We are delighted to introduce you to the new NBCPA executive committee (EC) members for the 2021/22 financial year.
This year’s cohort includes existing members on their last term and new members who have been voted in or co-opted into the EC.
Below you can find out more about each EC member, what motivated them to join the EC and what they hope to achieve in the 2021/22 term.
Grace Moronfolu, Chair
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NBCPA when it was established in 2001.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
Value.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
I had a vision for the NBCPA and thought I could make a difference to colleagues’ experiences by following it through.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
- To increase our members’ confidence and help them make a visible impact on the service
- To work with colleagues to reduce racism, unfairness and discrimination in the CPS
- To help the CPS recognise the value and genius across the diversity of its staff.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
The NBCPA has helped me to know that anything is possible when like-minded and determined people get together to make a difference.
Conrad Gayle, Deputy Chair
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
On and off in different roles, I have been a member of the NBCPA for eight years.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
Empowering.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
Being a union representative, I was privy to some personal work challenges that individuals had to face and realised that people that looked like me seemed to have those challenges doubled, causing significant barriers. I wanted to make a difference for Black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
- Giving individuals the confidence to apply for roles in the CPS and develop their potentials
- Ensuring support is given to those facing barriers because of the colour of their skin
- Creating a safe space for open conversation and empowering people to speak up.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
There are platforms that I have sat on that gave me a voice and enabled me to make changes. It has also helped me apply for promotional positions and development because of the work I had undertaken on the executive committee.
Rizwan Amin, Secretary
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NBCPA in 2018 as I wanted to connect with other colleagues and felt that the staff network was a great way to do that.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
Innovative.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
I attended the AGM in 2018, where the theme that year was around knife crime. I was so inspired by the speakers and discussions that I wanted to join the EC so I could contribute and help to make a positive impact in the communities we represent.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
I would like to develop myself further, increase membership numbers and develop more efficient ways of working within the EC.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
The NBCPA has allowed me to develop myself in terms of skills and confidence. It has given me a platform to work and connect with colleagues I do not work with and made me appreciate the impact a staff network such as the NBCPA can have on individuals and shaping policy within the CPS.
Shairoz Ahmed, Deputy Secretary
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NBCPA as I saw it as a voice. All my career, I have seen people of colour in the background regardless of talent and experience and they are not presented opportunities to develop and flourish. I joined the CPS as I was impressed with their values, particularly diversity and inclusion and I saw the NBCPA as an opportunity to do something about my concerns.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
Strong.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
I want to take action, be involved, and know that I am utilising my time and skills.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
I want to be a source of encouragement and positivity and support my colleagues to develop and flourish in their careers, help people grow, and help them keep moving forward.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
I have only been a member a very short while but in that short time, I have been presented with excellent opportunities which were beneficial to me in helping me to belong and settle into my new role. I was presented with warm and friendly faces and personalities, which helped me start my new role confidently and with enthusiasm.
Rita Halkhory, Events Officer
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NPCPA around Feb 2020 following a hate crime presentation.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
Hope.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
I put myself forward to join the EC to contribute and to be a voice that the Black, Asian and minority ethnic people need. Being part of the NBCPA, I can be part of the pillars of support to show people we are here to listen and bring change.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
Understand, deliver and achieve.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
The NBCPA has given me a sense of belonging.
Inderpal Kaur-Singh, Deputy Events Officer
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NBCPA last May 2020 as I’m passionate about celebrating diversity and creating opportunities for the voices of ethnic minority people to come through and influence change. I also have a long career in equality, diversity and community development and felt I had a lot to contribute to the work of the NBCPA.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word
Empowering.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
To make a difference and work in partnership to achieve racial equality.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
- Excellent/ innovative delivery of high-quality events
- Making sure that we tackle racial discrimination and provide opportunities for our members to progress in their careers
- Ensuring the NBCPA speaks to educate and raise awareness with those in power and create powerful alliances.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
I have gained an immense amount of knowledge and insights into the bigger picture at a corporate level. This has widened my perspective and enhanced my ability to learn new ways of working and to work in partnership with ethnic minority staff in the NBCPA. I have become confident and empowered as there are many opportunities to lead and influence. For example, I speak regularly at NBCPA events to large audiences and this has enabled me to become an effective and engaging speaker/presenter.
Nathan Miebai, Training and Development Officer
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NBCPA at the point in which I joined the CPS back in 2008.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
Amazing.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
I am really passionate about training and development and really want to ensure that our members receive the best training and support possible.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
To implement a training and development programme that will really benefit our members from both the legal and operational delivery sides of the business. Also, I would like to ensure that we have a digital work experience programme that can be delivered by our members in addition to further developing the existing NBCPA mentoring programme.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
The NBCPA has made a massive difference to me. It has enabled me to build relationships with colleagues from around the organisation and develop my professional skills.
