Adrian has been involved with the Community Voluntary Sector for 25 years across reconciliation and youth work activities. Recognising that over time considerable progress has been made on reconciling various sections of Northern Irelands community. However, social and economic deprivation continues to exist and impact on the most vulnerable within our society.

As society changes new life challenges, vulnerability and prejudice arise for many diverse individuals, groups and community’s in our society. Public and private sector funding for community based projects has continued to reduce over the past number of years. Adrian firmly believes that the role of CFNI will be crucial in further enhancing social cohesion and ensuring everyone in NI understands their role in advancing our collective community.

Ciaran is Solicitor Advocate at Phoenix Law specialising in the areas of equality, human rights and family law. He has a reputation in the area of judicial review with a particular emphasis on strategic litigation. He believes the use of strategic litigation and ensuring access to the court system promotes equality and brings about legal change making Northern Ireland a more equitable place for those who are marginalised.

Gerard has worked in the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland for almost 30 years. As the Director of Holywell Trust, he leads a community relations and development organisation that strives to create positive and lasting change in the North West of Northern Ireland. He is passionate about empowering people to help themselves and their communities.

Gerard has led up several organisations within the sector and held a number of board positions. He currently sits on the board of Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and is a co-opted member of Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust’s Northern Ireland Committee.

Jane trained as a doctor and worked in public health. She holds a firm belief in community development and has a long term commitment to improving the social and economic determinants of health. She was the first Chief Executive of the Institute of Public Health set up to promote cooperation across the island of Ireland. She was a founding member of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, a cross community political group, and took part in the all party talks which led to the Belfast Agreement.

John recently retired as Senior Partner in a leading Belfast Law Firm. He brings to CFNI a wealth of experience in company and charity law. John is privileged to take up his role on the Board, bringing  together his professional and personal lifelong interest in charitable giving.

Mr Kouame was formerly Chair of the Northern Ireland Community of Refugees and Asylum Seekers and member of the Northern Ireland Race Equality Sub-Group and Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities. He has been a strong advocate for the refugee community in Northern Ireland for the last decade and he holds the belief that BME voices need to be heard and valued at every level of Northern Ireland society. He is currently a trustee of NACRO and a Commissioner for NI human Rights commission.

Mary is a Strategic Advisor on social/community regeneration and heads the Buy Social team. Buy Social is an initiative developed by SIB since 2013 which is aimed at getting more social and economic return from the £2.6billion spent on public procurement

Rhyannon is a Director at the NI Human Rights Commission, with responsibility for strategic litigation and advising government on matters affecting the promotion and protection of human rights in NI. Prior to this role, she practised as a barrister in Northern Ireland. Rhyannon also serves as a Trustee on the board of Advice Space.