Successfully placing ex-offenders into sustainable employment
Every person deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life.
At Tempus Novo, we believe employment is one of the most powerful ways to make that possible. Since 2014, we’ve been connecting people with criminal convictions to meaningful work while supporting employers to build committed, successful workforces.
Tempus Novo was founded in Leeds in 2014 by two former Prison Officers who believed there was a better way. They recognised that sustainable employment, combined with the right support, could transform lives, strengthen businesses and, create safer communities.
Today, we work with prisons, probation services, and employers across Yorkshire and beyond, connecting people with criminal convictions to meaningful employment and supporting both employee and employer every step of the way.
Our work doesn’t end when someone starts a job. Through ongoing mentoring, practical guidance, and trusted relationships, we help people build confidence, overcome challenges, and create lasting futures. It’s this commitment to long-term support that makes our model so successful
Opportunity changes lives. Support makes it last.
“We didn’t set out simply to help people find jobs. We wanted to create a model that gave people the opportunity to rebuild their lives, and employers the confidence to be part of that journey.”
Founders – Steve & Val
Every great organisation starts with a belief.
In 2014, former Prison Officers Steve Freer and Val Wawrosz had seen first-hand what happened when people left prison with nowhere to go. Too many wanted to rebuild their lives but faced the same barriers time and again: no employment, little support and few people willing to give them a second chance.
They believed there had to be a better way.
Drawing on decades of experience within the prison service, they created Tempus Novo around one simple idea: that meaningful employment, combined with long-term support, has the power to transform lives.
What began as a local initiative in Leeds has grown into a respected charity working with prisons, probation services and employers across Yorkshire and beyond. While much has changed, the belief that inspired Steve and Val remains exactly the same today.
When someone is given an opportunity, trusted to succeed and supported along the way, remarkable things can happen.
A belief that’s delivering real results.
More than a decade later, Tempus Novo has helped over 1,400 people into sustainable employment, built trusted partnerships with some of the UK’s largest employers and continues to demonstrate that opportunity, support and employment can break the cycle of reoffending.
OUR PURPOSE
Creating opportunities that change lives through sustainable employment.
OUR MISSION
To connect people with criminal convictions to meaningful work while providing the support that helps them succeed.
OUR PROMISE
To stand alongside every individual and every employer, providing trusted support before, during and after employment.
Nationally recognised for our award-winning approach.
The people behind Tempus Novo
Behind every placement is a team of experienced professionals who believe in people, build trusted relationships and work tirelessly to support individuals, employers and partners every day.
Val Wawrosz
Managing Director & CoFounder
With over three decades in the prison service, Val brings deep expertise in offender management and criminal justice reform. He sits on the MOJ Employment Advisory Board and contributes to national policy through the Centre for Social Justice. As Managing Director, he oversees operations and key relationships with prisons and employers. Val’s leadership is grounded in integrity, experience and a firm belief in people’s ability to change when given the chance.
Steve Freer
CEO & CoFounder
Steve spent nearly 30 years in the UK Prison Service before cofounding Tempus Novo in 2014. His frontline experience showed him how lack of opportunity drives reoffending, inspiring him to build a charity centred on employment as a route to change. Under his leadership, Tempus Novo has supported more than 1,400 people into work and built strong partnerships with major employers. Steve leads with a
peoplefirst approach, creating a culture of trust and practical, evidencebased impact.
Lisa Suter
Director of Fundraising
Lisa is an experienced fundraising and business development leader who plays a key role in Tempus Novo’s longterm sustainability. Previously at NEBOSH, she is known for her professionalism, strategic thinking and ability to build trusted relationships with donors and partners. Lisa brings a mission driven approach to securing resources, ensuring every opportunity is pursued with rigour and creativity.
Caroline Wattley
Operations Manager
Caroline brings over 35 years of private sector experience and a longstanding commitment to fairness through her service as a Magistrate. She oversees service delivery, manages a team of Case Workers and provides handson support to individuals moving into employment. Caroline combines strong operational leadership with a compassionate, people centred approach.
Paul Clarke
Head of People, Performance & Partnerships
Paul leads Tempus Novo’s people strategy, organisational performance and external partnerships. With over a decade of experience across HR, recruitment and employment support, he understands how to build high performing, valued organisations. Paul is known for his practical, straight talking approach and his commitment to inclusive recruitment, wellbeing and continuous improvement.
