Our Research
For details of the Joint NGO Shadow Report for Wales, please click here.
Are YOU A VICTIM OF HATE OR discriminatION?
If you have been a victim of any form of discrimination or hate, call our caseworkers for help.
For details of the Joint NGO Shadow Report for Wales, please click here.
Click on the button below to dowload the PDF Document
Click on the button below to dowload the PDF Document
Click on the button below to dowload the PDF Document
Are YOU A VICTIM OF HATE OR discriminatION?
If you have been a victim of any form of discrimination or hate, call our caseworkers for help.
Counsellor for the Healthy Minds Project
Farah joined Race Equality First in December 2022 as the Counsellor for our new Healthy Minds Project. Before joining Race Equality First Farah completed her Masters degree in Clinical Skills in Psychotherapy, for which she received a distinction for her academic achievements.
She is trained in various therapeutic modalities and specialises in Focused Acceptance and Commitment therapy, a form of cognitive behavioural therapy.
Farah has experience working with clients who face a broad spectrum of day-to-day challenges, such as anxiety, stress, chronic pain, self-esteem issues, low mood, relationship struggles and more. She places great importance on creating a safe, non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their challenges and work towards achieving their goals.
As well as this she counsels individuals who have suffered discrimination or hate crime and delivers educational group sessions to break down stigmas in ethnic minority communities that exist around mental health, to tackle social isolation, and to empower people within the community by offering knowledge and tools than can support their development to improved health and wellbeing.
Skills that Farah brings to Race Equality First:
Throughout her counselling training Farah has provided a professional 1-1 service and worked with a range of different ages, backgrounds, varying levels of needs, and complex issues such as sexual abuse, bereavement, anxiety, bullying, depression and complex mental health conditions.
Farah is a committed professional who is dedicated to supporting individuals with their mental health and well-being through a wide range of evidence-based therapy techniques. She offers a safe, kind and confidential space where the individual will not be judged, with the aim to improve understanding of the problems the person is facing, improve understanding of thoughts, feelings, behaviours and the self, and build upon ways of coping to support the client toward improved health, happiness and overall wellbeing.
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Marketing and Communications Manager
Region – South Wales
Zainab is one of Race Equality Firsts’ newest recruits as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Zainab is responsible for ensuring all the work we do is communicated to our stakeholders. As well as managing the day-to-day marketing, PR, our social media platforms and the REF website, she will also be responsible for key projects at the charity including our Schools Against Racism Annual Poster Competition and working with partner organisations to develop content for our beneficiaries and service users.
Zainab is experienced in taking the lead in marketing roles from working in other small organisations all with missions to provide meaningful change and support others. Zainab’s key skills include driving brand strategy and development, delivering and creating collateral and marketing initiatives across varying audiences. Zainab brings the experience and skills of website design, advertisement, analysing complex data and editing numerous types of content such as video, podcasts and imagery to REF. Zainab has also earned a certification in Digital Marketing from The Charted Institute of Marketing (CIM) and a First-Class Honours marketing degree. Zainab is currently involved in charity work for Islamic Relief who fundraise for Syria and Afghanistan through marketing campaigns, organising and hosting events to gain donations.
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Advice Service Manager
Region – North Wales
Shehzad recently joined our team at Race Equality First and will be leading the Discrimination & Hate Crime Project in the North Wales region. This will include one-to-one advocacy, advice, support, mediation and representation for people who have suffered hate crime or discrimination. Shehzad will be liaising with national and regional stakeholder groups and working collaboratively with other organisations to ensure people with barriers to access public/social services, especially in the healthcare sector, are fully supported. As part of the project, Shehzad will also be delivering training to community groups and organisations on discrimination and hate crime, as well as cultural awareness sessions.
Shehzad intends to raise the profile of REF in the North Wales region and is hoping to create and develop more innovative ways to support people in local communities to reach their best potential.
Shehzad has a background in equality, diversity and inclusion, specifically in the media and education sector. From a young age Shehzad knew he wanted to work for an organisation that positively impacts society and influences real change. Shehzad worked for the BBC for over ten years and several years in the educational sector. Shehzad provided diversity and inclusion training to senior management, programme makers and broadcasters. Shehzad has worked within the community, with grassroots projects throughout Wales, and worked predominantly with educational establishments, charities, public service and third sector organisations. He has provided a consultancy service to a range of individuals in the educational sector. Undertaking training, advising and guiding people from diverse communities to engage with mainstream media organisations and platforms. Shehzad has also worked with young adults, nurturing their talent for journalism, broadcasting and the multi platforms of media.
Skills that Shehzad brings to Race Equality First:
Shehzad has undertaken several voluntary roles demonstrating a real passion for working in the third sector and helping others. These have included supporting children with low confidence/self-esteem issues and organising fundraising events for a variety of causes. Shehzad has many years of expertise in relationship management and the ability to develop long-lasting partnerships in the third, public and private sectors. In his spare time Shehzad enjoys travelling, cooking and art. he has a passion designing and constructing works of art.
Shehzad also has an honours degree in Contemporary Textiles Design from the University of Wales and he brings a creative flair to the team!
