Jason joined the board of trustees in July 2023 and currently chairs the CJA ELEVATE CJS advisory group. Jason is a lived experience researcher and practitioner who works to improve outcomes for people within the mental health system. Currently working for the NHS, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Healthy Brains Global Initiative, and King’s College London working on a programme of research investigating recovery colleges. Jason sits on several mental health advisory boards including the NIHR Applied Research Collaborative for Kent, Surrey, and Sussex; Mental Health Implementation Network; and University College London’s Institute of Mental Health. Jason has degrees from Goldsmiths, University of London, City University London, University of Glasgow, and completed the Pathways to Success programme at University of Oxford. 

Nina Champion is a freelance justice consultant and co-director of Justice Futures CIC. Nina has worked across the criminal justice system throughout her career. She began as a criminal defence solicitor; worked on and set up programmes on prevention, rehabilitation, and resettlement at Catch 22, Prison Advice and Care Trust, and Women in Prison; more recently Nina was Head of Policy at the Prisoners’ Education Trust, establishing the Prisoner Learning Alliance. Between 2018– 2023, Nina was the Director of the Criminal Justice Alliance where she played an instrumental role in the establishment of ELEVATE CJS. Nina has also worked in parliament and holds a Masters degree in government, policy and politics.

Neil is currently a Lecturer in Criminology at Leeds Trinity University. Prior to this, he completed a PhD at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, focusing on decision-making and protection of ‘at risk’ prisoners in Scotland and England. As a researcher, Neil has been involved in a wide variety of projects focusing on Veterans in the CJS, impact of Covid on prisoners in Scotland, older people in prison and their social care needs, re-integration from prison, Integrated Offender Management projects in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and women at risk of offending in Suffolk.

Kiri began her journey as part of the inaugural cohort of ELEVATE CJS and now serves on the Advisory Group, ensuring all cohorts have a voice.

In September, Kiri will commence the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) to become a criminal barrister. She also volunteers as an investigator with Inside Justice, examining the cases of convicted individuals to identify potential grounds for appeal.

Kiri has earned her OISC Level 1 qualification, enabling her to assist with simple immigration applications, and is obtaining her police station representative qualification to support individuals in police stations.

Committed to justice, Kiri’s extensive involvement and proactive approach aim to ensure fairness and equity in the legal system.

Maryse is a versatile international financial services professional with extensive industry experience and expertise covering post trade global regulatory compliance, risk management, reconciliation, data and analytics solutions, across an array of financial market participants.
 
Maryse is heavily involved in Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at LSEG, Co-Lead for Black Employees Inspired Networking Group (BEING) in America, Vice-Chair of Women’s Inspired Network (WIN) in New York, and member of LSEG D&I Emerging Leaders supporting strategy for client and industry engagement in D&I. Additionally, she is an Advisory Board Member and Volunteer at Defy Ventures, a non-for profit helping the formally incarcerated find economic independence by starting their own business. 

With over 15 years of experience, Tristan has dedicated his career to early intervention and prevention as a mentor and facilitator.  Tristan has positively impacted countless lives through his work in guiding and supporting individuals facing various challenges.  Additionally, as a consultant and facilitator within the Criminal Justice system, Tristan has collaborated with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), bringing invaluable expertise to youth offender institutions (YOIs) and contributing to rehabilitation efforts.  His passion for helping others in both early intervention and criminal justice makes Tristan a trusted and respected professional, who has recently gradutaed as the first cohort from the Elevate Leadership Programme. 

Tristan is a graduate of ELEVATE CJS 2023.

Paula Harriott is Head of Prisoner Engagement at Prison Reform Trust. Paula’s professional career is grounded in a fundamental commitment to equity and social justice and passion to initiate and support social change at systems levels. She is an authentic and decisive leader, confident public speaker and published author. Paula is an insightful and reflective manager, with solid experience of policy and influencing work, and project management and with a flair for fundraising and business development. 

Linda has experience working in an array of criminal justice and healthcare settings with both young people and adults, as well as experience in working as an advisor and an ability to act as a critical friend to different discipline practices. She was previously a member of the Police Crime Commissioner Ethics Committee and Leicestershire Police Religion, Race and Beliefs board. 

Linda is experienced in motivating and coaching staff. An individual who upholds strong values in delivering quality risk management and service to clients ensuring access is fair and unbiased with equitable outcomes. Experienced in working with groups, individuals and can facilitate interventions to audiences in education and professional settings. An individual who has not only academic qualifications but lived experiences and strongly upholds the values and beliefs in equal, fair opportunities and equitable outcomes for all whilst promoting life long learning and positive strategic actions. 

Hamish is a financial services executive with over 20 years’ experience in investment banking, asset management and private markets. Specifically, he focuses on developing an understanding of client needs and building deep long-term relationships with those clients by proactively providing strategies and solutions which support those needs. Hamish also advises companies in business development, sales, capital raising, leadership, and culture. Hamish is a passionate advocate for civil rights and for an equal and inclusive society, and proud to be a Trustee for Spark Inside and Unlock. 

Brendan Ross is the London Skills and Employment Manager at St. Giles Trust, where he oversees various teams aiding vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and individuals marginalised by society. With over 15 years in the charity sector, Brendan leverages his five years of lived experience in the UK and Ireland’s criminal justice system to empower individuals to move towards employment. He led a successful peer-led project supporting over 1300 people in central and south London and currently manages teams assisting 2500 individuals across the city.

Recognised for his impactful work, Brendan received the Kamal Award in 2014 for his efforts in post-London Riots support and the Outstanding Individual Criminal Justice Alliance award in 2020. In 2022, he was honoured with the Longford Prize alongside the Koestler Arts Award, and in 2023, he was awarded a Fellowship with the Institute of Employability Professionals. Brendan’s dedication lies in strengthening relationships and empowering adults to identify their strengths and goals, believing in the potential of those who have experienced the justice system to reduce re-offending and break cycles of victimisation.

Brendan is a graduate of ELEVATE CJS 2023.