Azra Khan
Administrator and Case Worker
In my new role as an Administrator and Case Worker, I am dedicated to creating opportunities for second chances and supporting sustainable long-term change in the lives of ex-offenders and their families. With a strong belief that with the right support, guidance and opportunities it can transform lives. I am excited to help individuals rebuild their futures and achieve lasting success.
My previous experience within the criminal justice system has provided valuable insight into the challenges and barriers many people face when seeking employment and moving forward. This understanding enables me to offer informed compassionate and practical support tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.
Being part of a dedicated and passionate team is both rewarding and inspiring. Together we share a common purpose by helping individuals overcome obstacles and realise their potential and build brighter more stable futures through sustainable employment. Witnessing the positive impact of this work not only on individuals but also on their families and wider communities is what makes this role so meaningful.
Ross Halley
Project Director
Ross has extensive experience in Welfare to Work and recruitment, supporting a wide range of people – including exoffenders, exforces personnel and disabled individuals – into employment. Since joining Tempus Novo 3.5 years ago, he has worked across prisons, ROTL and community delivery, and now leads the PCC project in Cheshire. Ross is adaptable, solutions focused and skilled at navigating the challenges of working with prisons and probation services.
Faye Doherty
Business Manager
Faye provides the operational backbone of Tempus Novo, ensuring day today activity aligns with strategic priorities. With experience in customer service, operations, project management and people leadership, she brings calm, clarity and strong organisational skills. Often described as the “organisational glue,” Faye connects teams, strengthens processes and keeps the charity focused on impact.
Jeff Williams
Case Worker
Jeff Williams joins Tempus Novo as a Case Worker following a distinguished 41-year career in the Prison Service leaving at the rank of Supervisory Officer (SO) as Jeff would say, “all the best people do”.
Jeff brings extensive experience across a wide range of custodial roles combining strong operational knowledge with many years working in offender management. Throughout his career he has been committed to supporting individuals who want to break away from offending behaviour and build more positive stable future.
In his role as an Offender Supervisor Jeff worked closely with Probation Services and a range of external partner agencies playing a key role in coordinating support and achieving positive outcomes for those in custody. His collaborative approach and deep understanding of the criminal justice system make him a valuable addition to the Tempus Novo team.
Jeff is particularly drawn to Tempus Novo’s proven track record strong links with major employers, and its ethos of providing extended meaningful support well beyond job placement, these principles he believes are central to long-term success and real change.
Alina Leah
Case Worker
Alina joins Tempus Novo as a caseworker after working within the prison service for 3 years.
In her previous role she assisted in helping prisoners internally whilst they served a custodial sentence and has now decided to explore and support those when they are due to be released. After seeing the work that Tempus Novo achieves, she is determined to help ex-offenders rehabilitation into a more secure environment and lifestyle after release.
Michael Clarke
Finance Manager
Michael is a qualified accountant with an MBA and a career spanning major organisations such as BP, Dan Air and ICI, alongside many years running his own
consultancy. He provides financial oversight, reporting and governance for Tempus Novo, ensuring clarity, compliance and strong decision making. Michael’s blend of technical expertise and commercial insight helps keep the charity financially resilient and well governed.
The executives
Our leadership team and trustees bring together a wealth of experience from business, criminal justice and the voluntary sector. Their guidance, challenge and commitment help shape our strategy and ensure Tempus Novo continues to make a lasting difference.
Val Wawrosz
Managing Director & CoFounder
Val joined the Prison Service in 1988, gaining extensive experience across custodial and offender management roles. He is recognised as an influential voice in prison reform and serves on the MOJ Employment Advisory Board at HMP Hatfield. Val is also an Executive in Residence at Sheffield Hallam University and a Leadership Fellow of St George’s House, Windsor. As Managing Director, he leads Tempus Novo’s operations and key relationships with prisons, businesses and employers.
Steve Freer
CEO & CoFounder
Steve has worked in the criminal justice system since 1986, beginning at HMP Wormwood Scrubs before leading rehabilitation initiatives across prisons in the North of England. As Business Development Manager at HMP Leeds, he developed the sustainable employment model that became the foundation for Tempus Novo. Co-founder and CEO, Steve leads the charity’s strategy, fundraising, marketing and stakeholder relationships. He is also an influential voice on prison reform and a Leadership Fellow of St George’s House.
