Our board
Nicole Busby, Convener
Nicole Busby is Professor of Human Rights, Equality and Justice at the University of Glasgow. She has expertise in gender equality law. Nicole is a founding member of the Scottish Universities Legal Network on Europe which provides impartial advice to policy makers and civil society organisations in Scotland regarding Brexit. She has served as a member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Scotland Committee (2017-2020) and on the First Minister’s Advisory Group (FMAG) on Human Rights Leadership which was set up to steer the Scottish Government’s post-Brexit policy on human rights. She is the Chair of the Academic Advisory Panel to the National Taskforce on Human Rights which is implementing the recommendations of the FMAG.
Claire Fleming, Vice-Convener
Claire is a communications professional specialising in the third sector, having previously worked at Cancer Research UK, National Lottery Good Causes and Diabetes UK. Currently with Mental Health Foundation, Claire works to ensure effective communications enable the organisation to fulfil its objectives. This includes raising awarness about mental health problems and prevention methods as well as campaigning for improved care and equality of access to good mental health. Claire is a Chartered Member of the CIPR.
Samantha Bedford, Treasurer
Samantha has worked in digital innovation for over 20 years with brands such as Match.com and Vodafone. More recently Samantha was responsible for innovation and new ways of working at Virgin Money. She is a passionate advocate of women in technology and is a trustee with Scotland Women in Technology. Samantha is also a mindfulness teacher. She enjoys running, yoga and vegan cooking and strives to live as sustainably as she can.
Polly Jones
Polly has over 20 years' experience of research, policy and campaigns on poverty and inequality in the UK and the global south. She has worked for trade union organisations, including UNISON and the Scottish Trades Union Congress, as well as third sector groups, including Global Justice Now, A Menu for Change and currently for the Trussell Trust, where she is Head of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Jenifer Johnston
Jenifer is the Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Colleges Scotland. She is a highly experienced communications and political expert, with previous roles at the Scottish Human Rights Commission, Scottish Government, Citizens Advice Scotland, the Commonwealth Games Bid Team, and with the Scotland Stronger in Europe campaign. Jen was previously a Board Member at West College Scotland. Her career began in journalism at the Sunday Herald newspaper and is an occasional contributor for the Sunday Times Scotland, the Sunday National and Reform Scotland blog. She is passionate about tackling inequality and building a fairer Scotland.
