Gordon Miller – Founding CEO & Director
Gordon is a purpose-driven, values-led cyclist and social entrepreneur. He leads Ride For Freedom with passion, conviction and commitment on and off the bike. Gordon has 20+ years’ career experience in journalism, PR, content creation, events/conferences production, and the development of strategic communications campaigns for blue chip clients. In order to shine a light on modern slavery and human trafficking, and to deliver Ride For Freedom’s mission, he has undertaking many cycling challenges and holds two cycling Guinness World Records
Professor Bela Arora – Non-Executive Director
Bela is a dynamic leader who is making major contributions to the Keele Faculty of Humanities and Social Science. With over 25 years of experience in international security and Criminology, Bela has extensive knowledge on human security, modern slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation.
She has held roles of increasing responsibility from Director of a Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching to developing a Graduate School from its inception. Consequently her extensive experience combined with her commitment to quality enhancement make her a valuable asset to the board.
Dr. Shamir Ghumra – Chair of the Board
Shamir is Executive Director of Responsible Business at NHS Property Services. In this role he is directly responsible for Energy, Environment and CSR programmes as well as having oversight for Health & Safety, Procurement and Culture & Inclusion. Shamir is a Board member and Fellow of IEMA, a Chartered Environmentalist and a Visiting Professor at the School of ABCE at Loughborough University. He authored the Ethical Labour Sourcing Standard whilst at BRE. Significantly he co-founded the Construction Industry Forum on Modern Slavery under the auspices of the GLAA.
Jo Lindley – Non-Executive Director
Jo Lindley is a Non-Executive Director. Jo is a senior third sector leader with over two decades of diverse experience in engagement management across the arts, charity, leadership and not for profit industries.
She has over five years’ director level experience of high profile International/Transatlantic membership development at The British-American Project. She has held roles in research, policy and public value at Arts Council England and has run small, grass roots community charities in London for Skylarks, supporting children and their families affected by disability and additional needs, and Healthwatch, the consumer voice for health and social care. She has extensive experience working with Boards, CEOs and volunteers, and so brings valuable knowledge to the development and capacity building of Ride For Freedom.
Afiya Howe – Non-Executive Director
Afiya is a strategically and commercially focused HR professional with 15+ years of experience supporting operations achieve business goals, currently at Biffa. She has Plc and third sector experience in regional and national multi-site operations, and a proven track record as a credible business partner, with the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders to devise and implement proactive, value based people strategies and plans that ensure delivery of strategic business objectives; managing change programmes, workforce planning and organisational design, people development, talent and succession, whilst providing genuine and positive employee experience and engagement.
Victoria Hvartchilkova – Project Manager
Victoria Hvartchilkova holds a Batchelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Westminster. She has a passion for using her skills to make a positive impact in the community. Moreover, she is highly skilled in project planning, coordination and execution. Victoria has a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by non-profit organisations. She believes that building solid relationships with her team is crucial for creating a collaborative and supportive work environment that drives success.
Lisa Allet – Social Media Marketing Co-ordinator
Lisa is a creative and dynamic social media marketing co-ordinator who is passionate about storytelling and community building. As a result she has a talent for crafting compelling social media content that resonates with audiences and drives engagement. Lisa has been actively involved in numerous non-profit organisations, and currently works with Barking and Dagenham Cycling Club to help promote and create cycling opportunities for children of all ages and backgrounds. She is passionate about the work we do and the positive impact we have on our communities.
John Miller – Website & IT Support
John uses a creative blend of the smart application of technology, and a breadth of experience across many industries, to provide solutions that make a positive difference to the performance of organisations. In the charity sector he has particular experience with many non-profits working to combat homelessness and social deprivation. John has worked with Gordon since the foundation of Ride for Freedom. He believes that what we do is not only a creative, but also an exciting way, of reaching people who might not normally be aware of modern slavery.