John Samuels
Vice President
His Honour John Samuels KC is Chairman of the Criminal Justice Alliance and President of Prisoners’ Education Trust. A former Circuit Judge with 27 years’
experience in the Crown Court, he has dedicated much of his career to criminal justice reform, rehabilitation and education. He is a Trustee of the Howard League for Penal Reform, Vice President of UNLOCK and a Visiting Professor at Nottingham Law School, bringing exceptional expertise and insight to Tempus Novo.
Rev. Jonathan Aitken
President
Sir James Aykroyd
Vice President
Sir James is a passionate supporter of causes across Yorkshire. After attending a Tempus Novo event at Eversheds, where he met and heard from graduates, he was inspired to offer his support. A recent visit to HMP Leeds (Armley) reinforced his commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. Passionate about Yorkshire, Sir James believes those facing disadvantage deserve a genuine hand up, and champions the difference Tempus Novo can make.
Dolly Van Tulleken
Vice President
Dolly Theis first met Val and Steve while working as a researcher at the Centre for Social Justice in Westminster. She is currently completing a PhD in evidence-based policy at the University of Cambridge and serves on the Board of Big Tent Ideas Festival. A co-founder of 50:50 Parliament’s #AskHerToStand campaign, Dolly is a passionate advocate for Tempus Novo, engaging policymakers and championing its mission.
The trustees
Tom King
Trustee
Tom is a retired Solicitor after 34 years in private practice, during which he acted for a number of charities, both pro bono and on a fee-paying basis. Tom joined an educational charity as Director of Administration and Compliance.
In September 2022 he moved to part-time working, dealing with governance matters only, for that charity.
Since November 2022 Tom has been the Chair of the Harrogate Arts and Mercer Gallery Development Trust, a local arts-based charity. Tom knows from firsthand experience the difference that well run and dynamic charities can make and was delighted to be asked to contribute to the invaluable work being delivered by Tempus Novo.
Married with four adult children and, to date, six grandchildren, Tom lives in Harrogate. He is an enthusiastic walker and is now enjoying having time to explore some of the many ancient Caminos in Europe.
Henry Pearson
Treasurer
Henry currently works at Deloitte, as a Director in their Debt and Capital Advisory team. Henry started his career in Deloitte’s audit practice, gaining experience across a range of businesses as well as qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
After being introduced to Tempus Novo, Henry was struck by the large impact small changes can make on the lives of ex-offenders and their families.
Charles Forbes-Adam OBE
Trustee
Charles worked in Kenya and as a re-insurance broker in the London market before returning home to manage the family estate at Escrick Park, near York.
Passionate about reducing reoffending, Charles started and chairs for a fundraising committee for a residential rehabilitation centre in Hull run by the Forward Trust, supporting the recovery for addicted ex-offenders.
Charles has been Chairman of the Trustees of Selby Abbey and the Appeal, a governor of Queen Margaret’s School, Chairman of the CLA Yorkshire branch, a Trustee of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and High Sheriff of North Yorkshire in 2015/16.
Our ambassadors & champions of our mission
Our leadership team and trustees bring together a wealth of experience from business, criminal justice and the voluntary sector. Their guidance, challenge and commitment help shape our strategy and ensure Tempus Novo continues to make a lasting difference.
James Norton
James Norton is an acclaimed actor and passionate advocate for social change. As an Ambassador for Tempus Novo, he champions the power of second chances and supports our mission to help people with convictions rebuild their lives through meaningful employment. His voice and commitment help shine a light on rehabilitation, opportunity and the potential within every individual to create a positive future.
Andy McNab
Andy McNab is a former SAS soldier, decorated veteran and bestselling author whose own life demonstrates the transformative power of opportunity. After a difficult start, the Army gave him the purpose, discipline and direction to build a different future. His story strongly reflects Tempus Novo’s belief that a person’s past should not define their future, and that with the right opportunity and support, lives can change.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan
Jamie Jones-Buchanan is a Leeds Rhinos legend, former England and Great Britain international, and passionate advocate for his local community. Throughout his career, Jamie has championed teamwork, resilience and the importance of giving people opportunities to succeed. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, he supports our belief in second chances and the power of employment, encouragement and community to help people build positive, lasting futures.
Callum Hall
Callum Hall is a Team GB Para Athlete whose remarkable journey embodies resilience, determination and the power of second chances. After becoming paralysed from the chest down aged 20, Callum rebuilt his life and went on to compete internationally, including at the Commonwealth Games. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, his story reinforces our belief that with opportunity, support and determination, your past or circumstances need not define your future.
