Trustees
TRUSTEES & ADVISORS
We are fortunate to be guided by a dedicated, skilled and insightful Board of Trustees and Advisors (who are current or former service-users).
TRUSTEES
Luke O’Shea, Chair
Music is the constant soundtrack to my very busy family life at home, often played by my three daughters, as well as my wife, who is a professional musician. My own music interests include taking the family to see live jazz, pop, hip hop, folk, classical and indie. In my professional life, I am Director of Innovation at University College London Hospitals. I was previously a Director at NHS England, and held an academic fellowship at University of California San Francisco. Prior to that I’ve worked in a range of government departments including leading work on early year services at the Prime Minister’s strategy unit, as a private secretary to a children’s minister and leading cross government working on ageing.
Jonathan Adams, Vice-Chair
I am a Sector Portfolio Manager at Investec Asset Management and have spent over 20 years in the City, having previously worked at JP Morgan and Citigroup Asset Management. I’m also an active investor in social enterprise companies as one of the founding members of the Clearly Social Angels Network in addition to having substantial angel investing experience. I am also a member of the Finance Committee of the Wates Foundation and a member of the Admissions Panel of the Social Stock Exchange.
Andy Bates, Finance Trustee
I lead the UK financial services audit business of EY, where I have worked for the last 28 years. I have long been an advocate of the transformative power of music – to stir and inspire, to unlock creativity, to build confidence and as a context to develop trust and collaboration – and I was previously part of a group which drew together young people who had any interest in music to train, equip and mentor them. As first in family to pass an A level and first to go to University I am passionate about social mobility and was a founding trustee of the EY Foundation which helps young people from socio-economic groups which are underrepresented in our industry achieve their potential in the workplace. When I became aware of the work of the Irene Taylor Trust and met the team, it was clear that it is an organisation whose objectives and values I support, where I was eager to learn more and also felt I could contribute. I am delighted to have joined as Finance Trustee.
Lisa Birungi-Majithia, Trustee
Expression through the arts has always been a passion of mine. My first encounters with music in my childhood shaped my passion for years to come. I was extensively involved in music at school, trying to get my hands on any instrument I had access to. Steel pans were my favourite to play, and being in the school band was enjoyable. I also sang in choirs and an acapella group.
These experiences gave rise to my interests that followed when I discovered the digital audio workstation. The discovery prompted 13 years of learning about music production, recording, mixing, sound design, sound for film and TV. This led to my pursuit of a degree in Music Technology, which I am currently working towards achieving.
Along the way, I was fortunate enough to be sign-posted by the Irene Taylor Trust to programmes such as the Amy’s Yard programme with the Amy Winehouse Foundation. I later secured a Sound Operator traineeship with the MAMA Youth Project, recording sound for Season 2 of Unmuted aired on Sky Arts.
This was all thanks to the Irene Taylor Trust. In 2018, I participated in the Making Tracks programme, I have since been signposted to opportunities and involved as a musician, Advisory Group member, and now as a Trustee. Joining the board, offering my knowledge in music, and lived experience, is a way to give back to ITT and create a positive impact on people’s lives.
Zenildo Cassoneca, Trustee
Having lived in Angola and now residing in the United Kingdom, I have developed a deep appreciation for the power of music as a transformative tool in both education and rehabilitation. In Angola, where deprivation is widespread, I witnessed first-hand how music serves as a vital force in sustaining community spirit and resilience. I have since seen how the Irene Taylor Trust offers the same emotional connection and cultural power within prison education—shifting mindsets, enhancing prisoner engagement, and fostering a deep sense of pride, not only in participants but also in their families.
In my current role, I lead and set the strategic direction for all education, skills, and work-related provision within the prison. I am responsible for developing and implementing effective approaches to learning and teaching that align with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) education vision. I have witnessed the powerful impact music can have in transforming how we engage prisoners. The pride and willingness to create something meaningful—particularly for their children—cannot be overstated. The experience of participating in music-based programmes affects individuals in ways that no other initiative we deliver has achieved.
I believe the impact of ITT’s work in prisons extends far beyond traditional performance metrics. I take immense pride in being part of this Trust and in contributing to a culture that empowers individuals, transforms lives, and supports rehabilitation through meaningful education and purposeful engagement.
