Elected yesterday (5 July), Sleight’s journey as a Stationer began in 2004 as a Freeman, becoming a Liveryman in 2005 and joining the Court in 2014.
She attended Wisbech Grammar School before going on to study English at Queen Mary College, University of London.
Sleight was the first woman to be appointed as editor of the Methodist Recorder, a weekly, national newspaper founded in 1861. She is currently its editor and publisher, and a board member of the London Press Club and the Society of Editors.
Sleight said: “I’m the second woman Master to be elected since the Company began in 1403 and there will be more! It’s an opportunity to show people that we are a diverse and inclusive company that’s relevant to the 21st century, not an exclusive men’s dining club.”
She said that championing diversity and inclusivity within the Company will be a key priority during her time as Master.
“We need to be intentional about it. We have a sub-group of the membership committee working on a diversity policy and are implementing all sorts of initiatives.”
Sleight will lead the Company just as Stationers’ Hall, which has been closed for the installation of a lift and major refurbishment work, reopens.
She is keen to welcome back members, their guests, and commercial clients who, because of the building work and Covid-19, have been away from the Hall for nearly two years, and wants to re-establish it as the Company’s hub.
Another key focus for Sleight will be on the Company’s aim of helping to produce the next generation of young people in the communication and content industries through the Company’s support of Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy in Greenwich, its Apprentice Futures and bursary programmes, the Shine School Media Awards and, at the youngest level, through the Saturday Schools which the Company supports.
“At every level, at every stage of life, I would like the Stationers’ Company to be there, being helpful, supporting the communication and content industries and those involved in them or hoping to be, and fundraising to continue that work will be a priority.”
Sleight has taken over from Kolbus UK chairman Robert Flather, whose year-long tenure as Master finished yesterday.
The first female master was Helen Esmonde, appointed in 2015.
