You’re invited to Kajans AGM 6:30pm – 19 November 2026
Featuring Venu Dhupa, CEO of Westway Trust, and Wade Lyn, Owner Island Delight Patties. Join us—call 0121 507 0904 to register.
Kajans is guided by leaders whose experience spans local government, health, education, governance, business, the arts and community development. Together, they provide the insight and stewardship needed to keep Kajans community-led, ethically governed and focused on impact.
Kenneth brings extensive NHS procurement experience and a long record of voluntary service. His community work has supported children’s play and holiday schemes, day-centre provision for older people, welfare support and initiatives that reduce isolation.
Treasurer. Ryan Campbell is a qualified accountant with over a decade of experience across finance and tax compliance. He brings strong financial expertise and commercial insight to Kajans, supporting effective governance, financial oversight and the responsible management of the organisation’s resources.
Monica has held senior roles in minority business policy and regional economic development. Her experience includes chairing the African Caribbean People’s Movement, supporting mental-health initiatives in North Birmingham and convening the Office of the Jamaican Consulate in Birmingham.
Ian brings extensive experience in the arts, education and pastoral support to the Board. He began his career as an arts administrator, working closely with local communities before moving to London to study movement and dance at the renowned Laban Centre. Since returning to Birmingham, Ian has taught across a range of performing arts programmes and qualification levels. He now works as a Lead Pastoral Officer, drawing on his broad knowledge and experience of supporting young people within both community and international settings. Ian is passionate about the positive role that creativity, education and pastoral care can play in helping young individuals and communities to thrive.
Dean is a multi-award-winning creative director, cultural strategist and founder of Media Beast Ltd. With more than 14 years’ experience in brand innovation, film and digital storytelling, he has led work for major commercial and community clients while championing authentic representation and diverse voices.
Morola Hayden is a non-practising barrister, called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. She is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Law, Education and Society at the University of Hertfordshire. In addition to her academic career, Morola serves as the Senior Pastor and is a seasoned social entrepreneur. She has founded and led several organisations, including Amazon Initiatives Ltd, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting ethnic minority communities in creating sustainable and viable businesses. She currently serves on a number of boards and is the Co-Chair of Kajans Women’s Enterprise Ltd.
Cheryl has worked as a vocational lecturer, youth and community worker and owner of a catering and events business. She has helped shape economic-regeneration projects designed to expand opportunity for young people.
Lauriston’s career spans youth work, creative drama, workshop leadership and probation-service management. He is committed to social welfare for African Caribbean elders and champions equality and diversity on the Board.
Our consultant advisers bring specialist knowledge, strategic challenge and creative insight. Their contribution helps Kajans navigate complexity, strengthen governance, improve operations and pursue sustainable growth.
Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands. Derrick is a respected public servant with a distinguished record in local government transformation, leadership development and inclusive growth. His guidance is grounded in collaboration, fairness and civic excellence.
Mukhtar Dar is an artist, cultural activist, creative producer and archivist who has spent decades documenting and shaping Britain’s anti-racist cultural movements. A former Director of Arts at The Drum Arts Centre and founder of Simmer Down Festival, he is Artistic Director of Kalaboration Arts, where he continues to create platforms for artists, nurture emerging talent, and use culture as a force for social change.
Venu Dhupa is CEO at the Westway Trust, an organisation with more than £55m of assets. She has worked in the Charity sector for 10 years and prior to that Arts and Culture for over 27 years, including at the highest levels of national policy. She has run her own consultancy business, worked in two non-departmental public bodies, worked in two national-level organisations, and held 3 CEO roles. She also stewarded a £37million UK Regional project. She was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the East Midlands Cultural Consortium by the Secretary of State at the DCMS, a role that resulted in a 10 year cultural strategy for the region after consultation with over 150 groups and organisations across 14 creative industries sectors. She has been a producer at the Royal National Theatre. Her career history has always balanced creative exploration, risk and accountability. Venu has delivered projects/programmes in 22 countries. She has led the cultural celebrations for Commonwealth Day in London working with the family of 12 Commonwealth Organisations. She has held Visiting Professorships at 2 UK Universities and served on several boards, including in the NHS, charity and academic sector. She is a qualified Executive Coach in Relational Dynamics, has a strong motivation for positive social change and is an Anti-Racism activist.
“Every individual, no matter their starting point, has the right to prepare themselves for a more progressive and prosperous future. It is essential if society is to progress that we build a learning platform that will release all talent. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown why it is important to assure no one is left behind. This landmark initiative recognises that individual journeys are different and that every person will have a unique experience to bring and share with others, in the spirit of collective development. A celebration of diversity, this iconic building is perhaps a once in a generation opportunity for Birmingham to create something that can act as a beacon for an inclusive nation. To hold out our arms and embrace all our citizens and signal to our future citizens that we can all aspire to contribute to society and make a difference in our communities.”
Head of Governance, RSM. Karl brings more than 25 years’ experience in accountancy, strategy and corporate governance. A trusted adviser to boards across sectors, he is recognised for using strong governance to advance transparency, equity and sustainable growth.
Strategic Adviser and Co-Chair. Chester brings more than 30 years’ leadership experience across local government, enterprise and the voluntary sector. He advises Kajans on governance, housing equity, community development and sustainable growth.
Chief Executive Officer. Hermin is a senior executive, social entrepreneur and community leader with more than 30 years’ experience across public service, culture, education, probation, local government and social enterprise. She has managed multimillion-pound services and led major cultural, community and education developments. Today, Hermin leads Kajans’ place-based regeneration and community-wealth-building strategy, including the landmark Muhammad Ali Site.
Operations Manager. Vivienne brings more than 30 years’ administrative and management experience across banking, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, education and the not-for-profit sector. Her expertise includes operations, compliance, quality assurance, governance and specialist education for students with SEND.
Administrative Co-ordinator. Doreen has a background in administration, policy and organisational development. A Political Science graduate who is completing a Master’s degree in Law, she brings precision, professionalism and a strong commitment to governance, equity and justice.