Professor Rachel Cowgill, Trustee
I am a Professor of Music and head of research in the Arts & Humanities at the University of York, where I have taught classes on all kinds of music – from Mozart to opera to pop femininities – and on leadership & management in music education. I have worked in universities for over three decades, supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds through their individual challenges, and working collaboratively and creatively as a team leader. My projects, roles and activities increasingly involve participatory methods and marginalised communities, and seek to amplify the voices of those whose needs and experiences are often overlooked.
I work with a variety of funders and partners in the heritage and creative industries sectors. I have also served as a Vice-President of the Royal Musical Association, Chair of the National Association for Music in Higher Education, and more recently as a Director of the North-American British Music Studies Association and Chair of the RMA’s LGBTQI Music Study Group.
I was for many years a Samaritan volunteer, including befriending at music festivals with Festival Branch, and I have volunteered with several LGBT organisations.
I am a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, the Royal Historical Society, and the Higher Education Academy, and a member of the Chartered Management Institute. In 2023 I was awarded an MBE ‘for services to Culture, to Education and to the Arts’. I am also a foster carer, and live with my partner Claire, a professional violinist, in West Yorkshire.
James Maloney, Trustee
I am a solicitor working in the field of charity law at Farrer & Co. Since 2005, I have advised a wide range of charities, and those who fund and work with them, on compliance with a range of charity law issues. It is a great privilege to join the board of the Trust.
Perry Nelson, Trustee
With nearly two decades of experience in the accounting industry, I bring a practical and people-first approach to finance. My career began in financial accounting before evolving into the media and entertainment sector, where I’ve built a reputation for reliable, jargon-free, and proactive client support.
The foundation of my work is simple: “What would I want my accountant to do?” This question guides the services I offer, one that is approachable, dependable, and genuinely helpful. It has allowed me to foster long-term relationships with clients based on trust and understanding.
Beyond my professional life, I have a long-standing commitment to youth and community engagement. I’ve coached junior rugby, served as a parent governor, and led creative workshops in secondary schools since I was 18. Growing up in disadvantaged parts of London and seeing first-hand the effects of limited support, I understand the value of second chances and community-driven change.
Joining the Irene Taylor Trust as a trustee is a meaningful continuation of this work, supporting people with experience of the criminal justice system to access opportunities, rebuild confidence, and thrive.
Helen Sychta, Trustee
My first contact with ITT was in 2014, when I participated in a Making Tracks project. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to be offered some amazing further opportunities, most recently, as a member of the Advisory Group.
I have worked in both charities and the NHS, mainly within mental health. I am currently working as part of a team aiming to reduce the use of restraint and restrictive practice on inpatient mental health wards, working to reduce instances of violence and aggression with service users who have presented with incidents of this during their admission.
Both my current work and this voluntary Trustee role align with my passion of utilising lived experience, and it’s such a privilege to continue to be involved in ITT over 10 years later.
Carolyn Taylor, Trustee
I am the niece of Irene Taylor who was an artist and prison visitor during her life. I am a Mental Health Tribunal judge and solicitor and spend a lot of my time visiting people who are detained in hospital, some of whom have no other visitors. I have a long history of working in the area of mental health and criminal law where I specialised in representing mentally disordered offenders. To undertake such work demands not only a sound legal mind but compassion and understanding. I hope to share my skills and experience in my work with the Irene Taylor Trust as a trustee and to help enhance the lives of those who come into contact with the criminal justice system through the medium of music.
Benjamin Yacoub, Trustee
I’m a musician, creative producer and long-term collaborator of the Irene Taylor Trust. Having taken part in ITT projects over eight years ago, I’ve seen first-hand how music can transform confidence, purpose and pathways for people facing difficult circumstances. Becoming a Trustee is my way of giving back to an organisation that helped shape my own journey. I’m committed to supporting ITT’s mission to bring opportunity, creativity and positive change to people in prisons and marginalised communities.
ADVISORY GROUP
Our Advisory Group was established in 2021, building on our previous model of having former service-user Advisors attending Board meetings on an ad hoc basis, ensuring that user-voice is heard directly by the Board, providing invaluable feedback and influencing the Trust’s strategic direction.
The Advisory Group meet prior to the Trustees’ quarterly meetings and discuss their thoughts with a Trustee. Two of the Advisors attend the Trustee meetings as Representatives of the Advisory Group to report on their recommendations and contribute their thoughts to the matters arising.
