Jonna Meredith joined BEFS in 2023, having previously conducted research in academia and the private sector.

Jonna has a postgraduate research degree in sociolinguistics from The University of Edinburgh. Her research foci include micro and macro approaches to policy, national movements, and political theory.

Previously Jonna has worked with national and regional policy, social access, and sustainability in both the natural and built environment. She has experience in social media management, as well as synthesising and translating governmental policy for accessibility. She brings an interest and experience in Ethics, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EEDI) work to BEFS.

Jonna is interested in how policy can support increased participation in the heritage sector by minoritised communities, particularly those minoritised on the basis of geography, race and ethnicity, disability, and socio-economic status. She is motivated by questions of what heritage entails, who gets to define the term, and whose heritage is considered worth nurturing.

Email: jmeredith@befs.org.uk

Malini Chakrabarty joined BEFS in 2024, bringing a wealth of diverse experience gained from previous roles with organisations such as the NHS, Glasgow Life, and the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), alongside her thriving career as a freelance designer.

Her comprehensive background spans public engagement, arts, human rights, media, and heritage. Malini’s educational journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, holding a postgraduate degree in Filmmaking and Media Arts from the University of Glasgow, specialising in Evidence in Public Policy from the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, and a postgraduate degree in Media Research from the University of Stirling.

In her role as a Changemaker for OSCH, a project by Glasgow Life Museums, Malini demonstrated her passion for anti-racism and inclusivity in heritage sectors. Currently serving as a Trustee for the Glasgow Media Access Center, she advocates for media accessibility and inclusivity in the arts.

Malini’s professional motivation lies in the transformative power of effective communication. As an advocate for communicating information through creativity and innovation, she believes in enhancing the information experience for all. Her commitment extends to improving web and digital experiences, with a focus on the blend of accessibility and aesthetics.

Beyond her professional commitments, Malini finds joy in exploring art galleries, museums, and the breathtaking natural landscapes of Scotland. Her enthusiasm for stargazing and astrophotography reflects a deep passion for the wonders of this planet and humanity. Rooted in a profound connection to Scotland’s built environment and rich heritage, Malini proudly considers this vibrant place her chosen home.

Email: malinic@befs.org.uk

Ilona has extensive experience of operations and business administration, having spent 17 years in London working in politics, media and finance. After moving to Scotland in 2014 she gained further experience, predominantly in the public and charitable sectors, including the University of the Highlands and Islands and the National Trust for Scotland. Having joined BEFS in 2021 as Company Secretary, her role has expanded to encompass HR, Finance, Governance and Membership.

Ilona is also a Business Manager for a North Berwick-based business, focussing on gold and mineral exploration in Scotland. She has recently moved to a village in the Borders for the wildlife and rural location, and is tackling restoration work on a period property and walled garden.

Email: imcallister@befs.org.uk

Derek previously worked for SURF – Scotland’s Regeneration Forum, a charity and membership network, with which he developed 20 years of experience in place-based regeneration.

As SURF’s Policy Manager, Derek was tasked with improving the lives of people in Scotland’s poorer communities by promoting a coordinated approach to regeneration policy and practice. This involved facilitating engagement with members, undertaking research and analysis, establishing an active policy influencing function in the organisation, and effectively presenting information to policy-makers. Derek represented the interests of more than 300 cross-sector SURF member bodies in diverse public policy areas including community empowerment, planning and urban design, culture and heritage, housing, economic development, and town centre regeneration.

In his career to date, Derek has participated in a wide range of regeneration-related partnership projects, governmental advisory groups, funding panels and research initiatives. He has regularly promoted place-based policy trends and issues in national conferences, academic journals, blogs and other channels. In 2019, he founded the Place-Based Exchange Group, a collective of 15 Scotland-wide national bodies that promote place in their work.

Derek joined SURF in 2005 after graduating from the University of Glasgow with an MA in Politics. He has been a Board Member of Community Development Alliance Scotland since 2022, and from 2016-24 was a Trustee of Regional Screen Scotland, the national agency for the development of cinema experiences in communities that presently lack access.

Derek is motivated by evolving relationships between politics and place, and the scope for making positive, practical changes in Scotland’s urban and rural communities. He lives in south Glasgow and is a regular volunteer and participant in Queens Park Parkrun and Queens Park Chess Club.

Email: derekr@befs.org.uk

Hazel has extensive experience working in both the arts and in heritage. A longstanding interest in placemaking and traditional construction methods led her to a postgraduate degree in Architectural Conservation at the University of Edinburgh.

Previously Hazel has held various roles at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), across multiple directorates, and has worked collaboratively with stakeholders and the wider heritage and built environment sectors. Notable projects include the delivery of the Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS), and project managing the Our Place in Time, Built Heritage Investment, and Climate Groups.

Hazel’s main professional drivers lie in understanding what makes good places and thriving communities, specifically understanding and advocating for the role of heritage and culture, and how good policy can support and underpin this.

As a director and organiser of the Edinburgh arts festival Hidden Door, these professional interests are combined with her passion for the arts and community led initiatives.

Email: hjohnson@befs.org.uk