Our Governance
James Newell
Chair of Trustees
James is the Executive Director of the East of England's Groundwork trust, a Visiting Lecturer at Bayes Business School, and a former management consultant - specialising in supporting charities and social businesses to grow. In his role as Chair, he has committed to explore and address barriers to inclusion at board level, ensuring Breaking Barriers is fully inclusive and representative.
“It’s an honour to play even a small role in supporting and enabling refugees and the huge contribution they make to the United Kingdom. Breaking Barriers has a proven methodology and continues to grow in reach and remit – so the future is very exciting.”
Sajid F. Hussein
Trustee
Sajid Hussein is a Partner in EY and General Counsel for Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA). Based in London, he leads the legal function and heads up a group of lawyers that provide legal support across a geographic area comprising more than 115,000 people in 98 countries.
“ I am passionate about the topic of human rights and ensuring that the basic rights and freedoms of all are guaranteed. I was drawn to the work of Breaking Barriers as it’s an organisation working to support refugees through practical and hands-on solutions, giving refugees and their families a chance to rebuild their lives and maintain their dignity.”
Rachel Harrington
Trustee
Rachel is a Director and specialist adviser at Coutts, the private bank, and brings over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector. Having begun her career in fundraising, focusing on international development, she now advises wealthy families on their strategies for philanthropy and wealth succession. She is also a trustee of Philanthropy Impact and an adviser to the Environmental Funders Network.
“I believe that Breaking Barriers’ model provides a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible difference in an area that has been much neglected. We inhabit a world that is much smaller than we think, and I’m passionate about the way the organisation’s approach builds genuine and sustainable connections between refugees, businesses and communities.”
Ian Chard
Treasurer
Ian is a chartered accountant with a background working across the globe at Board level with international businesses in the development of global operations and supply chains. His focus with Breaking Barriers is to support the CEO and Chair in the development of the overall strategy and financial management of the organisation.
“Migration in one form or another will continue to have an impact across the globe and it is clear that the UK needs to manage the effects of refugees in the economy. There are encouraging signs that business recognises that there is an imperative beyond just the bottom line, indeed that ‘business ought to be conducted as if people and place matter’. I believe that the approach of Breaking Barriers is very timely.”
Prudence Mazili Mwanza
Trustee
A Quality Management Practitioner and Life Coach, who has also worked in different sectors and held various roles, home and abroad. Possessing an entrepreneurial acumen, she founded a charity, GOLD (Golden Opportunity Links for Development); for extreme poverty alleviation in Zambia and Elsewhere.
"As one who shares the values of this organisation, I am tied to the conviction that Refugees can bloom and make a positive contribution, wherever they are planted. This can be made possible given the right kind of support, and if they themselves valued what they have. I feel humbled and privileged to be part of this important work."
Hani Kablawi
Trustee
Hani Kablawi is Chairman of International. Hani is a member of BNY Mellon’s Executive Committee and serves on its European and UK Bank boards. As Chairman of International, Hani oversees the regional management teams across EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America and leads strategy development, execution and delivery of enterprise priorities across these regions. Hani is Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Council for the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), the independent financial think tank for central banks and public investment. Since joining The Bank of New York in 1997, Hani has held a number of leadership roles in New York, London and the UAE. Hani previously worked for HSBC in New York.
"I was born to Palestinian refugees in Liberia and have lived in Lebanon, Kuwait, Dubai, Iowa, New York, Abu Dhabi and now London. I know first-hand the challenges faced by those looking to establish a new life of safety and belonging. I truly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to be supported into stable and fulfilling employment, to come to work in an environment that encourages inclusion and belonging at every level, and that utilises their skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their potential."
Julia Onslow-Cole
Trustee
Julia Onslow-Cole is a Partner of Fragomen, an international immigration firm. Julia is in the Government Immigration Strategies & Compliance team which supports clients and Governments around the world. Prior to joining Fragomen Julia was the Head of PwC’s global immigration practice. Julia has more than 30 years experience in the area of immigration law and practice.
"Throughout my career I have been heavily involved in many organisations and projects relating to human rights, the rule of law and refugee protection and employment. I am delighted to join Breaking Barriers as a trustee to support their excellent work in this area."
Andrew Waidhofer
Trustee
Andrew Waidhofer is a Vice President at Apax Partners and has been involved in a number of key deals in the services space. Prior to joining Apax Partners, Andrew worked at HSBC. Andrew holds a Masters in Pharmacy from the University of Nottingham.
“As a son of immigrants myself, I understand first-hand the difficulties of starting a new life in a country which is unfamiliar in so many aspects. Breaking Barriers’ focus on helping support immigrants through every step towards employment, whilst cultivating direct partnerships with businesses, is both impressive and unique; and one that I am incredibly privileged to be associated with.”
Hannah Hoyle
Board secretary
An Assistant Company Secretary at Monzo Bank Limited, with a keen interest in the Board governance of financially regulated entities. Hannah is a member of ICSA and undertaking the Chartered Secretary Qualifying Scheme.
“It’s a privilege to play a small part in supporting the Board of Trustees at Breaking Barriers. The work they do to help integrate refugees into society through employment is vital and incredibly effective.”
Katie Rickard
Trustee
Katie Rickard is the director of country programmes and operations at IMPACT initiatives. Katie currently oversees over 20 country teams and in previous roles with IMPACT initiatives, worked in South Sudan, Iraq and Jordan. Katie holds a MPhil in Development studies from the University of Oxford.
"Having worked in conflict and emergency settings over the past 6 years, I am deeply aware of the injustice that push communities to seek asylum. While I am proud that the UK continues to welcome asylum seekers, there are critical gaps in service provision for meaningful integration, gaps which I see Breaking Barriers in a unique position to fill.”
Lena Sabbagh
Trustee
Lena Sabbagh is Global Head of Organisational Effectiveness at Aesop. Much of her career has been spent helping organisations to improve their performance through maximising the potential of their people. Prior to joining Aesop, Lena worked for Burberry, after over 20 years in organisational consulting, including latterly three years as a Director in Deloitte's Organisation Transformation practice. Lena holds an MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge, and an MSc in Organisational Psychology from Birkbeck, University of London.
"Since my childhood growing up in northern England, as the daughter of Syrian immigrants, I have been aware of the challenges of integrating into a host community in a new country, or a country in which you are seen as ‘not from here’. Add to that the trauma of fleeing war and persecution, and the challenges multiply. As an HR professional, and with over 20 years experience in the psychology of work, it has long been clear to me that central to a person’s ability to integrate into, and contribute to, a host community is the ability to work. This is the laser focus of Breaking Barriers, and it is my privilege to support its vital mission."