Insight to Action Advisory group
Advisory Group Members
Professional Background
Dr. Yusuf Ciftci is an experienced campaigner, researcher, and lived experience leader specialising in co-production and refugee involvement. With a PhD in International Relations and more than four years working in the charitable sector, Yusuf founded the Experts by Experience Employment C.I.C., creating equitable employment pathways for refugees and migrants to step into leadership roles.
Yusuf has contributed to major co-production and advocacy projects, including work with the National Health Advisors Group at Doctors of the World UK, promoting healthcare access for everyone regardless of immigration status. Currently, Yusuf is the Head of Refugee Involvement at the Refugee Council, leading the organisation’s transformation to centre lived experience in its strategy, governance, and delivery.
Contribution to Insight to Action
As a member of the Advisory Group, Yusuf brings expertise in meaningful engagement, leadership development, and equitable practice. His experience ensures that Insight to Action continues to elevate refugee and migrant voices, embedding lived experience as a driver of change across the sector.
Values & Impact
Yusuf serves as Co-Chair at City of Sanctuary UK and Director of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative, and has co-authored sector resources on equitable recruitment and refugee leadership. He is committed to building welcoming communities and re-shaping systems so that those most affected are at the centre of decision-making.
Personal Touch
Away from his campaigning and leadership work, Yusuf enjoys playing the guitar and finds music an important creative outlet.
Professional Background
Sami is a strategy leader and systems thinker, with a strong track record of shaping cross-sector policy, governance, and organisational transformation. They currently hold a portfolio of non-executive roles, including Chair of the #iWill Movement, board member of the #iWill Fund (which has matched over £100M for youth social action), and advisory roles with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the National Youth Strategy, and with King’s College London on mental health prevention.
Sami has supported organisations like Safe Passage International, embedding anti-racism into strategy, and worked with New Philanthropy Capital on mapping Manchester’s open youth infrastructure. Their approach is data-literate, future-focused, and rooted in embedding lived experience into systems and structures of power.
Contribution to Insight to Action
At Insight to Action, Sami brings a commitment to centring marginalised voices in decision-making and challenging orthodox approaches. Their blend of governance experience, policy insight, and innovation expertise strengthens the programme’s ability to shape sector-wide change.
Values & Impact
A Fellow of the RSA and member of the Institute of Directors, Sami is passionate about reimagining governance and infrastructure so that equity and lived experience sit at the heart of how organisations and policies are designed.
Personal Touch
Sami is motivated by collaborating with communities to co-create bold solutions and believes deeply in the power of young people and marginalised groups to lead systemic change.
Professional Background
With an LLB (Hons) and an MSc in Criminal Justice, Aneel has built a career dedicated to equality, human rights, and advancing racial justice. Currently Deputy CEO of the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council, Aneel has more than a decade of experience working in Scotland’s charity sector, supporting minority ethnic communities, refugees, and people seeking asylum. Their career includes leadership roles at Central Scotland Regional Equality Council, the Scottish Refugee Council, and the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council, where Aneel has worked as Project Coordinator, Regional Integration Coordinator, Development Officer, and now Deputy CEO.
Contribution to Insight to Action
Since joining the Advisory Group in 2022, Aneel has brought deep expertise in outreach, partnership working, and anti-racism practice. Their experience ensures that Insight to Action is shaped by approaches that build bridges between communities, foster inclusion, and strengthen the sector’s response to inequality.
Values & Impact
Aneel’s work reflects a strong belief in human rights and social justice, ensuring that the voices of underrepresented communities are heard in policy and service design. They are passionate about advancing anti-racism within the refugee and migration sector, and committed to building sustainable, collaborative approaches.
Personal Touch
Beyond work, Aneel has a lifelong love of music—whether listening, playing (or at least trying to), or experiencing it live.
Professional Background
R is currently the CEO of Kent Refugee Action Network, Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director of the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, and a Parish Councillor. With a PhD in International Politics (2020), R has published book chapters and journal articles exploring civil society, social movements, and agency. Over the past two decades, R has led and directed charities—including a Development Trust in Brixton and the Community Empowerment Network in Wandsworth—and served as Head of Knowledge Exchange at the ESRC Third Sector Research Centre.
Contribution to Insight to Action
Drawing on extensive leadership in the voluntary sector, policy advisory roles, and academic expertise, R brings a unique perspective to Insight to Action. Their background ensures the programme remains both strategically grounded and deeply connected to lived experience, particularly in shaping inclusive, community-driven approaches.
Values & Impact
R’s commitment to social justice is reflected in advisory roles for the Department for Communities and Local Government, national community forums, and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. They have also worked internationally as a consultant for NGOs in Bangladesh and as a Policy Advisor for the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, supporting women entrepreneurs and micro-credit graduates.
