Our people
Meet our skilled team, expert Civic Scholars, and influential Community Advisory Board
Samanthi Theminimulle
Senior Researcher
Samanthi is interested in participatory research methods, inclusion and accessibility. In addition to her role at the Institute for Community Studies, she is is a facilitator with Civic Square and Enrol Yourself, and a trustee for the community land trust, RUSS.
Steve Donkin
Community Advisory Board
After 25 years working in the utilities business, Steve went on to develop and deliver learning programmes in the public and private sectors, and is now a self-employed VCS Consultant in Sunderland, providing critical support at board and operational levels in the BME Community.
Stuart Haw
Civic Scholar
Stuart is a community development consultant with experience of events, research and development in federations and local authorities. He worked at Vivacity, a charity providing ownership and management of previously local authority-owned assets in sports, arts, and cultural services.
Tania Carregha
Evidence Manager
Tania previously worked in consultancy for the health sector, and her background is in social psychology and social innovation. She has worked in Mexico City, Chicago, Rome and London, giving her an international perspective on community challenges. She is at her best when working creatively to develop solutions that improve people’s lives.