Rheolwr Gwasanaeth Cynghori
Rhanbarth – Gogledd Cymru
Ymunodd Shehzad â’n tîm yn Race Equality First yn ddiweddar a bydd yn arwain y Prosiect Gwahaniaethu a Throseddau Casineb yn rhanbarth Gogledd Cymru. Bydd hyn yn cynnwys eiriolaeth un-i-un, cyngor, cefnogaeth, cynrychiolaeth a chyfryngu ar gyfer pobl sydd wedi dioddef trosedd casineb neu wahaniaethu. Bydd Shehzad yn cysylltu â grwpiau rhanddeiliaid cenedlaethol a rhanbarthol ac yn gweithio ar y cyd â sefydliadau eraill i sicrhau bod pobl sydd â rhwystrau i gael mynediad at wasanaethau cyhoeddus/cymdeithasol, yn enwedig yn y sector gofal iechyd, yn cael eu cefnogi’n llawn. Fel rhan o’r prosiect, bydd Shehzad hefyd yn cyflwyno hyfforddiant i grwpiau a sefydliadau cymunedol ar droseddau casineb a gwahaniaethu, yn ogystal ag ymwybyddiaeth ddiwylliannol.
Mae Shehzad yn bwriadu codi proffil REF yn rhanbarth Gogledd Cymru ac mae’n gobeithio creu a datblygu ffyrdd mwy arloesol o gefnogi pobl yn ei gymunedau lleol i gyrraedd eu potensial gorau.
Mae gan Shehzad gefndir mewn cydraddoldeb, amrywiaeth a chynhwysiant, yn benodol yn y sector cyfryngau ac addysg. O oedran ifanc roedd Shehzad yn wybod ei fod eisiau weithio i sefydliad sy’n effeithio’n gadarnhaol ar gymdeithas ac yn dylanwadu ar newid gwirioneddol. Bu Shehzad yn gweithio i BBC am dros ddeng mlynedd a sawl blwyddyn yn y sector addysg. Darparodd Shehzad hyfforddiant amrywiaeth a chynhwysiant i uwch reolwyr, gwneuthurwyr rhaglenni a darlledwyr. Mae Shehzad wedi gweithio yn y gymuned, gyda phrosiectau llawr gwlad ledled Cymru, ac wedi gweithio’n bennaf gyda sefydliadau addysgol, elusennau, gwasanaethau cyhoeddus a sefydliadau trydydd sector. Mae wedi darparu gwasanaeth ymgynghorol i ystod o unigolion yn y sector addysgol. Ymgymryd â hyfforddiant, cynghori ac arwain pobl o gymunedau amrywiol i ymgysylltu â sefydliadau a llwyfannau cyfryngau prif ffrwd. Mae Shehzad hefyd wedi gweithio gydag oedolion ifanc, gan feithrin eu talent ar gyfer newyddiaduraeth, darlledu ac aml lwyfannau cyfryngau.
Sgiliau y mae Shehzad yn eu cyflwyno i Race Equality First:
Mae Shehzad wedi ymgymryd â sawl rôl wirfoddol gan ddangos gwir angerdd dros weithio yn y trydydd sector a helpu eraill. Mae’r rhain wedi cynnwys cefnogi plant â phroblemau hyder/hunan-barch isel a threfnu digwyddiadau codi arian ar gyfer amrywiaeth o achosion. Mae gan Shehzad flynyddoedd lawer o arbenigedd mewn rheoli perthnasoedd a’r gallu i ddatblygu partneriaethau hirdymor yn y trydydd sector, y sector cyhoeddus a’r sector preifat. Yn ei amser hamdden mae Shehzad yn mwynhau teithio, coginio a chelf. mae ganddo angerdd dylunio ac adeiladu gweithiau celf.
Mae gan Shehzad hefyd radd anrhydedd mewn Dylunio Tecstilau Cyfoes o Brifysgol Cymru ac mae’n dod â dawn greadigol i’r tîm!
Advice Service Manager Region – Cardiff & Vale
Roon now leads the Discrimination & Hate Crime Project in the Cardiff, Vale and surrounding region. In this role she provides one-to-one advocacy, advice, support, representation and mediation for people who have suffered hate crime or discrimination. Roon will be liaising with national and regional stakeholder groups and working collaboratively with other organisations to ensure people with barriers to access public/social services, especially in the healthcare sector, are fully supported. As part of the project, Roon will also be delivering training to community groups and organisations on hate crime and discrimination, as well as cultural awareness.
Roon has worked at Race Equality First since 2013. Before joining Race Equality First she managed the Barnardo’s Interpreter Service for 12 years.
Roon has supported both young adults and elders since joining REF, including dealing with the property and assets on behalf of family after the sad loss of a beneficiary whose family lived in Yemen. She led our safe space group for young adults, counselling services for young people with mental health issues and our activities in the Vale of Glamorgan funded by Vale of Glamorgan Council. Having delivered services for the 1,298 BME elders for the Minority Ethnic Elders Advocacy Project, Roon still deals with issues for elderly BME people in Cardiff and recently worked with the Older People’s Commissioner to address barriers and accessibility within nursing homes for BME elders. As well as this, Roon has led Prevent initiatives to counter radicalisation in young people, she provides support to asylum seekers and refugees and deals with REF’s youth forum which is attended by over 30 young people.
