Ayan brings with him over 24 years of experience in both private and publicly funded immigration, asylum, and public law matters. He is accredited as a Senior Caseworker and Supervisor by the Law Society Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme and is regulated at Level 3 by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner. He has extensive leadership experience, having served as Commercial Director at a leading Legal 500 immigration firm and as Senior Director at a respected Band 1 Legal 500 law firm for 15 years.

Nasreen was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales in 2004. Her areas of practice are Immigration, Family and Crime. She is a Supervising Senior Caseworker accredited under the Law Society Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme. Her employment includes working as In House Advocate representing at the Immigration and Asylum Chamber. Nasreen worked in private practice and for non-governmental agencies successfully representing clients up to and including at the High Court.

Irmak is the Office Manager at Cotton Tree Trust, where she supports the running and growth of the organisation. She has vast experience across operations, development, IT and data systems, fundraising, and building sustainable structures that help charities thrive. Irmak has dedicated her career to supporting organisations that stand alongside the most vulnerable in society. She has a Master’s degree in Politics of Conflict, Rights & Justice, where her research explored the intersections of immigration, law, and human rights.

Antoinette, a qualified lawyer in Sri Lanka, moved to the UK to deepen her understanding and expertise in legal practice by pursuing higher education and enhancing her professional qualifications. Back in her home country, she worked with non-profit organisations that advocate for the rights of women and minority groups.

Chloe is a senior immigration caseworker at Cotton Tree Trust. She has spent her whole career in the asylum/immigration sector to assist those most vulnerable in society and help them with the complexities of immigration matters.  Chloe has worked in not-for-profit organisations and legal aid law firms, in which she has gained vast experience. She has a law degree, politics degree and master's in environmental law and sustainable development where she focused on how climate change causes displacement and human right violations.

Paviter is a senior immigration caseworker at the Cotton Tree Trust. He has gained extensive experience in Legal Aid immigration, asylum and human rights work at a prominent Legal Aid law firm, driven by a strong passion for assisting those most in need of legal representation. Pav holds senior accreditation in immigration casework (Level 2) under the Law Society’s Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme. He has an undergraduate degree in law and master’s degrees in both Criminology and Professional Legal Practice, where he specialised in upholding migrants’ rights within the UK and challenging immigration law to support his clients.

Oran Court is a Senior Immigration Caseworker at the Cotton Tree Trust with extensive experience in immigration, asylum, and human rights law. He also has professional experience in public law, complementing his casework practice. He holds a master’s degree in Law, an undergraduate degree in International Development, and a Level 3 qualification from the Immigration Advice Authority. Alongside his work, Oran volunteers with several organisations that improve access to legal advice and education and promote fairness in the legal system, particularly for marginalised groups.

Michael came to the UK as an asylum seeker and co-founded the Cotton Tree. He has extensive experience of sharing his story with others (Young Vic, Parliament, British Museum), and leads our successful schools programme. He facilitates the weekly Heal & Grow workshops--a space for friendship and reflection on the refugee experience.

Roshan is a clinical pharmacologist with a background in pharmacy and an MSc from the University of Glasgow. Having come to the UK as an asylum seeker, she recognised the need for personalised support for refugees and asylum seekers pursuing education. Passionate about research and mentorship, she now helps our members navigate their academic journeys.

Betty is a former accountant and a qualified Quantity Surveyor. Beyond her financial expertise, she brings invaluable lived experience as a refugee in the UK. She plays an active role in our Heal & Grow branch and supports our weekly Fellow Travellers sessions, providing guidance and solidarity to those on their journey toward healing and empowerment.

Amanda holds a Master of Laws degree in Legal Practice and is passionate about immigration law, particularly asylum casework. Her goal is to support and advocate for individuals as they navigate the complexities of the immigration system.

Claire has worked as an art psychotherapist in the NHS and independent sector. She co-founded Studio Upstairs, a working arts studio and therapeutic space. She helps members to materialise their feelings in clay and colour, and facilitates staff reflections on complex emotional issues.

Marischka has volunteered for many years in administration with the Jesuit refugee services in London, and with other charities in Birmingham and Manchester. She is volunteering with The Cotton Tree, bringing her support to the weekly Heal & Grow workshops and different activities.

Ruth is a founder member of the Cotton Tree Trust and a former research fellow in philosophy at UCL. Her decision to study philosophy many years ago was influenced by her father Jack, the son of refugees. Jack was always concerned about people who struggle for recognition, and the Cotton Tree inherited his living philosophy, along with funds from a charity he created.

Listen to Ruth’s podcast here:

https://quahrc.podbean.com/e/what-counts-as-qualitative-research-episode-1-ruth/

Michael co-founded the Cotton Tree. A tribunal judge for over 18 years, he has a wide range of legal experience.

Judith came to the UK as an asylum seeker and is a co-founder of the Cotton Tree. She works with a refugee and asylum seeker charity and is involved with several other voluntary organisations.

George has travelled extensively in his business life and is chair and co-founder of an international development NGO. He has 20 years’ experience working with economic and internally displaced migrants in Nepal.

Corin is a housing and urban development professional, currently focussed on developing community investment partnerships and unlocking social value in collaboration with corporate partners and community organisations. His 13 years of professional experience have been across public, private for-profit and not-for-profit organisations in the U.K. and US, with all of these informing his approach to helping organisations surpass barriers to growing their impact.