Sector leaders and changemakers shaping our vision, sharing expertise, and driving innovation across the L&D Hub
L&D HUB Impact Partners
Our Impact Partners are sector leaders, practitioners, and changemakers who share their expertise to shape our direction and amplify our impact. Together, they ensure the Learning & Development Hub remains innovative, inclusive, and grounded in real-world experience
Sammy Odoi
Chair
Sammy Odoi is a social entrepreneur, CEO and facilitator working across justice, education and youth systems. He supports organisations to bridge theory and practice through high-quality training, consultancy and lived-experience-led learning. Sammy serves on the National Independent Advisory Group for Action for Race Equality and is a Trustee of Fighting Knife Crime London.
Dave McClean
Partner
Dave McClean is the Managing Director of BraveSpace, a consultancy specializing in youth justice initiatives. With 20 years of experience as a youth justice practitioner in the UK, Dave has worked extensively on restorative approaches and risk management. He received a commendation from the London Mayor in 2011 for his contributions during the London riots and continues to develop expertise in tackling child criminal exploitation and County Lines.
Gayle Edwards
Partner
Gayle Edwards is the Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Empathy Souls CIC, focusing on advocacy, criminal justice, mental health, and creative expression within the global Black African Caribbean community. With over 30 years of experience in personal branding and transformation coaching, Gayle empowers individuals and organizations to embrace authenticity and drive positive change.
Naomi Salawu
Partner
Naomi Salawu is a seasoned social worker with over 20 years of experience working with children and young people. She specialises in youth justice and is an approved expert witness for courts on matters related to urban street language, drill music, and serious youth violence. Naomi is also the founder of 1OAK Ltd, providing training and consultancy services focused on youth engagement and development.
Jake Ferguson
Partner
Jake Ferguson has over 25 years of experience in the charity sector, focusing on addressing inequality and systemic racism. As the former CEO of Hackney CVS, he transformed it into London’s largest local infrastructure body. Jake has raised over £45 million for Black and Global majority communities and founded initiatives like the Baobab Foundation and Black Men 4 Change.
Rokaiya Khan
Partner
Rokaiya Khan is CEO of Together Women, where she has led for over 18 years, championing trauma-informed support for women impacted by the criminal justice system. She has shaped national policy, secured significant funding for women’s services, and strengthened cross-sector partnerships. A member of the National Women’s Justice Coalition, Rokaiya is a leading advocate for equity, collaboration and systemic reform.