Roon has won Chwarea Teg Community Champion 2021 for her commitment to helping improve the health and wellbeing of the families and communities she supports. Roon motivates and empowers people to get involved in health‑promoting activities, create groups to meet local needs, and direct people to relevant support and services.
Skills that Roon brings to Race Equality First:
Roon is fluent in all dialects of Arabic, often translates and interprets for REF when engaging with the local Yemeni and Somali communities. She deals with all issues for young people, countering radicalisation within the Muslim community, asylum seekers and refugees. Roon has an extensive network of contacts in all Arabic/ Muslim communities in South Wales and she deals with all of REF’s marketing and communications including our social media accounts
Finance and Operations Officer
Laura joined Race Equality First in October 2018 and is responsible for financial, fundraising and project administration for the organisation.
Laura has worked in many roles including Conference and Exhibitions officer for the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Officers in London and production and subtitling at BBC Wales.
Laura moved to the Third Sector in 2009 working for the Kaleidoscope Project as Casework Supervisor and Voluntary Community Service in Cardiff as Project Manager.
Laura deals with financial, project and management reporting for the Board of Directors and grant funders, project and bid development. She is responsible for compiling the annual report and liaising with external auditors.
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Financial and Digital Inclusion Officer
Laura joined Race Equality First in February 2022 as the Financial and Digital Inclusion Officer.
Laura is heading up a brand new Financial and Digital Inclusion project which is funded by the Santander Foundation Grant. The Financial and Digital Inclusion project is going to run over the next 3 years. The aim of the project is to help our beneficiaries with both their financial and digital skills. Laura is going to support them to get online and give them the skills needed to use online tools and resources confidently, safely, and effectively.
Laura will also be helping beneficiaries with their money skills, providing budgeting advice, helping with income maximisation and making sure people are receiving the welfare benefits that they are entitled to. The project will be a mix of one-to-one support and outreach sessions in the community.
Skills that Laura brings to Race Equality First:
Laura has previously worked in a university, providing finance advice to students. She assessed the University Hardship Fund and provided bespoke advice to students on their money management. She has previously completed Budget Coach training and will be using these skills in her role. Laura also has several Microsoft Office Specialist qualifications and will be sharing this knowledge with beneficiaries to help develop their digital skills.
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Advocacy Support Officer
Kyron is a new member of staff at Race Equality First. He joined us as the advocacy support officer in February 2022. This role includes one-to-one advocacy, providing advice, supporting individuals and communities, and allowing for representation and mediation for people who are the victims of hate crime or discrimination.
Kyron aims to progress the present multiculturism within Cardiff by supporting local communities through innovation and creativity. Encouraging engagement within these communities. Kyron will be liaising with national and regional stakeholder groups and working collaboratively with other organisations to ensure people with barriers have access to public and social services, and that they are fully supported. As part of the project, Kyron will be assisting in the delivery of training to community groups and organisations on hate crime and discrimination, as well as cultural awareness.
Before joining Race Equality First Kyron was a peer researcher for Shelter Cymru, assisting in various Welsh Government funded research projects. The findings of these projects were then coupled with Welsh Government Reports. Kyron is also currently studying housing studies at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Throughout his time with Race Equality First Kyron has provided a 1-1 service and worked with a range of different ages, backgrounds, varying levels of needs and complex issues. Kyron has developed an adaptive client-centred practice to work proactively and dynamically to support the unique needs of each beneficiary.
Skills that Kyron brings to Race Equality First:
Kyron is passionate about contributing to create a world where opportunity is equal regardless of protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion and sexual orientation.
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Community Activity Officer
Jamad has worked in the equality third sector for over 13 years and joined Race Equality First in May 2022. She has an extensive network of contacts in black and ethnic minority communities across Wales and is well known and respected throughout the communities we serve. Jamad is fluent in Somali and Arabic. She has extensive contacts with youth, elders, venue hire, activity providers and key stakeholders and is our essential link at REF in ensuring that the communities we serve are active, healthy and able to access the support they need.
As Community Activity Officer, Jamad works directly with ethnic minority communities across Wales and coordinates opportunities for them to participate in social groups, physical activities or sports, developing links with any relevant organisations and networks. She has established a large network of contacts to deliver community activities and social groups across Wales including activity instructors, venue providers and activity participants. Jamad monitors and oversees all of Race Equality First’s community activities across Wales and has greatly increased participation and community engagement in our group sessions and services.
Skills that Jamad brings to Race Equality First:
Jamad is fluent in English, Arabic and Somali. She often translates or interprets for beneficiaries engaged on our advocacy or casework service. She has excellent people skills, she is adept at managing activity and cohesion projects, increasing engagement and raising the organisation’s profile in local communities. Having delivered training, awareness and support in Feminist Leadership, Preventing Female Genital Mutilation and Domestic Violence in her previous roles, Jamad is greatly trusted and respected amongst ethnic minority communities across Wales.
