Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel

Jenny Ardley is a Criminology lecturer and Security Manager at Loughborough University. She is Deputy Chair of the Loughborough Community Central Delivery Group and is member of several multi agency panels in Loughborough relating to anti-social behaviour and community cohesion.  

Jenny holds two Master’s degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice and in Education Practice. She is currently teaching a module on Rehabilitation and Recovery to final-year Criminology students. The module has recently won three prestigious teaching awards. 

Jenny has a strong understanding of the rehabilitation of offenders and their recovery, and the vital role of multi-agency partnerships in their success. Jenny is passionate about teaching her students about compassion and empathy in rehabilitation.

She conducts investigations into student behavioural issues and joined the Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel to apply her experience of best practice and justice within the local community. In her role as Security Manager, Jenny manages initiatives to promote inclusivity and combat all victimization, particularly hate crime. These often focus on supporting international students and marginalized groups. 

Jenny has been a member of various staff groups within the university that promote inclusion and combat discriminatory practices. She has initiated partnerships between Loughborough University and various local community organizations to encourage positive mental health for students. Jenny is a strong believer that all communities must work together to promote inclusion and effect community cohesion.

Ajay is a qualified solicitor. He has a background in social justice, advocacy, and public policy, with a focus on human rights and addressing systemic inequalities. 

Ajay has had a successful academic journey in community cohesion, research and law (MA. LLB, Ph.D.). Ajay feels that through his career, he has a strong understanding about the structural inequalities within our social, political, and economic framework, and many other challenges of community cohesion at various levels. 

Through Ajay’s professional work as a solicitor, he has engaged in various initiatives aimed at combating hate, fostering inclusion, and advocating for marginalized communities. This includes collaborating and working with different voluntary and non-profit organisations on anti-discrimination campaigns, conducting research on hate crime trends, and working directly with victims to ensure their voices are heard in the justice system. 

Ajay applied to the Hate Crime Panel because he is deeply committed to addressing the rising tide of hate crimes and ensuring that all individuals feel safe and valued in their communities and has applied his skills effectively in his two years thus far on the panel.

Ajay said:

“Proud to serve on the Hate Crime Panel and, through our work, help improve processes and systems so that victims of hate crime can feel reassured, supported, and confident in the response they receive. I truly value this opportunity to contribute to meaningful change and make a positive difference in the community” 

Richard was born and brought up in Wellington, Somerset and moved to the Bristol area with his family in his mid teens. He spent most of his working life in Bristol apart from a few years in the mid 80s in London. He moved to Narborough in 2013 with his wife (who is from Leicester) and son. 

Richard has qualifications in business studies and was for many years a professionally qualified health educationalist. Until his retirement in 2012 he was a senior manager in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He spent 25 years as a policy advisor on biodiversity and conservation in Defra and its predecessors and has represented the UK internationally including heading UK delegations to two major intergovernmental environmental conferences (COPs). 

Outside of his work, Richard was a charity trustee on the board of one of the UK’s leading health charities for over 35 years and chaired the board on three separate occasions. He is now an elected member and former Chairman of Narborough Parish Council.

Richard said:

“The work of the panel in encouraging continuous improvement in the way hate crimes are investigated is important so that victims feel confident in reporting hate crime incidents, knowing that they will be dealt with appropriately. But it is also good to be able to highlight and offer positive feedback to those officers who are already doing just that."

Barbara’s professional journey encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including academia, healthcare, governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), all centred around inclusion and public dialogue. She brings extensive experience in strategy development to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) while effectively engaging stakeholders and public contributors. 

Barbara co-delivers multidisciplinary research projects designed to support and enhance the skills, knowledge, and confidence of researchers, particularly in involving ethnic minorities and seldom-heard communities throughout the entire research cycle. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and is also the Founder and Chair of Project, Polska, a grassroots organisation dedicated to supporting the Polish diaspora. She frequently offers advisory support to national and regional organisations on issues related to community cohesion, integration, and inclusion. 

Holding a master’s degree in human Rights and Global Ethics, Barbara has developed a strong foundation in the theories of human rights and equity. Her BA Hons in Public Policy, Government, and Management, along with extensive professional experience in the public sector, has provided her with a deep understanding of the complex dynamics involved in contemporary policy-making processes. 

