Our Team

Arts and culture lead for Black Voices Cornwall, working alongside independent panels and organisations that impact the community to provide scrutiny, advice and guidance where possible to improve the relationships between the black community and authorities.

“It’s an honour to join a motivated group working to improve relations between D&C Police and people of colour in Devon and Cornwall.”

A church leader who was a former university lecturer in the health and social care field. With experience in counselling, listening and analytical skills, he is interested in balancing the ethos of policing and stereotyping, and biases in the community by utilising case analytical methods.

“I wanted to gain insight into the modus operandi of the police in Devon and Cornwall and participate in finding how trust and harmonious relationships between them and the community, especially those of BAME backgrounds, could be sustained.”

Working in clinical trials, responsible for a team of medical writers creating information for patients. Previously an elected local councillor and NHS ethics committee chair.

“In my job, I am responsible for a team of medical writers devoted to helping patients understand technical information well enough to make decisions at times of great stress in their lives. I joined the DCCS Panel because I have critical appraisal skills and an instinctive interest in using these in a community setting as a volunteer.”

County manager and industry board member.

“ I would like to do something to give back to the community and I have always been very interested in policing and the law. I believe passionately in our police system and the rule of law whilst believing that wrongdoing in any form should be held to account, whether that is individuals or authorities.”

Facilities manager for local supported living properties as well as a nurse-led acute mental health care unit. Having spent her career working in mental health settings and being responsible for health and safety, she is familiar with managing tough and challenging situations.

“I have always admired the role that the police play in keeping us safe, and would love to be able to help in a position that makes a difference.”

A sixth-form student with an interest in criminology, sociology and mentoring younger year groups. She is keen to develop her analytical skills and improve the relationship between D&C Police and the community.

“I think this is a good opportunity to get an insight into where I could take my studies after University. I am intrigued to learn more about analysing footage and policing methods in my local community.”

Retired ex-army and senior corporate management.

“I want to help the community based on my life experience and background. I believe the D&C Police have a very difficult job, and would like to help improve the service”

Registered nurse, ward sister and secretary for the ethnic minority network.

“I joined the DCCS Panel as I am interested in the links between poor health access, marginalisation in society and police involvement. I would like to make a contribution to the community, and help foster good relations between D&C Police and the growing numbers of those not very trusting of the police. I would like to learn and understand how the police function, and how their job is impacted in various ways within various communities.”

Nigerian-born entrepreneur and Plymouth-based minister whose conviction is to love everyone as you would yourself – treating all human rights seriously. With his PhD training, wide experience and innovative qualities, he provides a strong, objective approach to issues and situations. His national and international profile and vast knowledge base provide a considerable global perspective and exposure on topical issues.

“I am passionate about contributing to the community and being part of societal solutions rather than complaining.”

Company director working in equality and education, and sharing his knowledge of diversity culture and inclusion.

“I want to support the panel’s development and help address challenges collaboratively.”

Operations director with a broad interaction with society over several years - from scout leader to rotarian.

“I joined the DCCS Panel as I feel I can add value and help ensure standards are adhered to.”

University criminology lecturer and safeguarding governor for a local school trust. As a retired police detective of 30 years, she shares her experience of police culture, learning and training.

“I am aware of the impact that cuts and loss of staff has had to the police, and think it is important that standards, including police learning and training, are increased to the benefit of the public.”

Director for the DCCS Panel and community development worker for 20 years. Mainly working with mental health and marginalised communities he shares his knowledge and experience of many systems, especially hate crime, racial disparities, health, and supports the delivery and design of training packages in these and other related subjects.

“I responded through civic duty and looking for opportunities to improve my community for all. Being a critical friend to those in power has many difficulties – I want to use my experience in this area to support the DCCSP.”

“I have always had an interest in matters such as this, where wearing a body-camera gives an account of an incident that can be looked at from different perspectives.

I find it fascinating that you can peel away speculation and draw on facts.”

 Executive assistant and language enthusiast with experience recognising trauma responses and supporting neuro-divergent children and adults. 

“I strongly believe that independent scrutiny provides greater transparency in policing and thus creating more trust among communities.”

Lecturer and youth worker, engaging with local young people including those who’ve been convicted or cautioned for a criminal offence. As a young black man who has experienced racism and profiling at the hands of the police, he is driven to be part of societal change for the coming generation, and works with the panel to contest injustice and prejudice.