Paul Baker
Paul Baker brings over 30 years of senior leadership experience across criminal justice, prisons and probation in the UK and internationally. His career has been driven by a commitment to rehabilitation, improving justice services and creating better outcomes for people. Paul’s extensive expertise strongly complements Tempus Novo’s mission, reinforcing the importance of meaningful opportunity, effective support and employment in helping people successfully rebuild their lives.
Chris Hudson
Chris Hudson is the co-founder of award-winning marketing agency HUB and a passionate advocate for second chances. Drawing on his own experience of overcoming significant personal challenges, Chris understands the transformative power of support, opportunity and belief. His values closely align with Tempus Novo’s mission, championing the potential in every individual and demonstrating that with the right support, people can overcome their past and build a positive future.
Ishmael Davis
Ishmael Davis is a professional boxer whose journey from prison to the professional ring is a powerful example of what second chances can achieve. Boxing gave Ishmael the discipline, purpose and belief to transform his life. Now a proud Tempus Novo ambassador, he uses his lived experience to inspire others, demonstrating that your past does not define your future and that, with opportunity and support, lasting change is possible.
Philip Weights
Philip Weights brings more than six decades of international experience in banking, governance, risk and financial innovation. Throughout his career, he has championed opportunity, collaboration and the importance of helping people fulfil their potential. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, Philip brings invaluable experience and perspective to our mission, supporting our work to give people with convictions the opportunity to rebuild their lives through sustainable employment and a more positive future.
Humphrey Butler
Humphrey is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading charity auctioneers, having conducted sales at numerous high-profile events across the globe, from Hong Kong to the Cannes Film Festival. He has taken the hammer for a broad range of charitable appeals, including Maggie’s Cancer Care, the Royal Marsden Hospital, the Chaim Sheba Medical Centre in Israel and Cricket Builds Hope for Rwanda, and has also helped raise funds for TempusNovo through The Yorkshire Charity Clay Days.
Although he frequently hints at retirement in the UK, Humphrey continues to command a strong following in the United States. He has served as an auctioneer at the Naples Winter Wine Festival in Florida since 2001. Now recognised as America’s most successful charity wine sale, the festival has generated more than $350 million over its 25-year history.
Over the course of more than two decades at Christie’s, Humphrey held senior positions in New York, Geneva, Paris and London, amassing unparalleled experience across every aspect of the auction business. Today, he is particularly associated with the international jewellery industry.
In 2000, he founded Humphrey Butler Ltd, which has since become one of the UK’s most successful independent jewellery dealerships, specialising in vintage jewellery and exceptional individual gemstones. Based on Pall Mall in London, the firm focuses on important estate pieces for top-tier private clients of all nationalities, offering a discreet and professional alternative supported by deep expertise across all areas of the jewellery market.
We are delighted to welcome Humphrey as an ambassador for TempusNovo.
Rebecca Cousins
Rebecca is a seasoned marketing and communications strategist with over 20 years of international experience across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. She currently serves as the Chief of Outreach and Global Communications at the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), an intergovernmental body based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focused on advancing digital inclusion and cooperation globally.
Her career includes senior leadership roles in high-profile initiatives, most notably as Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Red Sea Global, one of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Giga Projects. There, she was instrumental in building and leading the organisation’s marketing and communications function, shaping its public image, and strengthening engagement with stakeholders around the world.
Rebecca’s core expertise lies in crafting communication strategies that connect diverse audiences, drive collaboration, and deliver global impact. She is passionate about leveraging technology to support meaningful dialogue and sustainable development.
A published academic writer and experienced moderator, Rebecca frequently speaks at international forums on issues such as the digital economy, sustainability, and regenerative development. She is also credited as editor of the Assouline publication The Red Sea, a luxury coffee table book highlighting one of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects.
Rebecca holds a BA (Hons) in Ancient History from the University of Manchester, UK.
Gary Jeffreys
Gary Jeffreys is the Founder of Nova Chain, a supply chain consultancy that supports organisations with logistics strategy, operational transformation, commercial advisory, and capability building.
He has over 20 years of experience in the global shipping and logistics industry, including leadership roles at Maersk and the CMA CGM group.
Most recently, Gary served as Managing Director for Maersk UK & Ireland, where he oversaw the company’s most significant transformation in the region, including a multi-million-dollar infrastructure investment and a fivefold growth in logistics. He also led the implementation of Maersk’s game-changing Gemini ocean product, which propelled ocean reliability in the UK and Ireland from single digit performance to over 90%.