Personal Touch
Outside of formal leadership roles, R has contributed to national professional development frameworks, lectured at Birkbeck College, and supported women’s rights organisations as a trustee. They are passionate about building stronger, fairer communities and believe in the power of collective action to create social change.
Professional Background
Maria is the Operational Lead and Executive Director of RAMA (Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action), which has grown over the past nine years into a key organisation in the East of England, primarily Essex. Today, RAMA supports over 5,000 clients from 137 countries, with a team made up of 87% staff with lived experience — a foundation that shapes its advocacy, casework, and organisational direction.
Maria also contributes at a systems level as a member of the local ICB VCFSE steering committee and the EDI Community of Practice, where she champions equitable access to health and mental health services for migrants, seeing this as a vital marker of genuine inclusion.
Contribution to Insight to Action
Maria brings deep expertise in complex casework, navigating the intersection of human rights, public opinion, and the ongoing impacts of the hostile environment. She ensures that the voices and needs of migrants remain at the centre, advocating for safety, dignity, and belonging. Her leadership grounds Insight to Action in the realities faced by migrant communities, strengthening the programme’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Values & Impact
As a migrant whose family has been directly impacted by racism and prejudice, Maria reflects: “It’s only through helping others feel welcome and safe here that I have come to feel I belong here.” This personal journey underpins her values of solidarity, equity, and justice.
Personal Touch
Maria thrives on supporting others through the most complex challenges, finding solutions that balance individual dignity with systemic advocacy. She is deeply motivated by the belief that true belonging is built through helping others feel safe, respected, and at home.
Professional Background
Maria is the Operational Lead and Executive Director of RAMA (Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action), which has grown over the past nine years into a key organisation in the East of England, primarily Essex. Today, RAMA supports over 5,000 clients from 137 countries, with a team made up of 87% staff with lived experience — a foundation that shapes its advocacy, casework, and organisational direction.
Maria also contributes at a systems level as a member of the local ICB VCFSE steering committee and the EDI Community of Practice, where she champions equitable access to health and mental health services for migrants, seeing this as a vital marker of genuine inclusion.
Contribution to Insight to Action
Maria brings deep expertise in complex casework, navigating the intersection of human rights, public opinion, and the ongoing impacts of the hostile environment. She ensures that the voices and needs of migrants remain at the centre, advocating for safety, dignity, and belonging. Her leadership grounds Insight to Action in the realities faced by migrant communities, strengthening the programme’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Values & Impact
As a migrant whose family has been directly impacted by racism and prejudice, Maria reflects: “It’s only through helping others feel welcome and safe here that I have come to feel I belong here.” This personal journey underpins her values of solidarity, equity, and justice.
Personal Touch
Maria thrives on supporting others through the most complex challenges, finding solutions that balance individual dignity with systemic advocacy. She is deeply motivated by the belief that true belonging is built through helping others feel safe, respected, and at home.
Professional Background
Maria is the Operational Lead and Executive Director of RAMA (Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action), which has grown over the past nine years into a key organisation in the East of England, primarily Essex. Today, RAMA supports over 5,000 clients from 137 countries, with a team made up of 87% staff with lived experience — a foundation that shapes its advocacy, casework, and organisational direction.
Maria also contributes at a systems level as a member of the local ICB VCFSE steering committee and the EDI Community of Practice, where she champions equitable access to health and mental health services for migrants, seeing this as a vital marker of genuine inclusion.
Contribution to Insight to Action
Maria brings deep expertise in complex casework, navigating the intersection of human rights, public opinion, and the ongoing impacts of the hostile environment. She ensures that the voices and needs of migrants remain at the centre, advocating for safety, dignity, and belonging. Her leadership grounds Insight to Action in the realities faced by migrant communities, strengthening the programme’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Values & Impact
As a migrant whose family has been directly impacted by racism and prejudice, Maria reflects: “It’s only through helping others feel welcome and safe here that I have come to feel I belong here.” This personal journey underpins her values of solidarity, equity, and justice.
Personal Touch
Maria thrives on supporting others through the most complex challenges, finding solutions that balance individual dignity with systemic advocacy. She is deeply motivated by the belief that true belonging is built through helping others feel safe, respected, and at home.
Professional Background
Maria is the Operational Lead and Executive Director of RAMA (Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action), which has grown over the past nine years into a key organisation in the East of England, primarily Essex. Today, RAMA supports over 5,000 clients from 137 countries, with a team made up of 87% staff with lived experience — a foundation that shapes its advocacy, casework, and organisational direction.
Maria also contributes at a systems level as a member of the local ICB VCFSE steering committee and the EDI Community of Practice, where she champions equitable access to health and mental health services for migrants, seeing this as a vital marker of genuine inclusion.