“The police are a great resource and asset, but they are also human. They make mistakes and as with everyone, need support in being the best they can be.”

Retired NHS pathologist, manager, BMA representative, and investigator. Now a voluntary prison chaplain. “

As a prison chaplain, and having worked in large organisations and in complicated situations where consideration for both your service users and staff may appear to conflict, the DCCS Panel’s work appealed to me.”

Invigilator with a masters in research and social policy, working largely in research with a particular focus on social issues and including hard-to-reach communities.

“I am very interested in the work of the police which I know is so often subject to criticisms of fairness, and quality of response. The DCCS Panel is an opportunity to do what so many services need - to receive well-considered and balanced feedback to make adjustments to practices and tone which could improve the actual service and also the public perception of it.”

Social worker holding various positions within local authorities, the voluntary sector and provider services of social care. She is committed to ensuring involvement for people who work in and receive social care services.

”I’m interested in police culture and thought it would be a good opportunity to view things from the other side and become someone who was involved”.

Criminology lecturer working with local young people and adults, associate governor specialising in safeguarding at the Bay Education Trust and currently studying for a master’s degree in child and adult safeguarding. Having worked alongside the police within a multi agency child sexual exploitation team and missing persons team, she is able to consider the public and police perspective of crime and community policing.

“I like to be involved in initiatives like this that benefit the community and promote equality and diversity.”

Head of IT service management and trained life coach.

“I want to help the community based on my life experience and background. I believe the D&C Police have a very difficult job, and would like to help improve the service”

University student with a foundation degree in criminology and psychology, and studying a bachelor degree in social and therapeutic interventions.

“ I feel I can gain experience from the panel and am interested in being a member. “

Law graduate with experience in paralegal - representing people during police interviews and regularly reviewing police body-cam footage.

”I plan to study the bar course and feel that sitting on the DCCS Panel will provide further insight into policing”.

As Administrator for the DCCS Panel, her background working in education, healthcare and rehabilitation sectors across South Devon has given her experience in stop and search as well as current police/community relations. She has a heart for serving the local community and supporting those in need.

“I joined to make positive, practical steps to address inequality, support fair practice, and improve public relations in our local community.”

Assistant headteacher and designated safeguarding lead in a local secondary school, he has previously worked closely with police colleagues in the Metropolitan Police as part of their Safer Schools Programme.

“We have just moved to Cornwall and would like to play an active role in our new community.”

Founder and company director of bthechange, a multi-award-winning organisation that provides life-changing initiatives to directly support individuals in moving forward with their lives that are either at risk of entering or who are in the criminal justice system. As Chair of the Black & Asian prisoner meetings at HMP Dartmoor, Channings Wood, Exeter and Guys Marsh, and sitting on the Devon & Cornwall Local Criminal Justice Board, he is well placed to support the panel on their journey to improve fairness and transparency for all.

“Public confidence in the police is at a low point, particularly for ethnic minorities and I believe I can play a part in a positive shift. Many communities feel seen but not heard and do not trust the system. One of the panel’s biggest challenges is to influence system and culture change. Devon & Cornwall’s disproportionality is one of the highest in the country, this is an alarming fact and needs to change in order for our ethnic minority communities to gain trust in the system.”

Shop assistant, Ilfracombe town councillor and North Devon district councillor.

“I would like to join as I feel I have local knowledge which could assist the DCCS Panel.  I am aware of the many challenges in Ilfracombe and surrounding areas and I can bring a new perspective on some of the issues.”

Chartered accountant and accountancy qualification examiner.

“I believe in giving back to society by volunteering.”

Community foster carer for over 25 years, supporting many young people to overcome some of the early childhood trauma that has seen them come to the attention of the authorities.

“I understand how some young people have been left feeling disproportionately disenfranchised and targeted by authorities and would like to 'do my bit' for them and those that follow them.”

DCCS Panel Trainer and criminology lecturer. Her training in counselling, mentoring, programme coordination and college observation provides transferable skills to the panel, as well as her drive for proactive change both in the criminal justice system and the public’s perception of policing.

“I wanted to be actively involved in bridging the gap between our local community and the police by participating in well-meaning, just scrutiny.”

CEO of Black Voices Cornwall, Anti-Racism, working closely with the NHS, D&C Police and local authority. Sitting on other scrutiny panels as well as the DCCSP, he has personal and professional experience on challenging racial inequality in rural areas.