Gary’s involvement with Tempus Novo began during his time at Maersk, where he actively worked with the charity to provide employment pathways for ex-offenders. Through this collaboration, he helped open access to meaningful work for individuals leaving the criminal justice system, witnessing first-hand the positive impact that employment can have on rehabilitation, dignity, and long-term change.
Craig Whittaker
Craig Whittaker is a former MP who represented Calder Valley for 14 years, bringing extensive experience in public service, government and community leadership. His career has given him a deep understanding of the challenges facing individuals and communities. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, Craig supports our mission to break down barriers, champion second chances and help people with convictions transform their lives through meaningful, sustainable employment.
Andy Cato
Andy Cato is a musician, DJ, producer, farmer and one half of the internationally acclaimed electronic duo Groove Armada. Alongside his successful music career, Andy has developed a deep commitment to farming, sustainability and creating positive change. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, he supports our belief in the power of opportunity and helping people overcome barriers, realise their potential and build a more positive future.
Camilla Tominey
Camilla Tominey is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and leading commentator on British politics and the Royal Family, with an extensive career across national and international media. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, Camilla brings her voice and platform to our mission, helping raise awareness of the importance of second chances and championing our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to move forward, fulfil their potential and build a better future.
Dr Raphael Nagel
Dr Raphael Nagel is an entrepreneur, impact investor and philanthropist with extensive experience in private equity, investment and building global business connections. Through The DealMakers and his wider work, he champions opportunity, collaboration and positive social impact. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, Raphael supports our mission to unlock potential, create meaningful opportunities and demonstrate how business can play a powerful role in giving people a second chance and transforming lives.
Kate Eady
Kate Eady is an experienced CEO and brand strategist who has spent more than 30 years helping businesses, leaders and organisations realise their potential. Through her work with start-ups, SMEs and senior leadership teams, Kate understands the power of opportunity, confidence and strong support. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, she champions our mission to help people overcome barriers, rebuild their lives and create brighter futures through meaningful employment.
Stefani Rusciano
Stefani Rusciano brings a career shaped by public service, justice, technology and a deep belief in the power of transformation. From the US Coast Guard to working within the justice system, she has seen first-hand how compassion, opportunity and support can change lives. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, Stefani champions our belief in second chances and the potential within every individual to overcome barriers and build a positive future.
Gareth Bullen
Gareth Bullen is an experienced business leader, entrepreneur and passionate advocate for intrapreneurship and developing people’s potential. Having built high-performing teams and led at board level, Gareth understands how the right culture, opportunity and support can unlock success. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, he brings valuable commercial experience and a shared belief that empowering people to recognise their potential can create lasting change for individuals, businesses and communities.
Binciya Salim
Binciya Salim is the CEO and Founder of Wellington Campus, an international education platform dedicated to helping working professionals achieve their academic and career ambitions. A recognised business leader with a strong network across the UAE, Binciya shares Tempus Novo’s belief in the transformative power of opportunity. As an ambassador, she champions our mission to help people overcome barriers, develop their potential and build brighter futures through employment and support.
The Dunwells
The Dunwells, brothers Joe and Dave Dunwell, are a successful Leeds-based indie-folk band known for their powerful melodies and heartfelt songwriting. Long-standing supporters of Tempus Novo, they have visited HMP Leeds to see our work first-hand and created ‘Ripple Effect’, a song inspired by our mission. As ambassadors, they use their music and platform to champion second chances and the positive change that opportunity can create.
Roma Hooper OBE
Roma Hooper OBE is a respected social entrepreneur with more than 30 years’ experience in criminal justice and the voluntary sector. Founder of the Prison Radio Association and a long-standing champion of rehabilitation, Roma has dedicated her career to creating better outcomes for people in the justice system. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, her experience and belief in second chances strongly support our mission to transform lives through opportunity and employment.
Claire Grindey
Claire Grindey Fine Art & Design Consultancy was founded by Claire Grindey with an excellent knowledge of the art market gained over 20 years as an independent consultant and with Sotheby’s. Claire is currently on the Board for RICS Art and Antiques, advising on art market issues. As an art consultant, Claire has advised on the acquisition of works of art, adhering to the RICS professional standards. She has researched and catalogued works of art and lectured for Sotheby’s Institute Contemporary Design MA. She has commissioned works of art and brings a unique understanding of the history of cultural diplomatic gifts through her knowledge of English silver, gained as a specialist at Sotheby’s. Claire has also worked in Sweden, France, Italy and the Netherlands. She has gained a good grasp of their respective languages and cultures. In 2015, she partnered with Syria Relief to launch an education and skills social enterprise, promoting cultural heritage and identity, and transferable making skills.
