LGBTQ+ Leaders Stories - David Isaac CBE

Alongside his role as Provost of Worcester College, David (he/him) is a key figure leading efforts to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion here at Oxford. Throughout his career, his academic, professional and personal experiences have shaped him into the leader he is today. David shares his reflections on his journey to Oxford, his approach to leadership and hopes for the future. 

Read David’s full story 

David’s approach to leadership 

People tell me that as a leader I am focused and friendly – but firm. My approach to life and my choice of career and activities is – and always has been – values-driven so that I can make a difference. As Provost of Worcester College, my leadership role is very wide ranging: from being a figurehead for our students, fellows and staff – listening to and advocating for their concerns – to representing the College and its interests to the outside world, especially to our global network of alumni and donors.

Journey to Oxford 

I first came to Oxford for my postgraduate studies at Wolfson College. Coming from rural Wales, and being the first in my family to go to university, it was very different from my experiences growing up in a small community. I did my undergraduate degree at Cambridge then came to Oxford after going to law school and embarking on my legal career in the City of London.

Alongside my work as a solicitor in the commercial and technology sector, I became involved in charities and public service, particularly in the arts and equalities fields. During my career I chaired Stonewall, Modern Art Oxford and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and have recently become Chair of the Henry Moore Foundation. These experiences, and sitting on other boards, have been invaluable for my current role at Oxford – both my legal and charitable backgrounds help in ways I hadn’t really expected!

As Provost, my vision is for Worcester to be a forward-looking, inclusive institution which equips our students for the challenges of the 21st century, at the same time celebrating and respecting our best traditions.

Defining moments

Throughout the 1980s, the harrowing experience of losing friends to HIV and AIDS led me to get involved in LGBTQ+ activism in parallel with my legal career. Experiencing discrimination first-hand spurred me on to fight for causes close to my heart, which eventually blossomed into a number of public service roles – notably as Chair of Stonewall, where I argued for the abolition of Section 28 and the introduction of civil partnerships and same-sex marriage.

Changing the law and advocating for everyone’s human rights has proved to me the importance of fairness and persistence. That focus and determination – and the courage to speak out – can make a real difference to people’s lives. I continue to be driven to make a difference.  I believe that if people are allowed to flourish, society flourishes.

Building an inclusive community

I am inspired by all brave LGBTQ+ people around the world who have been – and continue to be – courageous; together they have changed the world for so many people. I hope that they can flourish and achieve their full potential.

These are difficult and challenging times: war, hatred and fear, and the challenges of AI.  They all result in anger, disappointment and frustration. We should be prepared to talk and listen more and be fearless in having respectful conversations – even if they are on contentious topics. Above all, we should be kinder to each other.