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Advice Service Manager
Region: Swansea / Mid & West Wales
Halima is one of Race Equality Firsts’ newer recruits and now leads the Discrimination and Hate Crime Project in the Swansea / Mid & West Wales region. This includes one-to-one advocacy, advice, support, representation and mediation for people who have suffered hate crimes or discrimination. Halima will be liaising with national and regional stakeholder groups and working collaboratively with other organisations to ensure people with barriers to access public/social services, especially in the healthcare sector, are fully supported. As part of the project, Halima will also be delivering training to community groups and organisations on hate crime and discrimination, as well as cultural awareness.
Skills that Halima brings to Race Equality First:
Before joining Race Equality First Halima completed joint honours degree in English and History from the University of South Wales and then went onto work in the Education sector, particularly with additional learning needs. During this time, she has used her second language – Somali – to liaise between schools and families ensuring that the best wishes of all were not lost in translation. Providing a voice for those who otherwise would not have one sparked a passion to continue supporting BAME individuals and bring about real-world change.
Research and Evaluation Manager
Christina first joined REF in 2016 on a 12-month work placement as part of her degree in Politics and International Relations at the University of Bath. During this period, she researched into the under-representation of ethnic minority women in politics in Wales, carrying out interviews with ethnic minority people living in Cardiff as well as with prominent figures in the third sector and local politics in Wales.
Christina left REF in 2017 to finish her undergraduate degree and then went straight on to pursue postgraduate study, completing a masters degree in International Relations at Cardiff University in 2019.
Later that year, Christina returned to REF. Since then, she has curated the 2021 Joint NGO Shadow Report for Wales on racial inequality to be submitted to the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), to inform its forthcoming review of the UK and devolved nations. As part of the six-month project, Christina organised the launch of a written call for evidence alongside nine consultations with key stakeholders in the third sector who support ethnic minority groups. Christina then analysed the evidence provided and ensured all relevant points were incorporated into the final report, which gained over 60 signatories.
Christina also curated the analysis report for the Welsh Government’s consultation on the Race Equality Action Plan (REAP), now the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan. Christina analysed upwards of 300 consultation responses alongside colleagues at REF and summarised the concerns of stakeholders regarding the Welsh Government Plan into an 85,000-word report.
Christina is currently working on a piece of research in collaboration with Cardiff University on why race and religion hate crime prosecutions are so low in Wales. As part of this work, Christina liaises with the four police forces in Wales and CPS Cymru to analyse their hate crime data, with the aim of understanding what factors influence the likelihood of a prosecution and, as a result, improve the conviction rates of hate crimes in Wales.
Also, as part of her role, Christina responds to relevant calls for evidence on prospective changes to legislation, from both the Welsh and UK Governments, gathers evidence on the issues facing ethnic minority groups in Wales and provides comment on draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies for private and public sector organisations
Skills that Christina brings to Race Equality First:
Christina is a skilled researcher and has an excellent understanding of qualitative research methods which have enabled her to carry out successful research projects, both at REF and within her undergraduate and postgraduate study, single-handedly and with little to no resources. Christina is adept at creating, managing and editing large documents, which are a testament to her strong communication skills. In 2022, Christina achieved her ILM Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Management and is currently working towards her Level 5.
Marketing and Communications Manager
Himalee joins us as marketing and communications manager at Race Equality First and is responsible for ensuring all the work we do is communicated to all our stakeholders. As well as managing the day-to-day marketing, the REF website and our social media platforms, she will also be responsible for key projects at the charity including our Schools Against Racism Annual Poster Competition and working with partner organisations to develop content for our beneficiaries and service users.
Himalee is an experienced brand marketing professional and has worked with global brands across multiple industries and international regions including Timex, Royal Caribbean International, O2 and British Airways amongst others. Himalee’s key skills include driving brand strategy, delivering collateral and marketing initiatives across varying audiences and languages, brand development including repositioning/re-launching and leading complex projects with multiple and differing stakeholder requirements. Himalee also has experience of planning workshops and conferences for international audiences. Her previous projects have included ensuring all centrally developed marketing materials represented all international audiences in 40 countries and 23 language versions across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia Pacific area. She has worked with teams from around the world, has travelled extensively and has lived in Europe, Asia and returned to the UK in 2019 following 5 years in the Middle East.
Skills that Himalee brings to Race Equality First:
As well as her international marketing and communications experience, Himalee has been involved in charity work since 2005 when she was a co-founder and original trustee of HelpLanka, a charity based in the UK to assist children affected by financial, educational and social hardship in Sri Lanka following the 2004 tsunami, and most recently worked for Autistic Minds, a charity supporting autistic adults into employment. She is fluent in English and Sinhalese and is hoping to re-learn Welsh which she originally learned as a child. Himalee is experienced in WordPress and is also an experienced brand photographer. Look out for some of her photography work on our social media channels!
himalee@raceequalityfirst.org.uk | 029 2048 6207
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Director
Kebba is a senior physiotherapy technician working for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. He is a practising Senior Magistrate, was Chair of Cwmbran Community Council and is currently Chair of the UK-wide UNISON National Black Workers Committee. Kebba has campaigned for equality, human rights and social justice, especially racial equality. For over 15 years, Kebba was chair of the Board of Directors of SEWREC (South East Wales Regional Council) until 2015/16 where he gained in-depth knowledge of charity board governance. As an advocate for racial equality, Kebba works closely with Stand up to Racism, Show Racism the Red Card, Muslim Council of Wales, Race Council Cymru, Windrush General Elders and Tiger Bay FC amongst other organisations.
