Trustees
Our trustees guide our charity's mission, oversee our operations, and ensure we meet our legal and ethical responsibilities.

Judith Topley
Interim Chair
Operations, Organisation, Strategic Management
As a qualified architect with over 20 years’ experience in the built environment sector and practice management I bring extensive organisational skills to the board, along with people, operational and strategic management skills. My role as ESG lead in practice also means that I am familiar with aligning the needs of collaborators and other stakeholders to deliver positive impact.
I have a deep passion for equity, inclusion and social mobility this has led to involvement with various action groups; the RIBA EDI Action Leaders Group – Equitable Work Experience Subgroup and the Architecture Race Forum Leadership Group to create much needed connections between business and schools to strengthen career provision, especially in underrepresented communities.
My commitment to championing equity and inclusion aligns deeply with the mission of Paradigm Project and so I am delighted to be part of the Board.

Matthew Geer
Secretary
Communications, Marketing, Public Relations
As an experienced communications professional with a background in journalism, I have led communications, marketing, and public relations teams across the private, public, and charity sectors. With a passion for connecting people to messages that drive social change, I have led campaigns over the past decade focused on children’s social care, special educational needs and disabilities, poverty in the UK, and social housing.
Having grown up in South London and worked in the education sector, both in schools and for education charities, I am committed to impacting change at the Paradigm Project and look forward to seeing the charity thrive in empowering young people to reach their full potential in the years ahead.

Joel Dawes
Board Member
Youth Exploitation Specialist
I have worked in the youth justice system for the last 15 year, working in custodial settings and the community. For the last 2 years I have been managing projects in the Early Help space for children who are at risk of serious youth violence and exploitation. I have a passion for working with children who are affected by exploitation and supporting them to achieve positive outcomes.
The work of the Paradigm Project is important to me as it aligns with my beliefs as a professional. Due to my current work I see the impact which preventative work has and I am proud to be aligned with a charity that supports children through the difficult transition periods in their lives.

Zainab Asanramu
Board Member
Research, Advocacy/Public Affairs, Stakeholder Management, Organisational Strategy, National and Local Politics, Events Management
With over a decade’s experience in human rights and politics, I’ve worked with international NGOs and UK Parliament. I’m passionate about human rights, politics, and encouraging political participation, especially among under-represented communities. In senior parliamentary advocacy roles, I’ve shaped policies advancing gender and racial equality.
As a Councillor for Thamesmead East, I address local constituents’ concerns and scrutinize council administration. I’m currently Deputy Leader of Bexley Labour and Shadow Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education.
I’m passionate about Paradigm Project’s work because I believe in young people reaching their full potential, regardless of their start in life. I’m committed to advocating for disadvantaged youth facing social inequality. I look forward to contributing my skills and working closely with Joel and the board.

Matt Bowes
Board Member
Technology, Digital Transformation, Operational Excellence and Innovation
Matt is an experienced technology and transformation leader with expertise in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, operational excellence, and business strategy. As Group Marketing & Technology Director, he leads initiatives that help organisations improve performance through technology, data, and continuous improvement.
Matt is passionate about creating opportunities for people to succeed and believes strongly in the power of education, mentoring, and early intervention to transform lives. He joined the Paradigm Project Board because of its commitment to empowering young people and helping them realise their potential, regardless of their starting point.
As a Trustee, Matt brings experience in strategic leadership, organisational development, governance, and technology-driven innovation, supporting the charity’s mission to create positive outcomes for young people and their communities.

