Our Governance
Sue Corbett
Chair of Trustees
Sue brings 30 years of board level experience in private and public companies and in the charity sector to the role of Chair. She works closely with Breaking Barriers’ CEO to help the charity grow to meet the tremendous demand for its services.
“I believe strongly in the importance of social integration, particularly for those who come to the UK in the most difficult of circumstances. Decent jobs enable refugees to contribute the skills they brought with them as well as leading fulfilling personal and family lives. I am an enthusiast for Breaking Barriers’ model of collaboration with business. It is notable how many commercial enterprises now want to make a positive social contribution and our approach helps them do that simply and constructively.”
Sajid F. Hussein
Trustee
Sajid Hussein is head of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Legal department in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He is based in London and leads a group of lawyers that provides legal support to Global Banking and Markets in the region. He is also a member of the human rights group Liberty.
“ 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.”
Stephanie Biden
Trustee
Stephanie is a partner at Bates Wells Braithwaite, one of the country’s leading law firms advising charities and social enterprises. Before joining BWB she spent eight months working in Thailand with International Justice Mission, on projects aimed at reducing sex trafficking and enabling local communities to fully benefit from their citizenship rights.
“I believe Breaking Barriers' work can play a significant role both in supporting refugees and in promoting wider community cohesion in the societies receiving them. It is also hugely important for people who have experienced traumatic life events to be able to work in a role which is sustainable, gives them a sense of agency in their lives, and makes the most of their skills and experience.”
Vicky Knight
Trustee
Vicky is head of partnerships and programmes at BPP University. She brings more than 25 years’ experience in organisational, programme and project management to Breaking Barriers. She spent over ten years working in international refugee protection in Africa and went on to manage a global refugee programme portfolio from New York. She is also a trustee of Saferworld, which works internationally to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives, and a mentor on UCL’s Global Citizenship Programme.
“I am very enthusiastic about supporting Breaking Barriers’ work to help refugees overcome the barriers they face in finding meaningful employment and in working with the programme team to develop and implement innovative, high quality programmes.”
Nishant Nayyar
Trustee
Nishant Nayyar is a Principal in the Tech & Telco team at Apax Partners and has been involved in a number of key deals in the Tech and Telecom space. Prior to joining Apax Partners, Nishant worked at Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm, on a wide variety of transactions across industry groups. Before his time at Warburg, he worked at Bain & Co. and Goldman Sachs in New York. He is also a member of the American Enterprise Institute.
Nishant has a BA from Williams College in Politics and Economics, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is a dual British / American national and currently lives in London with his wife and two young sons.
“As a first generation immigrant, I am strong believer that new arrivals, especially those fleeing violence and terror, can become contributing members of their adopted home. Breaking Barriers’ focus on solving the specific problems immigrants face in integrating into their new homes is impressive as is their focus on working with businesses to do so. With the right level of support, I truly believe, every refugee can fulfil their full potential and live meaningful lives.”
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.”
James Newell
Trustee
James is Management Consultant and the Managing Director of Kingston Smith Fundraising and Management, a strategic advisory business to charities and social businesses. Having begun his career working with offenders he became fascinated by the mechanics of fundraising, which ultimately led to him leading a successful consultancy practice. He is a visiting lecturer at Cass Business School and an advisor to the Pan Africa Mosquito Control Association.
“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.”