Dear Pride in London Community,
I would like to wish you a very happy New Year and thank you for your support in 2025.
As we prepare to deliver Pride in London 2026 on 4 July, I am writing to provide you with an update on our governance, new appointments, Unity Fund distribution and parade applications for 2026.
Governance and Appointments
The Board are committed to upholding the highest standards of governance, accountability, and integrity, and to ensuring that LLCP operates in a way that reflects Pride In London’s values and responsibilities to the community we serve.
Since the Board appointed me to serve as interim CEO of Pride In London (London LGBT Community Pride CIC (LLCP) in September 2025, and in recognition of governance best practice and our obligations as a Community Interest Company, we have undertaken a refresh at Board level. Our statutory Board Directors and Members are:
James Clarke, Marcos Gold, Charmaine Makombe, Tim Noblett and I, Rebecca Paisis.
We also identified several key roles to enhance our capabilities and immediately began the recruitment process. We received many applications, and I would like to thank everyone who applied. Following the interviews, we have made the following appointments, and I would like to extend a warm welcome to:
Marie-Claire O’Hara, Company Secretary.
Dr Kavita Powley and Reece St Omer - Co-Heads of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Serena Richmond – Deputy Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Greg Lee - HR Advisor
I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Nik Tait, Director of Legal and Statutory Director, for her exemplary work and leadership. As she concludes her time in these roles, we are grateful for the lasting contribution she has made.
Operations
The London LGBT Community Pride CIC (LLCP), which holds the licence to deliver Pride in London, has been engaged in a complex process to regain control of key organisational systems from Christopher Joell-Deshields, who has been on a leave of absence since the 29th of August.
Regaining control of these systems has unfortunately been a long and protracted exercise, including obtaining a mandatory injunction granted by a High Court judge against Mr Joell-Deshields on 12th September, requiring the return of control of operational systems and bank accounts to the organisation.
The Board has also been taking necessary steps to independently investigate a number of allegations raised to the Board of Directors against Mr Joell-Deshields. At present, the Board is not in a position to comment further until the matter is concluded.
However, I would like to thank all our community, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support, patience, and trust as we navigate this period.
Unity Fund
Pride in London has always been dedicated to serving as both a representative and a resource for LGBTQ+ individuals in London. One way we've demonstrated this is through the Pride in London Unity Fund, which we launched in 2020. In 2026, we are committing to distribute £100,000 to grassroots organisations across London that work directly to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people.
We will be providing further information on this in the coming weeks.
Participating and Parade Applications
This year, there will be many ways for you to get involved in Pride in London 2026 on 4 July, whether as part of a parade group, stallholder, volunteer, flag-bearer or marching as an independent participant or partner.
We will be opening parade applications soon, but if you would like further information, please email [email protected].
I look forward to working with you all in the coming weeks and months as we strive towards producing a world-class, united Pride in London 2026.
Kind regards
Rebecca Paisis, Interim CEO, Pride in London
