Mehreen joined the Staying Put Board in August 2022 with an aim to raise awareness on issues relating to domestic violence and to give back by providing insight into lived experience.

Mehreen’s background is in HR and recruitment, having worked in various different sectors and companies before completing her MSc and Level 7 CIPD in 2019. At present, Mehreen works as a Senior HR Business Partner in the legal sector and also sits on the HR sub-board advising the CEO on the overall people strategy.

Ruqayyah Busari-Akinoshun is a highly experienced Chartered Accountant from Nigeria with a robust background in tax inspection and forensic accounting. Ruqayyah acquired her Master’s degree in Forensic Accounting from Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom. With a deep commitment to public service, Ruqayyah spent six years working for the Nigerian public service as an Inspector of Taxes. During this time, she held key positions, including Deputy Tax Manager, and rose to the role of Zonal Tax Inspector. In these capacities, she played an instrumental role in overseeing tax compliance, conducting audits, and ensuring transparency in tax administration. Currently, Ruqayyah brings her extensive financial expertise and passion for humanity to Staying Put Organisation, where she serves as a Trustee on the Board. Her professional background and dedication to integrity continue to strengthen the organization’s governance and financial management.

Molly is an experienced legal counsel and strategic advisor, currently working for a team at Google DeepMind that aims to catalyse the impact of the company’s AI breakthroughs for global challenges spanning education, societal awareness of AI, life sciences, climate and sustainability.

She has broad international experience in the charity and technology sectors, having previously supported Guy’s & St Thomas Foundation’s work to invest, partner, engage and influence big health challenges from all angles, including fundraising and targeted initiatives to build trust in local communities and support urban health.

Having navigated significant adversity in her own life, Molly is deeply passionate about Staying Put’s work and the opportunity to contribute her skills and experience to advancing it’s important mission.

Ellen is a solicitor specialising in competition and anti-trust, based in Leeds. She has a wealth of experience advising businesses on compliance risk and is recognised for her pragmatic and strategic approach. Alongside her commercial practice, Ellen is passionate about promoting the rights of women and girls, having attended conferences hosted by Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Red Cross focussing on the protection of women and girls and the interaction of human rights with healthcare. Ellen wrote her undergraduate dissertation on the protection of women and girls in public policy, and the importance of understanding cultural considerations when promoting human rights.

Sarah is a HR professional, with over 18 years industry experience in various sectors and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Development. Sarah’s most recent work experience includes working as a freelance HR Consultant for herself as well as an Associate Lecturer and Dissertation Supervisor for a University. Her passion is to help others as well as sharing Staying Put’s vision of living in a world that is free from violence where everyone can feel safe.

Malcolm is a retired accountant who worked in industry for most of his career, in various roles. Malcolm worked at the Emerald Group Publishing Ltd – an international academic publisher, for 20 years. He was their finance director/company secretary before his retirement in 2015.

Malcolm brings many years of charity experience having been the treasurer and trustee on the board of the Brain Tumour Research and Support Charity, based in Leeds from 2005 to 2018.

Jamil Ismail is a director at Petherbridge Bassra Solicitors in Bradford, and specialises in children’s and family law. He also bring a wealth of expertise as a NED working in the charity sector.