Welcoming five new members to the Council of Trustees

The five senior leaders with extensive experience across government, housing, rehabilitation, policing and education will play a vital role in leading the organisation in its ambition to ensure no-one is left behind and when things go wrong people have the best chance at a second chance. They join new chief executive Campbell Robb as Nacro tackles challenges such as the thousands of people leaving prison into homelessness, record numbers of young people leaving school without basic qualifications and soaring youth unemployment.

Victor Olisa QPM, former Area Commander with the Metropolitan police is now a criminologist and lecturer in criminal justice issues. Starting his career as Surrey’s first black police officer, he has spent time as Borough Commander for Haringey and was the Met’s Director of Strategic Inclusion and Diversity. Throughout his career Victor has helped rebuild trust in the police and highlighted and provided solutions to issues faced by BAME community.

Victor said: “I am very proud to be joining the Council of Trustees at Nacro. Over the years I have been immensely impressed with the work that Nacro has done and continues to do in bringing a strong sense of humanity to the narrative on people who commit crimes and those leaving prison. I am looking forward to working with everyone at Nacro to create a socially just country where communities feel safe and together, we can support people leaving prison to contribute positively to keeping communities safe.”

Victor Olisa QPM

David Hanson, former MP for Delyn, Wales and Minister of State in the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, brings a wealth of experience to the role of trustee.

David said: “I’m pleased to have been appointed to the Council of Trustees of Nacro. I know from my involvement in the justice system as both a minister and MP how much valuable work Nacro does in helping to turn lives around, be it by providing advice, supporting direct services or presenting policy challenges and solutions to government. I hope I can help support this work as a Council member, as reducing reoffending and rebuilding lives is the most critical challenge in today’s justice system.”

David Hanson

Tabitha Kassem, Executive Director of Governance at the Network Housing Group, is a trained lawyer and former Legal Director at the Howard League for Penal Reform.

Tabitha said: “I’m honoured to be joining the Nacro Council of Trustees. Ensuring that disadvantaged young people and adults reach their full potential through appropriate and good quality housing and support, especially upon release from custody is critical, now more than ever, to strengthen our communities and prevent crime. I look forward to bringing my experience of working as a solicitor with and for those in, or affected by, the criminal justice system, together with my social housing expertise, to help those that need it most, with an organisation that has and continues to achieve so much.”

Tabitha Kassem

Anne Frost, a former senior civil servant has extensive experience leading policy in the Department for Education and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Anne said: “I am delighted to be joining the Nacro Council. Nacro’s work is particularly important in these difficult times and I am looking forward to joining with trustees and the executive team to help contribute to that work.”

Anne Frost

Katie Martin, Director of External Affairs at Citizens Advice, is a communications expert with experience working as chief press officer in Downing Street and in various civil service roles at the Home Office and Youth Justice Board.

Katie said: “I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping this fantastic organisation deliver on their goals to change lives, prevent crime and strengthen communities during this incredibly challenging time. Nacro provides life-changing support for people when they need it most. Sadly, that need will only increase as we feel the full effect of the Covid-induced recession.”

Katie Martin