In her two years on the panel Barbara has demonstrated the skills of a highly accomplished scrutiny panel member, able to think critically and objectively and highlighting areas of success as well as areas for change. 

Barbara said:

“Being a member of the panel has been an incredibly rewarding and thought-provoking experience. Reviewing diverse yet complex cases has highlighted the multifaceted and fluid nature of the situations navigated by officers and staff.  The opportunity to deep-dive into individual cases and have honest, open discussions has given the panel members in my view, a deeper understanding of the context behind each case and the difficult decisions involved.

While some discussions and differing perspectives can be challenging, particularly given the varied life experiences and viewpoints of panel members, these differences have ultimately strengthened the process and have encouraged transparency.”

Brigitte qualified as a fashion designer in Vienna majoring in Accountancy and Business Management. On her move to the UK she specialised in further and higher education and became Head of Post 16 Education and Training for South-East Wales of the Funding Council for Wales.  

She served on the Cardiff Bench as a Magistrate for 20 years ensuring fairness for all, followed by a ministerial appointment for the All Wales Probation Board.  

She also served on the Gwent College Board and their Finance Committee.  

On moving to Leicestershire, she joined the Board of Governors of Leicester College. In addition, she is working with the Patient Participation Group (PPG) as well as the Patient Participation Involvement and Assurance Group (PPIAG) of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) of the NHS. Fairness, Inclusion and Diversity are all integral to her work and Scrutiny is an important aspect of ensuring these principles. Brigitte has spent the last two years on the Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel and is a well-respected, considerate colleague who is not afraid to make uncomfortable observations, always in a fair and objective manner.

Brigitte said:

“Serving on the Hate Crime Panel gives me an insight into the complex and difficult work the Police Teams are having to do 

I speak about key messages of the panel in my community and also praise the police for their continuous efforts for fairness.” 

Rosie has worked in various roles within mental health in the NHS for the last 23 years. She is currently the Service Manager with responsibility for a number of specialist services for adults. Before joining the NHS, Rosie worked in the PR and advertising sector advising on corporate law matters. Rosie has supported her services to reach out into the diverse communities we service across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland raising awareness of the impact of mental health and how to access support. 

During COVID, Rosie supported with setting up the Mental Health Central Access Point which is a 24-hour mental health telephone helpline. Rosie was successful in joining the Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel in 2024 and her experience and skills have transferred to a successful first two years with the panel, making sound judgement and shaping the way hate crime is approached by Leicestershire Police. 

Rosie has been deputy Chair of the panel since 2025 and has been a fantastic support to her colleagues.

Rosie said:

“It is a privilege to be on the Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel for Leicestershire Police. Having been on the panel for 2 years, I have learnt so much about the complexity in managing these incidents and the amazing work our Police colleagues do to investigate and support victims. Where we have identified any learning for individuals, the Police have taken appropriate and timely action. The work of our panel is valued and appreciated by the Police and they do take onboard our feedback.”

Jenny Ardley is a Criminology lecturer and Security Manager at Loughborough University. She is Deputy Chair of the Loughborough Community Central Delivery Group and is member of several multi agency panels in Loughborough relating to anti-social behaviour and community cohesion.  Jenny holds two Master’s degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice and in Education Practice.  

Jenny has a strong understanding of the rehabilitation of offenders and their recovery, and the vital role of multi-agency partnerships in their success. Jenny is passionate about teaching her students about compassion and empathy in rehabilitation. 

She conducts investigations into student behavioural issues and joined the Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel to apply her experience of best practice and justice within the local community.  

Jenny has been a member of various staff groups within the university that promote inclusion and combat discriminatory practices. She has initiated partnerships between Loughborough University and various local community organizations to encourage positive mental health for students. Jenny has brought consistently confident, insightful input to the hate crime scrutiny panel in her two years to date and draws on her professional experience effectively. 

Jenny said:

"I have truly valued the collegiate atmosphere and robust analysis that the scrutiny panel has enabled. There is very  good engagement from the police and a panel with a  wide variety of skills and a wealth of knowledge. I am proud to be part of something that will lead to further debate of best practice"

Saffiya studied LLB Law and holds a Master's in International Commercial Law. She currently works as a Legal Officer at Leicester City Council, providing legal advice across a range of local government matters

Alongside her professional role, Saffiya volunteers as an Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) for Leicestershire Police, helping to provide independent oversight of the treatment and welfare of detainees in police custody. She is also involved in charitable initiatives and is passionate about making a positive difference in the community.