“Recognising what’s been going on has been inspiring. The community needs to know of this fantastic work.”

Retired dental surgeon who is interested in how society functions and creating better communities.

“The issues and challenges facing the police service are of interest to me, especially as a member of an ethnic minority and I realise I don’t know enough about how the service works. Learning more and making a contribution are important to me.”

DCCS Panel Social Media and digital marketing masters graduate / freelance designer with a background in teaching, photography and art.

”Being part of the panel and analysing body-cam video’s is both challenging and rewarding. It wouldn't ‘sork without such an amazing, diverse group of people involved from so many different backgrounds. I am constantly learning something new.”

Director, businessman and member of Ashburton town council.

“I am very much interested in community matters. I joined the DCCS Panel because I feel I can help and my life experience of good, bad and challenging times would be helpful.”

Retired banker now mentoring inner city young people and volunteering at an accessible activity centre for people with physical, learning, behavioural, sensory or multiple complex disabilities.

“Public perception is a big issue for all police forces. I joined the DCCS Panel as I like to  involve myself in interesting projects”.

As Chair of the DCCS Panel, he loves building bridges of hope. With a background in strategising, leadership and vision and a master’s degree in justice, advocacy and reconciliation, he is driven to make a powerful difference alongside this team of enthusiastic and inspirational leaders.

“I am involved with this panel to journey with many in seeing justice roll down like a water and righteousness as a mighty stream.”

Self-employed, training businesses in the UK and USA has meant interacting with different people, situations and challenges.

“I recently moved down to Devon with my family. I want to be involved in my new home area and help improve it where I can.”

Solicitor with previous experience working for Devon County Council as an Appropriate Adult and restorative justice panel member for Gateshead Council. With one stream of her work focuses on assisting homeless clients, many of these clients have shared with her their negative experiences with D&C Police including Stop & Search procedures.

“With a passion for reform and an understanding of how it affects people in reality, I fight for fairness, impartiality and forgiveness.”

Retired Thames Valley Police officer now living in Cornwall, with 30 years experience policing major towns and investigating homicides.

“As a retired Thames Valley Police officer now living in Cornwall,  I have always felt it is of the utmost importance for the police to do their jobs properly and I feel it is important to have balance on the scrutiny panel, to have someone with an understanding of police procedures and operational policing experience.”

Community engagement worker supporting women who are at risk of offending, as well as working with women who have learning disabilities, are neurodivergent and survivors of abuse.

“I joined the DCCS Panel as I am interested in officers' engagement with female subjects who have learning disabilities or are neurodivergent. I hope to offer some helpful ways to de-escalate these types of situations and have more successful interactions.”

Secondary school English teacher with previous experience working with homeless young people.

“I am keen to have an active role in the community. At a time when the police are under great pressure and society is suffering from cost of living and mental health challenges, I feel that my skill set, range of experiences and desire to contribute to a safer society is useful in upholding and developing the public's confidence in the police force.”

A sixth-form student with a passion for helping people and learning. She enjoys observing, analysing and finding solutions to issues.

“I am a teenager with energy and time so I want to use this for a good cause. I really enjoy learning new skills and helping people. Fairness and justice are key principles in my way of living and a positive way to change things!”

Previous experience working with the youth justice service.

“I have recently moved to the area and I’m looking for new volunteering opportunities.”

DCCS Panel Director and assistant psychologist with experience working across multiple sectors including mental health, substance misuse, prison releases, those detained on a section 137 and ADHD.  Working with stigmatised, marginalised and discriminated client groups, including those who have been stopped and searched a number of times, she is keen to bridge the gap and help communities develop more trust in the police service.

“It is a constant battle to improve community understanding around hidden difficulties, and at times this has, unfortunately, extended to police service. The police have an extremely tough job – promoting equality, accountability and transparency can only be a good thing for our community as a whole.”

Professional manager and consultant with vast knowledge and experience on strategic planning.

”I joined the DCCS Panel to contribute to matters of interest in the community and address issues through unbiased resolutions”.

Managing director in a global consulting firm advising police and law enforcement organisations around the world. Her work involves capturing, interrogating and understanding data so that the wider context can be properly understood and the right decisions and actions are taken.

“I want my children to grow up in a world where the police continue to police by the consent of the public and are held to account for their actions.”