, MBE

Michelle Cox MBE is a Race Equality Consultant and Co‑Chair with Sonia Bassey MBE of Mandela8, bringing over 30 years of senior NHS leadership experience rooted in her background as a community nurse. She is committed to “making hope possible” by advancing racial equity, strengthening leadership accountability, and improving outcomes for patients and communities. Awarded an MBE in 2026, Michelle is recognised nationally as a Queen’s Nurse, Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, and Fellow of the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing, reflecting her clinical expertise and influence on workforce culture.

Her landmark 2023 Employment Tribunal case on race discrimination and whistleblowing is now a reference point for global majority staff seeking fair treatment and transparent processes. Through her consultancy, she conducts independent reviews to uncover systemic bias, transform organisational cultures, and create safer, more equitable environments for staff and patients. Internationally, Michelle contributes to leadership and workforce development initiatives in Ghana and Sierra Leone, supporting global movements for justice, dignity, and hope.