Spotlight on... Anthony Orkin

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am the Antisemitism Programme Manager at UCL. The new role involves leading on and coordinating a range of activities, including training to improve understanding and awareness of antisemitism at UCL. It is part of the Office of the President & Provost (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion).

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I started on 1 November. My previous role for five and a half years was Operations Manager at the UK charity, Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

When I lived in Australia, I served as Senior Adviser to a politician and minister who later became Prime Minister.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

I am going on a “listening tour” around UCL talking to the key stakeholders about their experiences on campus, particularly Jewish students and staff.

As part of this, I would like to hold drop-in sessions to hear from Jewish staff. If you are a Jewish staff member and would like to talk about your experiences here, I hope that you can drop by for a chat. Please contact me for further details.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

• Album: Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water.
• Film: Fiddler on the Roof.
• Novel: Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Elon Musk, Larry David and Ron Burgundy would make for a colourful evening.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Listen to yourself – others may give you advice that is often well meaning and coming from a good place, but they are not you.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I have a passion for art deco architecture. I was thrilled to discover that Senate House is connected to UCL.

What is your favourite place?

I was born in South Africa, so going on safari. Waking up to the roar of lions and the trumpet of elephants is hard to beat.