Our Trustees
Grace Capel - Chair
Grace (she/her) is a Trustee of Young Roots. She was a trustee from 2011 to 2020 and re-joined the board in 2022.
Grace is a barrister at Garden Court Chambers and specialises in immigration and asylum and related public law. Her expertise includes international protection, unlawful detention and challenges involving the identification and support of trafficking victims.
Grace brings to Young Roots her experience of refugee law and policy.
“Thanks to the skill and dedication of our staff team, our services are now expected to reach over 800 young people this year. I am looking forward to supporting the team as we continue to expand our activities. We will also be working to ensure that the views of young refugees are heard on the issues that matter to them. Now, more than ever, it is vital that the government, policy-makers and the media listen to what they have to say.”
Stephen Corker - Treasurer
Steve is the Treasurer for Young Roots and joined the board in 2016.
Jenny Couper - Governance
As a trustee, Jenny (she/her) leads on governance, ensuring that we have the right systems and processes in place to ensure that the charity meets necessary legislation, statutory requirements and good practice guidelines.
Jenny currently works as the Chief Operating Officer for SHiFT, a charity supporting children and young people to break free from a cycle of offending. Prior to joining SHiFT she worked for the New Cross Gate Trust, leading the finance, fundraising, HR and strategic development functions of this local charity. Jenny has recently completed an MSc in Voluntary Sector Management and Diploma in Charity Accounting from the ICAEW.
“I was drawn to becoming a trustee at Young Roots due to their values and commitment to supporting vulnerable children and young people with such integrity, kindness and perseverance. My focus will be to support the team to build and maintain the strong and resilient systems which reflect Young Roots’ ongoing growth and development.”
Radhika Ravi - Trustee
Radhika (she/her) joined Young Roots in 2022. She brings extensive volunteering experience with Red Cross and St Mungo’s. With Young Roots, she will be supporting the CEO and staff on a range of matters, with a specific focus on developing internal- and external-facing diversity, equity and inclusion practices and policies.
Radhika is a qualified actuary in the insurance sector. She has over 13 years of corporate experience, with a focus on investment-related matters, governance, strategic project execution and team management.
Radhika’s previous experience of volunteering gave her an insight into the dismal gaps in the support system for vulnerable people and the vital, life-saving and life-changing role charities like Young Roots played in caring for the underserved.
“It is a privilege to be able to support the truly exceptional staff at Young Roots who make such an impact on the lives of displaced young people. I hope to help the team expand and deliver on its mission and vision for supporting even more young people, an unfortunate but urgent requirement in today’s world riddled with turmoil and social injustice.”
Pamila Nigah - Internal Processes
Pam (she/her) is passionate about work that promotes the collective wellbeing of individuals, our community and our planet.
As a Trustee with Young Roots, Pam brings a strategic lens of governance, risk management and compliance across the organisation. Professionally, Pam is a qualified chartered accountant and has worked globally with large organisations to provide risk-based audit and advisory services, across both financial and operational areas, to enhance internal processes and controls. In recent years, Pam has shifted her focus to wellbeing for kids and families and is co-author of the book Nature Flow.
Pam believes Young Roots’ work is vital in improving the wellbeing and life chances of young people as well as providing them with a voice.
“I believe to be a part of Young Roots means being a part of something that is really making a positive difference to young people’s lives. I have the deepest admiration for the team, they are immensely dedicated and compassionate in the work that they do and are always going above and beyond to provide the best services for young people. I am continually inspired by them and look forward to seeing how this vital organisation continues to evolve.”
Andrew Haley - Trustee
Keren Elton - Trustee
Keren (she/her) joined Young Roots as a Trustee in 2016, and was the key contact for Young Roots’ International Programmes, including the Lebanon project.
Keren’s professional background is in project management and fundraising, and she currently works at a charity that supports Higher Education across the Commonwealth. She holds a MSc in Migration, Mobility and Development and has coordinated community development programmes for refugees in Canada.
After working with refugees in previous roles, Keren felt that she was missing this in her current work. She decided to volunteer her time and expertise to Young Roots in the capacity of a trustee.
“Seeing the impact of Young Roots’ work on the young people it serves is incredibly rewarding. I am continually impressed by Young Roots’ staff and volunteers – their dedication to their work is inspiring. I feel honoured to be a part of the work that Young Roots is doing and look forward to seeing the organisation grow and thrive.”
Laura Puddefoot-Knaggs - Trustee
Laura has been a trustee of Young Roots since 2017. She is Head of Philanthropy at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and focuses on supporting the staff team with Fundraising and Development.