Abdus Shuman - Policy Officer

Abdus Shuman is the Policy Officer at BNRRN, whose key role is to set up and facilitate the BAME sub regional policy network. He will also monitor local and national policy and put together BNRRN’s policy e-bulletin.

Shuman studied the History of Political Thought at the University of Cambridge. He then completed a Masters in Political Philosophy at the University of Sheffield where he was awarded a Distinction.

After studying politics in the abstract, Shuman decided to see how politics works in society. He interned as a Researcher for Demos, where he looked at Cultural Diplomacy and the use of public spaces by ethnic minorities. He then lived in Bangladesh (his country of origin) where he was a Visiting Scholar for the Bangladeshi Institute for International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), where his work on counter-terrorism strategies in Bangladesh was published in the BIISS journal.

Coming back to the UK, Shuman worked in a number of different jobs in Portsmouth, including a barista in Starbucks, a sandwich-maker, administrative assistant, waiter and data-entry clerk.

After a while, Shuman decided to come back to London to search for a more fulfilling vocation. He interned as a Journalist for Leasing Life, a trade magazine focusing on asset finance, where he investigated a fraud case involving hairdressers and televisions. He also worked for Operation Black Vote as an Intern, before becoming the Policy Officer for BNRRN.

Contact: shuman@bnrrn.org.uk

Symone Robinson -Administrative officer

Symone is the new administrative officer at BNRRN. Her role involves supporting members of staff in their administrative tasks, ensuring the smooth running of the office and being the first point of contact for BNRRN.

Symone did a Health and Social Care and I.T course whilst she was at college. After a 2 year gap she became a volunteer at BNRRN before being appointed to the position of administrative officer. Symone has a young son.

Contact: symone@bnrrn.org.uk

Shumi Hassan - Community Engagement Officer

Shumi Hassan is BNRRN’’s Community Engagement Officer, working primarily on the Basis Big Lottery Funded Project. Her role involves working closely with BAMER led organisations within London boroughs. The project supports BAMER organisations to get involved in local policy, as well as providing access to information on commissioning, funding as well as initiating partnership work.

Shumi has previously worked in the voluntary sector for the last 3 years since graduating with a Bachelors Degree in English, with honours. She has experience with co-ordinating a number of capacity building projects based in London for members of the BAMER community.

Her long term aspirations are to continue working on projects that work to develop and advocate issues faced by the most disadvantaged members of our community.

Contact: shumi@bnrrn.org.uk