Kebba recently completed a 3-year Secondment to the Housing Directorate at Welsh Government. Kebba was the Housing Strategy Equality Manager responsible for the Strategic and Policy input of the Housing Strategy and Equalities Team. This involved developing policy with Directorate and Welsh Government colleagues, Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), and other relevant bodies on Social Housing issues.
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Director
Professor Meena Upadhyaya OBE obtained her Ph.D. from Cardiff University and completed a fellowship with the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) in 2000. She is an honorary distinguished professor in Medical Genetics at Cardiff University, Wales, and Professor of Practice with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Her research career focused on many genetic disorders, especially neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). She has published 200 papers and has edited 4 books on NF1 and FSHD. She was awarded the European Theodore Schwann award for her outstanding contributions to NF1 research in 2013, an OBE in 2016, and the Saint David Award in 2017.
She is a Fellow and Council member for the Learned Society of Wales and the Royal College of Pathologists. She is a Trustee for Nerve Tumours UK and Race Council Cymru. She joined the Welsh Government Civil Service Board as a Non-Executive Director in 2020 and the Welsh Government Steering Group for the Race Equality Action Plan in 2021.
Meena is an advocate for promoting equality, diversity, community cohesion, and integration. She is the founder and Chair of the Ethnic Minority Welsh Women’s Achievement Association (EMWWAA) and the Ethnic Minority Women in Welsh Healthcare (EMWWH). She is also a member of the Advisory Committee of the Purple Plaques and Monumental Welsh Women.
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Chief Executive Officer
Aliya is the Chief Executive of Race Equality First.
As Chief Executive Officer, Aliya deals with our strategic direction, income generation, external partnerships and developing the reputation of the organisation.
Aliya has advised the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, resulting in a race disparity audit of all UK public services and liaised with the Cabinet Office to complete this; ensured that our Research project with 1,800 victims of hate crime across Wales resulted in a Framework for Action on Hate Crime by the Welsh Government; turned a large deficit around to a surplus and built our reserves fund to the recommended amount for charities within her first year at REF; led an office move and an organisational restructure, resulting in substantial savings for REF; brought the Welsh Equality Group (WEG) together to ensure REF and other Race Equality Councils in Wales worked in partnership and not in competition, securing £1.2m for the partnership through two consortium bids she led.
Before joining Race Equality First, Aliya worked for the Seren Group (now the Pobl Group). Aliya has worked in the women’s equality sector and as a journalist reporting on the economic development of global companies.
Skills that Aliya brings to Race Equality First:
Aliya is fluent in three languages and brings in-depth knowledge of human resources, human rights, strategic leadership and operational management and advises all staff dealing with legal issues and employment tribunals, having led successful tribunal claims for many years.
Race Equality First
Address:
1st Floor West, 113-116 Bute Street,
Cardiff CF10 5EQ
Tel: 02920 486 207
Email: info@raceequalityfirst.org.uk
Opening Hours:
Monday: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5pm
Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Friday: 9am – 4:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Board Director
Khalid Osman is Into Work Co-ordinator at Cardiff Council where he has worked for the last 10 years.
Khalid’s role consists of co-ordinating a number of employability projects within local communities, ensuring services are delivered effectively within local communities. Khalid has extensive experience of working across Cardiff to ensure barriers to employment are removed for local citizens. Khalid’s role includes working with a wide range of partners from the public and private sectors.
Prior to joining Cardiff Council Khalid studied Politics and International Relations at Swansea University.
Board Director
Elaine Clayton worked for REF’s partner race equality council, Valleys Regional Equality Council, from 2006 to 2015, where she was appointed Chief Executive Officer from 2010 to 2015.
Elaine has worked for Cardiff University as Equality and Diversity Advisor supporting the delivery of Charter Marks and Standards and promoting equality and diversity practices across the university.
She was the Business Support Manager at Vale of Glamorgan Council and currently works as Business Support Manager at Cardiff Council.
Board Director
Taha Idris was the Chief Executive Officer of REF’s partner race equality council, Swansea Bay Regional Equality Council, from 2000 to 2019.
During this period Taha also served as a member of the board of partner racial equality councils in Wales and Lancashire. Taha has a wide range of experiences as a board member of three different grant making bodies, BBC Children in Need, Community Fund and Big Lottery Fund. He continues to serve on the boards of various organisations such as Swansea Council for Voluntary Services, Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Services and WCADA.
Taha worked in the local government and Policing sectors for almost 20 years in the 1980s and 1990s. He was Head of Financial Accounts for Lancashire Constabulary from 1993-2000. He was a member of the Lord Chancellor’s advisory Committee for West Glamorgan and was appointed by the Home Secretary as assessor to the County and High Court Judges in 1991.
Taha is a hereditary Freeman of the City of Swansea and he has also been honoured by the Welsh Government First Minister with the award of ‘Recognising Achievement for Service to Wales’ and was granted the status of an Officer of the Order of British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen in 2010.
Board Director
Jeremy is a Cardiff-based Community Engagement Consultant working in the Adult Education and Charity sectors.
