Working with volunteers within our communities as well as partner organisations.

IPC Team

Biniam Araia – Leads IPC’s work in Teesside. Bini co-founded IPC and over the past 20 years he has become a leading advocate for refugee and other communities in the North East of England. Since 2013 he has run The Other Perspective, a Community Interest Company that employs people from minority backgrounds to provide catering, cleaning and translation services.

Staff

Sirak Hagos – Leads IPC’s work in Newcastle/Gateshead. Sirak co-founded IPC. Having followed a PhD programme at Teesside University on Refugee Entrepreneurship, Sirak has many years’ experience of community development work in various capacities. He is a director of The Other Perspective, a Community Interest Company that provides interpreting, cleaning and catering services.

Staff

Leigh Davison – Our Data Administrator, with nearly 20 years experience in the charity sector undertaking various roles including managment and front line project delivery. Formerly our social media and newsletter volunteer, Leigh joined our staff team in January 2020.

Staff

Aisha

Our Trustees

Afi Dometi – Is the founder and CEO of Africawad, a community interest company based in Newcastle which is focused on supporting local women in the North East who volunteer their time to help recycle clothes. The project reduces social isolation, improves self esteem and provides invaluable work experience. Through its recycling workshops, Africawad also promotes education, reduces landfill waste, and supports humanitarian projects in Africa.

Trustee

Jama Jama – Is Chair has been involved with supporting refugees and those seeking asylum for many years, having set up the refugee group Golis Community Association in Newcastle, and subsequently serving as chair of East African Support Group. From 2012 to 2014 he served as a trustee for the North East Refugee Service in Newcastle. Between 2008 and 2011 he worked with Angel Group, housing providers for those seeking asylum, and later he joined Homegroup housing association.

Trustee

John Hinman – Began work in the charity sector in 1995 as Area Appeals Manager in the North East for the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). Until retiring in 2011, he worked in policy and public affairs and as a member of the national consultancy team working with black and ethnic minority communities. John has particular interest in furthering political and civic education in a range of communities in Teesside.

Trustee

Mark Sutcliffe – Has long-standing links with the refugee community in Teesside, initially through mentoring and more recently through befriending and other integration projects. A translator and editor, Mark is particularly interested in cross-cultural dialogue and the benefits of promoting mutual understanding through joint activities and friendship.

Trustee

Tanjong Tajocha – COO at Febe Associates, based in Gateshead. With over 15 years’ experience in accountancy, tax and business consulting, Tanjong specialises in connecting businesses with the right resources and expertise, as well as providing accountancy, compliance and corporate governance to companies expanding overseas. He is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Trustee