In 2024 for the first time we opened the opportunity for the Advisors to apply to become Trustees, with two joining the Board to date and a third expected to join soon.
Our current Advisors are:
Darren, Advisor to the Board
I first got involved with the Irene Taylor Trust 5 years ago after meeting my music teacher (ITT Artistic Director Sara Lee) again after 25 years through a mutual friend! A favourite memory of ITT is working in conjunction with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and performing with them in front of my granddaughter who I wrote a song for and performed with the RPO as part of the Lullaby Project.
As an Advisor I would like to be able to have an input from my own experience of rehabilitation and resettlement in making changes and hopefully giving the benefit of my own journey.
Eileen, Advisor to the Board
My connection to ITT began in 2001 when I had the memorable experience of meeting the dedicated team at HMP Askham Grange. What stood out to me was the profound respect they showed to everyone, regardless of their rank—a principle that has always resonated with me.
Since 2007, I’ve had the honour and pleasure of serving as an Advisor to the board, which has allowed me to engage deeply with the board of trustees and to be a part of a team that always advocates for positive change through music and the arts. My goal as an advisor is to continually grow in my understanding and to represent the ITT with integrity and dedication. I strive to meet the high standards we set for ourselves and to contribute meaningfully to our mission.
I believe the advisory group plays a vital role in our work. By offering insights drawn from lived experiences, we provide invaluable perspectives that enrich our discussions and decisions. This unique angle helps us see the bigger picture.
KENGO, Advisor to the Board
I’m KENGO, a Rapper and songwriter. Every track I drop is a piece of my journey, and I strive to inspire others to embrace their own stories and rise above their challenges.
Through being an advisor at the Irene Taylor Trust, I want to achieve meaningful change in the lives of individuals. To leverage the power of music to empower and help people find their voice and express their emotions, just as I am able to. To create an environment that fosters creativity and healing, ultimately contributing to a more supportive community for others.
L U C I N E, Advisor to the Board
I first joined ITT in 2018 when I returned to London from studying abroad. I had been disconnected from music for a while so Making Tracks was a nice reintroduction. I rediscovered my music making feet and have been involved in ITT ever since. I really believe in the work ITT does, using music as a tool to support, uplift, upskill and elevate those who are often from marginalised backgrounds. Music is powerful and everyone deserves to have access to music. It is indescribable the positive impact music can have on an individual, on their soul. I’ve witnessed it first hand and been on the receiving end of this gift particularly in ITT sessions. I was drawn to their commitment to using music and creativity as a way to empower individuals, especially those from marginalised backgrounds. It resonated with my passion for the arts and community engagement.
Being an Advisor ignites my passion for arts and community engagement. Through it I gain a deep insight into the inner workings of a charity and the many components needed. I love being able to provide my perspective as well as listen to the perspective of my fellow Advisors. We all have such rich input that has already resulted in positive changes at ITT.
I’m most interested in advancing the progression aspect of ITT, life after being a participant and especially helping to not only create but maximise pathways for those of us keen to grow a career in music. I hope to act as an example for the extraordinary work ITT carries out as well as further it to touch more communities so more people have access to the transformative experiences they offer.
Muminah, Advisor to the Board
I am a musician and songwriter who is passionate about live music and empowering people through creativity. My favourite memory with ITT is difficult to choose, but being a Young Producer in 2023 was so fun and fulfilling. The ‘Neon Turquoise’ live event was such an amazing experience to be a part of and all the music sounded incredible live. My first interaction with ITT was while taking part in the Making Tracks project which reignited my love for songwriting and performing and the opportunity to carry on working with ITT is truly special.
I am extremely excited to take on the role of Advisor so that I can learn more about the inner workings of ITT and contribute to new projects. The Advisory Group is important because it allows for more voices to be heard and to be connected to the wider ITT community.
Noble1bof, Advisor to the Board
I have been working with the ITT for 5 years now, which has flown by but left me with some memorable moments, from working with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to working with young adults finding their way through music. As an Advisor I enjoy the fact that I am able to be a voice for the many of us that are a part of the ITT.
Conrad, Advisor to the Board
Bio coming soon!
In May 2020 we were greatly saddened by the death of Gary Sharpe, who had been an Advisor to the Board. Gary had played an important ambassadorial role at the Irene Taylor Trust over many years, as a former participant turned Support Musician, passing his love of music on to the young people we work with; you can read our tribute to him here.