He has been involved in community work since 1982 and has held a variety of positions in both Wales and England, most recently as Director at Voluntary Community Service (Cymru) from 2012-2018.
As a Trustee he is currently Chair of Cardiff & Vale Action on Mental Health. He joined the Board of Race Equality First in 2011 for a 6-year tenure including 2 as Chair (2013-15), returning as a Board Member in 2019.
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Advice Service Manager Region – Wrexham/North Wales
Clare is one of Race Equality Firsts’ newest recruits and will be leading the Discrimination & Hate Crime Project in the North Wales region. This will include one-to-one advocacy, advice, support, representation and mediation for people who have suffered hate crime or discrimination. Clare will be liaising with national and regional stakeholder groups and working collaboratively with other organisations to ensure people with barriers to access public/social services, especially in the healthcare sector, are fully supported. As part of the project, Clare will also be delivering training to community groups and organisations on hate crime and discrimination, as well as cultural awareness.
Clare intends to raise the profile of REF in the North Wales region and is hoping to create and develop more innovative ways to support people in its local communities.
Clare has a background in equality, diversity and inclusion, specifically in the education sector, as well as the third and Public Sectors. Clare worked for the charity Show Racism the Red Card for over 7 years before moving to the Cardiff and Vale College and Cardiff University. Clare provided a consultancy service at the University to a range of employers in the Biomedical and Life Science sector, and worked predominantly with healthcare charities and public service organisations. Alongside her role at the University, Clare became the Senior Rep for Unite the Union, undertaking casework, attending high-level Trade Union negotiating meetings and offering advice and guidance specifically with employment law and specialising in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Skills that Clare brings to Race Equality First:
Alongside her paid positions, Clare has undertaken a vast number of voluntary roles demonstrating a real passion for working in the third sector and helping others. This has included supporting children with low confidence and self-esteem, coaching and mentoring sports players, and organising fundraising events and gaining sponsorship for her local grassroots volleyball club. Clare has years of expertise in relationship management and the ability to develop long-lasting partnerships in the third, public and private sectors.
Clare also has a first class honours degree in Fine Art and Contemporary Media from the University of South Wales and she brings a creative flair to the team!
clare.skidmore@raceequalityfirst.org.uk | 029 2048 6207 / 07724 029 840
Board Director
Currently Jehan is the Managing Director of the MDA Clinic, which is an independent eye day-care hospital. It was the first laser eye surgery centre in Wales, established by Jehan’s husband who is the clinic’s eye surgeon.
Previously Jehan was an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at the Royal Gwent Hospital.
Skills that Jehan brings to the Board of Race Equality First:
Extensive contacts with politicians and assembly members in Wales. Jehan runs an annual awards event for ethnic minority leaders and high achievers in Wales – the patrons include three assembly members. As well as this Jehan volunteers for Sobis to inspire the younger generation by showing them that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to be successful anywhere, irrespective of your background.
Jehan is also a service user of REF’s MEEA project which she states ‘is benefitting me immensely with the Yoga sessions. I want to be a part of the excellent work done by REF in various aspects.’
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Advice Service Manager Region – Gwent & South East Wales
Sy joined Race Equality First as Advice Service Manager in July 2020. Sy leads the Discrimination & Hate Crime Project in the Gwent and South East Wales region. In this role he provides one-to-one advocacy, advice, support, representation and mediation for people who have suffered hate crime or discrimination. Sy will be liaising with national and regional stakeholder groups and working collaboratively with other organisations to ensure people with barriers to access public/social services, especially in the healthcare sector, are fully supported. As part of the project, Sy will also be delivering training to community groups and organisations on hate crime and discrimination, as well as cultural awareness.
Before joining Race Equality First, Sy worked as a Director of Youth with St John Ambulance Wales. Over the years, Sy has worked extensively in multiple settings leading award-winning national and international projects that tackle exclusion and improve access for young people and adults in areas of equality, employment, education, finance and health.
Skills that Sy brings to Race Equality First:
Sy possesses a Masters Degree in Social Work, a Masters Degree in Management and a Batchelor Degree in Social Sciences. Sy’s value system is deeply rooted in discrimination and the struggle for equality. As a student, he conducted an observational study in Sweden which exposed the negative effects of refugees and migrant policy. Sy is passionate about empowering individuals to navigate challenges and realise their aspirations and also recognises where organisations can make positive change in the areas of equity, belonging and community.
sy.joshua@raceequalityfirst.org.uk | 029 2048 6207 / 07724 031 329
Advice Service Manager, Region – Swansea / Mid & West Wales
Anna started working for Race Equality First’s Healthy Minds Project in 2019, for which she provided one-to-one counselling and peer support groups to break down stigmas that exist around mental health, tackle social isolation, and to empower people with the knowledge and tools to improve their health and wellbeing.
Anna now leads the Discrimination & Hate Crime Project in the Mid & West Wales region. In this role she provides one-to-one advocacy, advice, support, representation and mediation for people who have suffered hate crime or discrimination. Anna will be liaising with national and regional stakeholder groups and working collaboratively with other organisations to ensure people with barriers to access public/social services, especially in the healthcare sector, are fully supported. As part of the project, Anna will also be delivering training to community groups and organisations on hate crime and discrimination, as well as cultural awareness.
