TJ Richards, Senior Governance, Risk, Control & Engagement Manager at Santander UK, leads the Santander Embrace Network as Chair, driving LGBTQ+ inclusion through strategic advocacy and impactful initiatives. She played a pivotal role in securing gender affirming healthcare within Santander’s private medical insurance, a benefit introduced in 2025 after five years of Embrace’s advocacy. TJ’s leadership expanded Embrace membership by 119% over two years and enhanced visibility through events, training, and partnerships, including a five-year collaboration with Milton Keynes Pride Festival. Drawing on her lived experience as a lesbian/queer woman and former US Air Force member, she champions inclusive policies addressing recruitment, onboarding, and safe spaces for trans and non-binary colleagues. Beyond Santander, TJ serves as Vice President of Communities at Milton Keynes Community Foundation and as an ambassador for Q:alliance, contributing to LGBTQ+ community funding and storytelling initiatives.