Saffiya joined the Leicestershire Police Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel because she wants to support fairness, transparency and accountability in policing. Through her legal background, voluntary work and experience as an ICV, she hopes to contribute to the panel's work and help strengthen public confidence in how hate crime is handled.

Saffiya said:

"I am looking forward to contributing to the Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel and bringing an independent perspective. I hope to support fair and transparent scrutiny of hate crime cases and help build trust between the police and the communities they serve."

Lisa (she/her) is an LGBTQ+ Advocate, Consultant and Trainer based in Loughborough, Leicestershire. Supporting public, private and third sector organisations as they strive for LGBTQ+ inclusion, Lisa has over 10 years of direct experience supporting trans and non-binary people and the wider LGBTQ+ communities, through 1-1 support and advocacy services. To date, Lisa has supported over 500 LGBTQ+ teenagers and adults. Lisa has also developed and delivered LGBTQ+ inclusion training sessions and workshops to over 3000 professionals from a variety of backgrounds; including for those from the nuclear, housing and wedding industries and those in frontline services including police officers, midwives, nurses, GPs, teachers and counsellors, to name a few.

 Lisa's breadth of experience also enables her to offer consultancy services. Lisa supports organisations with the development of inclusive policies and procedures, in particular relating to working inclusively with and for trans and non-binary colleagues and clients. Furthermore, Lisa works with organisations to complete LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Assessments, which may include confidential staff surveys, assessment of existing systems and infrastructures and the organisation's online presence. This enables Lisa to provide a comprehensive report, detailing where an organisation is, in terms of their LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and includes a short, medium and long-term strategy for improvement.

 Lisa is a member of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's Ethics and Transparency Panel (ETP) and subsequently is the lead for the ETP on the Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel. Lisa is proud that she can bring her wealth and breadth of experience to scrutinising and advising Leicestershire Police. 

 Described as a 'one woman powerhouse' on local BBC radio, Lisa's proudest achievements are winning Leicester Pride's 'Unsung Hero' Award and being referred to as the 'fairy trans mother' on national television, by a group of young trans and non-binary people, she had supported and advocated for. When she's not doing all things LGBTQ+ inclusion, Lisa is also a wedding celebrant for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. Before running her own business, Lisa worked for local, regional and national charities, in addition to working for an MP and MEP.  When not working, Lisa can often be found with a puzzle book, at a theme park or even hiking a mountain!

Lisa said:

"Sitting on the Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel for Leicestershire Police is a role that I value and never take for granted. The respect, accountability and transparency the Leicestershire Force panel members have, both for us as external panel members and also victims of crime, is genuinely like nothing I have ever experienced in a professional setting.

Every meeting I am genuinely impressed by their honesty, their willingness to be challenged and to be accountable, when a case wasn't handled as it should have been. As a queer resident of Leicestershire, as well as a professional whom supports other queer people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, it is both heartening and encouraging that the Hate Crime Team for Leicestershire Force, care so passionately about supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our region.

In an uncertain political and social climate, I hope this remains long after my time on the Panel"

Clive has spent most of his working life in various financial services roles, up to Director level. Laterally he worked as a Senior Fraud Investigator for a major bank. He retired in 2024 and lives in South Leicestershire with his wife. His work in fraud investigations has given him an insight into the impact of (financial) crime on victims.

For the past three years he has been a member of the Independent Custody Visitor team that make unannounced visits to the three custody detention suites in Leicester. The team speak to detainees to ensure that their rights and entitlements are being delivered. Clive also attends the Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel that reviews the complete records of detainees through their entire custody journey i.e. to their release or a charge being made.

In his three years being associated with the Leicestershire OPCC, he has demonstrated his skills as a highly respected and valued participant in roles supporting scrutiny of alleged offenders and police detention responsibilities. He also delivers the analytical skills of treating people fairly, derived from his many years in banking.

Clive said:

"I am very much looking forward to being a member of the Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel. Reviewing diverse and complex cases and giving constructive feedback will, I am sure, be personally rewarding but should help to shape how police act in these situations. This should also give confidence to hate crime victims that they will be dealt with sympathetically and appropriately."