Before joining Race Equality First Anna completed her BACP accredited training in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy and Counselling Children & Young People within the University of South Wales, before working as a school based counsellor within the Barnardo’s counselling service.
Skills that Anna brings to Race Equality First:
Throughout her time with Race Equality First Anna has provided a professional 1-1 service and worked with a range of different ages, backgrounds, varying levels of needs and complex issues. Through her time working within different roles with diverse client groups, Anna has developed an adaptive client-centred practice to work proactively and dynamically to support the unique needs of each beneficiary.
Anna is passionate about contributing to create a world where opportunity is equal regardless of protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion and sexual orientation. This post at Race Equality First has allowed her to continue her work to support vulnerable people and contribute within the teams and projects that bring about real-world change.
anna.petrie@raceequalityfirst.org.uk | 029 2048 6207 / 07510 702 279
Hate Crime and Discrimination Casework Officer
Discrimination & Hate Crime Casework Officer
Karina started working for Race Equality First in April 2019. Before joining Race Equality First she worked in New Law Solicitors as a personal injury case manager/paralegal managing over 300 caseloads successfully delivering the top 5 outputs for the firm. Due to her experience of working in a busy law firm, Karina is good at evaluation, the appropriate compensation figure for injury-to-feeling in discrimination and hate-crime cases and at drafting court documents for our clients.
Karina has supported clients who have experienced discrimination or hate at work or in accessing public services, including schools. Karina brought two racial and faith-based discrimination cases from 2017 to their successful completion at the Employment Tribunal during her first two months working for Race Equality First. As a Discrimination & Hate Crime Casework Officer Karina offers free, confidential, independent and impartial advice, information and representation for those who have suffered discrimination and hate crime. Karina is a member of the South Wales Police Accountability and Legitimacy Group and South Wales Community Cohesion groups as well as the Cardiff Employment Tribunal User group representing our diverse communities at all official meetings.
Skills that Karina brings to Race Equality First:
Karina is fluent in Russian and Latvian which gives her the patience and attention necessary in dealing with claimants with a lack of confidence in their English language skills. Holding the Rights, Gender and International LLM master’s degree, Karina can offer advice and support in regards to the new Home Office introduced EU Settlement Scheme for EU citizens residing in the UK. Karina is a confident negotiator and proven to be an effective mediator in dispute meetings by focussing the conversation on goals and resolution. Also, Karina has completed an accredited TEFL teaching qualification. The TEFL teaching methods allow Karina to create age group appropriate material while creating a memorable experience for participants.
Treasurer of Board of Directors
Gurmit is currently self-employed but a lawyer by profession with 20 years of General Law Practice and appointments by the Lord Chancellor. He is a member of the District Notary Public, Social Security Appeal Tribunals and Chairman of Child Support Appeal Tribunals. Gurmit is President of the Sikh Gurdwara Cardiff and a prominent member of REF’s Interfaith Network and was recently awarded an MBA in the Queen’s Honours List 2018.
Skills that Gurmit brings to Race Equality First:
Gurmit brings his knowledge of legal matters and human resources to REF. As well as this he brings contacts for his extensive network of BME communities in South Wales, especially the Sikh and Indian communities.
Chair of Board of Directors
Retired Chartered Accountant and partner of Kahn Thomas Shankland Accountants.
Laurence is the Treasurer of the Cardiff United Synagogue. He is a board member of Chapter Arts, Cardiff City Football Club, Vice Chair of the South Wales Jewish Representative Council and former President of the Cardiff Rotary Club.
Skills that Laurence brings to Race Equality First:
Laurence brings expertise in both charity and private sector board governance, legal matters and company finances and accounts. Laurence has extensive contacts within business, the finance sector and a number of large charities which have resulted in some invaluable partnership initiatives for REF
Board Director
Currently Jehan is the Managing Director of the MDA Clinic, which is an independent eye day-care hospital. It was the first laser eye surgery centre in Wales, established by Jehan’s husband who is the clinic’s eye surgeon.
Previously Jehan was an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at the Royal Gwent Hospital.
Skills that Jehan brings to the Board of Race Equality First:
Extensive contacts with politicians and assembly members in Wales. Jehan runs an annual awards event for ethnic minority leaders and high achievers in Wales – the patrons include three assembly members. As well as this Jehan volunteers for Sobis to inspire the younger generation by showing them that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to be successful anywhere, irrespective of your background.
Jehan is also a service user of REF’s MEEA project which she states ‘is benefitting me immensely with the Yoga sessions. I want to be a part of the excellent work done by REF in various aspects.’
Board Director
Currently – Health care professional with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Philippines and now working in and employed by the Cardiff and Vale UHB.
Hugh is the founder and Chair of the Filipino Sports for Wales (FS4W) which serves as a research and training centre for sport, physical activity and recreation in building peace, cohesion and understanding in diverse communities.
Hugh is also founder and President of the Filipino Community Association in Cardiff, the founder and Chairman of Samar Leyte Association Wales UK and the European Network Filipino in Diaspora UK Advisory Council.
Skills that Hugh brings to the Board of Race Equality First:
Advocacy in human rights and equality issues; knowledge of and contacts within the Filipino community in South Wales; equality of participation and leadership in sports for BME people.