Contribution to Insight to Action
Maria brings deep expertise in complex casework, navigating the intersection of human rights, public opinion, and the ongoing impacts of the hostile environment. She ensures that the voices and needs of migrants remain at the centre, advocating for safety, dignity, and belonging. Her leadership grounds Insight to Action in the realities faced by migrant communities, strengthening the programme’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Values & Impact
As a migrant whose family has been directly impacted by racism and prejudice, Maria reflects: “It’s only through helping others feel welcome and safe here that I have come to feel I belong here.” This personal journey underpins her values of solidarity, equity, and justice.
Personal Touch
Maria thrives on supporting others through the most complex challenges, finding solutions that balance individual dignity with systemic advocacy. She is deeply motivated by the belief that true belonging is built through helping others feel safe, respected, and at home.
Professional Background
Maria is the Operational Lead and Executive Director of RAMA (Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action), which has grown over the past nine years into a key organisation in the East of England, primarily Essex. Today, RAMA supports over 5,000 clients from 137 countries, with a team made up of 87% staff with lived experience — a foundation that shapes its advocacy, casework, and organisational direction.
Maria also contributes at a systems level as a member of the local ICB VCFSE steering committee and the EDI Community of Practice, where she champions equitable access to health and mental health services for migrants, seeing this as a vital marker of genuine inclusion.
Contribution to Insight to Action
Maria brings deep expertise in complex casework, navigating the intersection of human rights, public opinion, and the ongoing impacts of the hostile environment. She ensures that the voices and needs of migrants remain at the centre, advocating for safety, dignity, and belonging. Her leadership grounds Insight to Action in the realities faced by migrant communities, strengthening the programme’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Values & Impact
As a migrant whose family has been directly impacted by racism and prejudice, Maria reflects: “It’s only through helping others feel welcome and safe here that I have come to feel I belong here.” This personal journey underpins her values of solidarity, equity, and justice.
Personal Touch
Maria thrives on supporting others through the most complex challenges, finding solutions that balance individual dignity with systemic advocacy. She is deeply motivated by the belief that true belonging is built through helping others feel safe, respected, and at home.
Professional Background
Maria is the Operational Lead and Executive Director of RAMA (Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action), which has grown over the past nine years into a key organisation in the East of England, primarily Essex. Today, RAMA supports over 5,000 clients from 137 countries, with a team made up of 87% staff with lived experience — a foundation that shapes its advocacy, casework, and organisational direction.
Maria also contributes at a systems level as a member of the local ICB VCFSE steering committee and the EDI Community of Practice, where she champions equitable access to health and mental health services for migrants, seeing this as a vital marker of genuine inclusion.
Contribution to Insight to Action
Maria brings deep expertise in complex casework, navigating the intersection of human rights, public opinion, and the ongoing impacts of the hostile environment. She ensures that the voices and needs of migrants remain at the centre, advocating for safety, dignity, and belonging. Her leadership grounds Insight to Action in the realities faced by migrant communities, strengthening the programme’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Values & Impact
As a migrant whose family has been directly impacted by racism and prejudice, Maria reflects: “It’s only through helping others feel welcome and safe here that I have come to feel I belong here.” This personal journey underpins her values of solidarity, equity, and justice.
Personal Touch
Maria thrives on supporting others through the most complex challenges, finding solutions that balance individual dignity with systemic advocacy. She is deeply motivated by the belief that true belonging is built through helping others feel safe, respected, and at home.
Professional Background
Maria is the Operational Lead and Executive Director of RAMA (Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action), which has grown over the past nine years into a key organisation in the East of England, primarily Essex. Today, RAMA supports over 5,000 clients from 137 countries, with a team made up of 87% staff with lived experience — a foundation that shapes its advocacy, casework, and organisational direction.
Maria also contributes at a systems level as a member of the local ICB VCFSE steering committee and the EDI Community of Practice, where she champions equitable access to health and mental health services for migrants, seeing this as a vital marker of genuine inclusion.
Contribution to Insight to Action
Maria brings deep expertise in complex casework, navigating the intersection of human rights, public opinion, and the ongoing impacts of the hostile environment. She ensures that the voices and needs of migrants remain at the centre, advocating for safety, dignity, and belonging. Her leadership grounds Insight to Action in the realities faced by migrant communities, strengthening the programme’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Values & Impact
As a migrant whose family has been directly impacted by racism and prejudice, Maria reflects: “It’s only through helping others feel welcome and safe here that I have come to feel I belong here.” This personal journey underpins her values of solidarity, equity, and justice.
Personal Touch
Maria thrives on supporting others through the most complex challenges, finding solutions that balance individual dignity with systemic advocacy. She is deeply motivated by the belief that true belonging is built through helping others feel safe, respected, and at home.
