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Leicestershire Equalities Challenge Group Members

Please find below the current list of our Members.

If you would be interested in joining the Leicestershire Equalities Challenge Group, please email carine.cardoza@leics.gov.uk


Liz Blackshaw, Independent Chair of LECG

I combine my passion for science with a refusal to accept social inequality and injustice, I have campaigned for legal changes in the issuing of birth certificates, I have trained to be a Breastfeeding peer supporter and advocate, I have advocated against the closure of the Children's Centres and have set up 'Sorrel Stones' a local arts project which shares happiness and promotes outdoor exercise for adults and children of all ages.


Mathew Hulbert, Independent Vice Chair of LECG

I am currently the Vice Chair of LECG and have been a trustee and Chair of the Leicester LGBT Centre, a Borough Councillor in Hinckley and Bosworth Council, an elected member of Barwell Parish Council and an Independent Chair of the Leicestershire Fire Service and Police Service LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group. I represent the Locality PPG on the Hinckley and Bosworth Health and Wellbeing Partnership. I'm also on the organising committee of the 'True Colours' partnership and Chair the Hinckley and Bosworth Fairtrade Forum and Barwell Carnival Association.


Peter Lewis, Equality Action, Charnwood

I was Chair of Human Rights & Equalities Charnwood, a Trustee of Equalities Action Charnwood, taught English & Drama at Loughborough University, was a Charnwood Borough Councillor, a Cabinet member for Culture, Leisure, Community Cohesion and Equalities at Leicestershire County Council, I was Chairman of County and on retirement was appointed an Honorary Alderman. I have worked with Better Care Together and have been a Chair of LECG.


Lucy Smith, Older People

Since my retirement as a tutor, I have worked as a volunteer on health and social care projects for older people in Leicestershire, the East Midlands and nationally. I was the Chair of the former Leicestershire Older People's Engagement Network and helped to host intergenerational partnership events called 'Bridging the Years'. I have served on the East Midlands Later Life Forum, I have been a member of the national Age UK Services Sounding Board, I am the treasurer of the Blaby Art group and have served as the Vice Chair of LECG.


Dr Iris Lightfoote, The Race Equality Centre (TREC)

TREC delivers services to individuals, communities and organisations, e.g., Discrimination Casework; Integration Service; ESOL and Employment and Enterprise and facilitating the Racial Minority Voluntary Sector Assembly. Our research and development arm links us into the city's universities through partnership arrangements. We also deliver specialised training and consultancy on a fee basis.


Alison Adams, Diocese of Leicester

I am the Sub-Dean,Canon Pastor and the Diocesan Social Responsibility Enabler. I chair the strategic Fair Finance Committee and am involved in partnership work around issues e.g.homelessness, poverty, dementia and modern-day slavery.


Dr Jill Vincent, Charnwood Arts

I have a PhD at University of Nottingham, I worked for the Open University and the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University. I was a Borough Councillor and Mayor of Charnwood, a Trustee of John Storer Charnwood and Equality Action and a Governor at Loughborough College. I worked in Arts in Prisons research and provision; I have chaired Charnwood Arts and I have an Honorary Degree by Loughborough University.


Mina Rodgers, Older People

I have worked in the NHS, been a member of Healthwatch and a Vice Chair of the Older People's Engagement Network. I have also held other roles, e.g., I have been a member of the Leicester Partnership Trust Alliance (Community Health), I am on the National Pensioners Convention, a national representative for the Ethnic Minority Elders and a member of a Patient Participation Group in Glenfield, Leicestershire.


Anthony Marvin, Leicestershire and Rutland Youth and Family Service

I have worked in the youth, family and community sector for many years, been in the foster care system and lived in some of the most deprived estates across Leicestershire. I also have experience of working in the private sector and in education providing behaviour management and supporting students with SEN/SEBD. I have been an independent freelance youth officer and I set up LGBT Melton and Leicestershire and Rutland Youth and Family Support Services. I have received recognitions from the former High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Leicester Pride and Victim First.


Pamela Sly and Anne Lawrence, Leicester Deaf Forum

Leicester Deaf Forum is a voluntary organisation lead by Deaf representatives of local Deaf Community groups. The forum encourages other organisations to make their information accessible and break down barriers and works closely with the British Deaf Association.


Tadeusz Stenzel, Polish Community in Melton Mowbray

I am the President of the Polish Union, which promotes Polish culture and represents the voice of Polish groups, entities and organisations in Great Britain. I am also a member of the Leicester & Rutland Minority Ethnic Forum.


Resham Sandhu, Interfaith Forum/Sikh Welfare

I have held many roles e.g., former High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Chair- Sikh Welfare & Cultural Society Leicester, UK Advisor to British Sikh Association, Leicestershire Faith Forum, Ambassador for Peace, Police Independent Advisor Group, Bishop's Faith Leadership Forum, St Philip Centre Community Advisory Forum.


Ajay Aggarwal, Leicester City of Sanctuary

I am a solicitor, practicing in Leicester. My specialization is UK Immigration and Family Law.I am also a member of Leicestershire Aging Together, Voluntary Action Leicestershire, Leicestershire Law Society, Leicester City of Sanctuary, Madani School, Leicester University and the Leicestershire Interfaith Forum.


Anne Collier, Shepshed Foodbank

I am a volunteer at Shepshed Volunteer Centre, part of John Storer Charnwood, a Trustee of Shepshed Foodbank, Secretary of Leicestershire Life Education Centres Trust, Secretary of Iveshead Swimming Pool committee and Secretary of Shepshed Special Community Bus Management committee. Now volunteering in retirement, I have worked with schools and community groups in the City and County as a teacher, adult educator and community development worker.


Troy Young, AgeUK Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland (LLR)

AgeUK LLR is a voluntary organisation that promotes the well-being and welfare of all older people. We provide opportunities for older people to develop new skills and knowledge, form and continue friendships and to have their views listened to, accepted and be made known. Our main aim is to develop sufficient and relevant services that reflect the needs and wishes of older people living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.