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.”

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.”

A social worker with a solid knowledge of human rights and differing perspectives. Her skills and experience in reflection, active listening and positive challenges come from both a cultural and professional background.

“Anything to help Devon to be a safer place to live, I would like to be involved in.”

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.”

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 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.”

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.”

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 within Torbay, an associate governor specialising in Safeguarding at the Bay Education Trust in Torbay 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.”

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”.

Psychology graduate with experience working in education, healthcare and rehabilitation sectors, she has a heart for serving the local community and supporting those in need. As a youth worker for a detached street-based project, she engages with local young people, which has given her experience in stop and search as well as current police/community relations.

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

Sixth-form student with an interest in the police workforce and the social justice system.

“I’m looking to try something new and put myself out there, as a learning experience, to become an active and educated member of my community.”

Criminology lecturer whose 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.”

Politics and International Relations student at the University of Exeter with an interest in the role of the police within local communities.

“Not only does the panel allow better communication between citizens and law enforcement, it also leads to more education and awareness for locals on what the police are doing.”

Digital marketing masters graduate and 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.”

As chair of the panel, Nathan 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.”

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.”

Previous experience working with prolific young offenders has provided her with an insight into the challenges and issues that can arise with police engagement, particularly with stop and search. By recognising biases against the police and independently scrutinising procedures through the panel, she is driven to create transparency between the public and the police, whilst building towards a community where trust between the two is strengthened.

“I felt I could provide an unbiased voice for my community as a whole. Ensuring that there is accountability for actions taken.”

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!”

Wellbeing and Connect Officer representing Plymouth Hope, an organisation focused on social cohesion and social justice for everybody living in Plymouth. As a diverse team with over ten years of collective experience in bringing different people together in the city, they have the knowledge, skills and life experiences to share insights from different communities in the city and their experiences of police interaction.

“I am joining on behalf of a social justice organisation to represent the views of our team and participants, many of whom experience racism and othering because of the way they look.”

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Lead at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and Chair of the Devon Wide BAME Network, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the DCCSP. She is passionate about making a difference and using her lived experience and wisdom to be a voice “for those that have been invisible” – helping to engage with the local ethnic community, understand cultural differences and address unconscious bias.

“I joined because I am passionate about equality and transparency, and would like to be able to help serve the community.”

Retired Kent police detective with a unique perspective on police work, policies, procedures, evidence gathering and disclosure material. With extensive experience scrutinising body-worn videos and other relevant material as a case officer, she imparts knowledge and experience of the internal workings and culture of the police.

“I am able to have an independent view from both the police and public perspective, whilst understanding the challenges of community policing and how that can have positive and negative impacts on the wider issues Devon and Cornwall may face now and in the future.”

Director for the panel 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.”