Roger Evans
Roger Evans is a former Deputy Mayor of London with extensive experience in public service, leadership and building relationships between government, business and communities. His career has spanned policing, transport, business engagement and local government. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, Roger brings valuable experience and connections to our mission, championing second chances and helping us create opportunities for people with convictions to rebuild their lives through meaningful, sustainable employment.
Stuart Lancaster
Stuart Lancaster is one of rugby’s most respected coaches, with a career spanning teaching, player development and elite international sport. Renowned for developing talent and building high-performing cultures, Stuart understands the transformative power of opportunity, guidance and belief. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, he supports our mission to help people realise their potential, overcome barriers and build positive futures through second chances, meaningful employment and ongoing support.
Josh Warrington
Josh Warrington is a professional boxer from Leeds and a former two-time IBF featherweight world champion. Known for his determination, resilience and strong connection to his home city, Josh has long supported local causes and communities. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, he champions our belief in second chances and the power of opportunity, helping inspire people to overcome barriers, fulfil their potential and build a more positive future.
Will Timmins
Will Timmins is Partner and Co-Head of Research at executive search firm Saxton Bampfylde, bringing extensive experience across business, politics and talent. His career has centred on identifying potential and connecting people with opportunities where they can thrive. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, Will supports our mission to challenge perceptions, open doors and help people with convictions demonstrate their talent, rebuild their lives and create lasting futures through meaningful employment.
David Hass
David Hass is Head of Political Engagement, UK & Europe at HSBC, with a career spanning journalism, government and business. His experience includes advising at the heart of government on prisons and sentencing policy, where he became a strong advocate for employment and training opportunities for people in prison. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, David brings valuable insight and a long-standing belief in the power of work to create lasting second chances.
Isabel Oakeshott
Isabel Oakeshott is a political journalist, broadcaster and author with extensive experience across the British media. A regular commentator on national television and radio, she brings a powerful platform and understanding of the issues shaping society. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, Isabel supports our mission to challenge perceptions, champion second chances and raise awareness of how meaningful employment can help people with convictions rebuild their lives and create positive futures.
Louise McCarthy
Louise McCarthy is an accomplished technology leader, board advisor and Non-Executive Director with extensive experience in digital transformation, finance and business strategy. Renowned for helping complex organisations embrace innovation and change, Louise is also a strong role model for women in technology. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, she champions our belief that recognising potential, opening doors and providing the right support can transform lives and create lasting opportunities.
Nick Hardwick
Professor Nick Hardwick CBE is a respected leader in criminal justice, with a career spanning youth homelessness, policing, prisons and rehabilitation. A former Chief Inspector of Prisons and Chair of the Parole Board, he brings decades of experience and insight into the justice system. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, Nick champions our belief in rehabilitation, second chances and the vital role meaningful employment plays in helping people rebuild their lives.
Diane Banks
Diane Banks is Founder and CEO of Northbank Talent Management, with extensive experience across publishing, broadcasting, public policy and the creative industries. A passionate believer in the transformative power of work, Diane understands how opportunity can unlock potential and change lives. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, she champions our mission to break down barriers, challenge perceptions and help people with convictions build positive, sustainable futures through meaningful employment.
Jia Liu
Jia Liu is an Associate Professor in Behavioural Economics, specialising in applied microeconomics, behavioural finance and data-driven research. Through Tempus Novo’s partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, Jia has helped us better understand and measure the impact of our work. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, she brings valuable academic insight to our mission, helping demonstrate how second chances and sustainable employment can create lasting benefits for individuals, businesses and wider society.
Sara Kumar
Sara Kumar is an entrepreneur and experienced criminal justice professional with a strong commitment to community and social change. Having worked with the Centre for Social Justice and charities in the UK and internationally, Sara brings valuable insight into the challenges facing individuals and communities. As a Tempus Novo ambassador, she champions second chances, opportunity and our mission to help people with convictions create positive futures through meaningful employment.
Jemima Phillips
Jemima Phillips is an acclaimed music producer, composer and live looping artist, and former Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales. After performing at a Tempus Novo event at Windsor, Jemima was deeply moved by the stories she heard and chose to become an ambassador. She now lends her voice and creativity to our mission, championing second chances and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a positive future.