Board Director
Currently – Director of Safety Solutions Training Ltd, providing training for local authorities, health trusts, the third sector and private businesses in England and Wales
Previously – Police Officer at South Wales Police for 20 years working in: Personal Safety & Crime Prevention Lead, CID and Community Policing
Skills that Vince brings to the Board of Race Equality First:
Vince is a retired Police Officer who has worked in Safe Guarding, Prevent & Channel. He previously worked with radicalised young people in Cardiff and those at risk of radicalisation and their families. He is well-known and respected by Muslim communities in Cardiff and provides training, links into and knowledge of South Wales Police, Home Office and counter terrorism wherever required by REF. Vince has also assisted us with good practice in building relations between ethnic minority communities and the Police.
BME Sports Cymru Project Officer
Before joining REF, Simon worked for StreetGames as their doorstep sport activator. Simon was responsible for the monitoring and evaluation system and supporting the network in developing doorstep sport in Wales. Simon has also worked for the Newport Youth Service. He is a qualified coach with a BA in Sports Coaching and Development.
Advocacy Officer
Since joining Race Equality First in 2015, Fateha has worked as an advocacy officer for our hate crime project and for our youth against violent extremism project. This involved her working closely with Riad Khan’s mother to identify issues around radicalisation from the perspective of parents whose children have been radicalised and to leading a ‘My hijab’ campaign on YouTube. After dealing with a number of Islamaphobic hate crime cases in the aftermath of the referendum, Fateha ran a campaign to ‘demystify’ the hijab and why this is worn by Muslim women. Fateha is now leading the BME Sport Cymru Project until June 2018.
Skills that Fateha brings to Race Equality First:
Fluent in Bengali and Urdu, knowledge and contacts within: Prevent, Cardiff Council, Sport National Governing Bodies, BME communities, Muslim communities, women’s activities, youth work, issues for carers, venue hire for all activities and parents of children that have been radicalised.
Director
I have been working in post 16 Education since 1985. I have mainstream teaching experience as a Biology lecturer in FE in Manchester for 3 years and since 1988 to date I have worked with Ethnic Minority Communities. I took up post in Cardiff as a Community Education Officer in January 1990, as Manager of the ESOL Service in 1996, Head of Essential Skills in 2002, and As Achievement Leader in 2011. Due to transfer of Essential Skills into the Cardiff and Vale College in 2013, assumed a new role as Community Liaison and Development Manager since January 2014. From January 2017 my role is new role is Equality Diversity and Community Development Manager.
I was a member of the independent “Life in the United Kingdom” Advisory Group-chaired by Sir Bernard Crick, set up to advise the Home Secretary on the method, conduct and implementation of a “Life in the UK” naturalisation test. I was appointed as a member of the public Advisory Board for Naturalisation Integration and chair of ABNI Wales sub-group from 2005-2008 to implement the recommendations of the Crick Committee. As a member of the ESOL Advisory Group for DfES-Welsh Assembly, I have been involved in the development of the ESOL policy for Wales, published in June 2014.
Over the years I have been involved in a range of partnerships working locally, across Wales and nationally across the UK. Currently I am Vice chair of Race Equality First, Co-chair of the Cardiff Prevent Stakeholder Group, a member of the Board of directors for Wales Migration Partnership, Management Board of UK centre for Islam- Cardiff University, National Challenge Panel (PREVENT), Channel Partnership- Cardiff and Management Committee of Welsh Asian Women’s Achievement Awards. Safer and Cohesive Communities’ Network- C3SC, Remembering Srebrenica- Wales Regional Board, Muslim Women and Young people’s committee, BAME Health Access group, Cardiff Police and Community Cohesion, Cardiff University Special Interest Group- Ethnic Minorities.
Director
Cat Burton has been a British Airways pilot since 1972 and BA describe her as our most senior woman captain.
She got involved in the work of Race Equality First through our regular LGBT coffee mornings and was invited to join the board of trustees in 2014, to improve coverage at board level for several “protected characteristics:” gender identity, sexual orientation and age. Cat is a transgender woman, pansexual, though serially monogamous and 63 years old.
Cat is passionate about equality and bullying and speaks frankly about all such matters. As an accomplished public speaker, she has spoken on radio and television on behalf of REF and is happy to use her skills for REF’s benefit at any time.
Bid Manager
I joined Race Equality First in December 2016 as a Bid Writer. In this role I am responsible for developing and writing funding applications and tenders. My aim is to secure funding to enable Race Equality First to achieve its organisational objectives. I have worked in charity fundraising for over 10 years and previously I worked in fundraising roles for Techniquest (a science centre) and Weston Spirit (a national youth charity). I successfully completed a MBA (Masters in Business Administration) at the University of South Wales and a BA Hon’s in Leisure and Environmental Studies at De Montfort University.
Thanks
Simon
Visit site: http://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/index.aspx
Visit site: https://www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk/
Visit site: http://www.olderpeoplewales.com/en/Home.aspx
Visit site: http://gov.wales/?lang=en
Visit site: http://www.gthc.org.uk/
Visit site: https://www.south-wales.police.uk/en/
Visit site: http://www.un.org/en/index.html
Chief Executive
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