Tejal-Roma Williams, Deputy Training and Development Officer
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NBCPA when I first joined the CPS in October 2016. I had heard about the great work that it undertook and in particular I wanted to volunteer for the school’s project. I attended the annual conference and was inspired by the EC committee who gave up so much of their time to make a positive difference for their members. I have been an active observer in EC committee meetings since October 2020.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
Inspiring.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
I want to serve on the NBCPA EC committee first and foremost in order to be part of the change that I wish to see in the world. I believe in the values that the NBCPA uphold and I want to learn from the current EC members whom I believe demonstrate the highest form of leadership.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
I would like to ask our members what they need from us so that we can develop training that will support them to progress their careers thus further diversifying leadership within the CPS. I am committed to providing innovative, meaningful and high-quality training that makes a real difference in accordance with CPS strategic values and aims. Finally, I would like to assist with the development of our digital work experience programme and to continue with our incredible ‘reset, restore and recovery’ programme to ensure that our members are well versed in the importance of their wellbeing.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
As a member, the NBCPA has provided me with valuable learning opportunities and sources of inspiration. As an observer at EC committee meetings, the current and past committee members of the NBCPA have supported me in having the courage to participate in and run my own events. As a recently appointed EC member I am confident that the NBCPA will allow me to learn, develop and give back to our members.
Kofo Baptist, Communications Officer
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NBCPA in February 2019. I wanted to join the fight against systemic racism and contribute towards the promotion of an inclusive culture where everyone, especially marginalised colleagues, can thrive.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
Inclusive.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
I wanted an opportunity to make real and meaningful change in the development of the NBCPA’s communications strategy while also contributing to its equality, diversity and inclusion objectives.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
I joined the executive committee in March 2019 as communications officer, and I want to build on the work we’ve done so far; developing engaging content across our channels, raising awareness of important issues, and elevating our communications efforts.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
The NBCPA has allowed me to fully use my skills and abilities outside of my day job as a communications manager, leading to various opportunities and awards within the CPS.
Clara Sibanda, Deputy Communications Officer
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NBCPA when I joined the CPS. I wanted to be a part of a community that understood some of my experiences, fears and concerns. I also wanted to surround myself with individuals who were dedicated to improving the standing of minorities within the Civil Service and the community at large.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
I would describe the NBCPA as ‘inclusive’ and that was one factor that led me to join. We are about uplifting minorities and exploring solutions to the issues faced by them but we don’t limit our community to internal or minority staff. Our reach is far greater which is why we have so many allies.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
I put myself forward to join the EC because I also wanted to add to the brilliant work environment that I saw the NBCPA building. It wasn’t enough to marvel from outside – I wanted the responsibility. In this age of technology, there are few better ways to share information and encouragement.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
I would like to provide something for everyone who reads the newsletter or our articles. I would like to see our members encouraged to improve themselves through all the opportunities we regularly advertise and I would like to see myself to do the same, through my work as an EC member.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
The NBCPA has given me a family in the workplace through whom the stress of work can be alleviated, skills refined and good times had.
Maureen Edwards, Treasurer
When and why did you join the NBCPA?
I joined the NBCPA on 10 December 2019. I was interested in joining as the NBCPA provides a platform for its members to meet and provide support for one another, to campaign for change within the legal profession and to address the barriers to entry, progression, and general support. I felt that it was important be part of network that promote the growth of Black and minority ethnic colleagues at the CPS and within the legal profession through support, visibility, and community outreach.
Describe the NBCPA using only one word.
Progressive.
Why did you put yourself forward to join the EC?
Having read the aims and objectives of the NBPCA (one of which is to develop others), I felt strongly that I can help to deliver important work for the NBPCA.
Which three things would you like to achieve during your tenure as an EC member?
- Suitable training and/or mentoring in financial control and budgeting to discharge the duties of the role.
- Work with the other elected members of the executive committee to set the strategic direction of the association.
- Assist with organising formal events that seek to educate and empower our members.
How has the NBCPA made a difference to you?
I have been exposed to opportunities within CPS which has helped me to engage with other staff networks. I have attended a range of great courses which have addressed the needs of both legal and non-legal staff within the CPS. This has led to working with senior members to address any gaps and develop individual abilities and expertise. I have been able to attend informal events which create a fun, safe and relaxed space for members to encourage and support one another, socialise, and forge new professional friendships.