Meet the team

Based in London, our small but dedicated staff team works to mobilise UK support, lobby Parliament, and ensure our frontline teams have the resources they need to keep defenders safe.

Ben Leather | Director | He joined in 2022, having started as a PBI Mexico volunteer in 2008. His extensive human rights career includes advocacy at ISHR, environmental investigations at Global Witness, and risk management training at Kamara. An expe

Ben Leather | Director | He joined in 2022, having started as a PBI Mexico volunteer in 2008. His extensive human rights career includes advocacy at ISHR, environmental investigations at Global Witness, and risk management training at Kamara. An expert consultant in security and UN mechanisms, Ben now leads our global protection efforts. | Contact: benleather@peacebrigades.org.uk

Christina Challis | Advocacy Manager | She joined PBI UK in 2023. A seasoned activist, she previously supported UN Special Rapporteurs and worked with Front Line Defenders providing urgent protection for human rights defenders. She has an advanced b

Christina Challis | Advocacy Manager | She joined PBI UK in 2023. A seasoned activist, she previously supported UN Special Rapporteurs and worked with Front Line Defenders providing urgent protection for human rights defenders. She has an advanced background in international law and is fluent in English, Spanish and German. Christina leverages her UN and civil society expertise to champion global human rights and support defenders at risk. | Contact: advocacy@peacebrigades.org.uk

Chris Poole | Finance Manager | He joined the team in 2019, having previously worked for the MS Society, Grant Thornton LLP and the Audit Commission. He is a Chartered Public Finance Accountant and manages PBI's accounts. | Contact: finance@peacebr

Chris Poole | Finance Manager | He joined the team in 2019, having previously worked for the MS Society, Grant Thornton LLP and the Audit Commission. He is a Chartered Public Finance Accountant and manages PBI's accounts. | Contact: finance@peacebrigades.org.uk

Lorna Ní Shúilleabháin | Partnerships and Policy Officer | She joined in 2025 following spending a year as a field volunteer with PBI in Guatemala. Formerly a Database Officer at Front Line Defenders, she combines a master’s in human rights law with

Lorna Ní Shúilleabháin | Partnerships and Policy Officer | She joined in 2025 following spending a year as a field volunteer with PBI in Guatemala. Formerly a Database Officer at Front Line Defenders, she combines a master’s in human rights law with statistical expertise to protect activists. | Contact: lorna@peacebrigades.org.uk

Ariana Zemaryalai | Partnerships and Advocacy Officer | She joined in 2025, bringing strategic expertise from Young Lives vs Cancer and Womankind Worldwide. She holds a BA in French and Politics. | Contact: ariana@peacebrigades.org.uk

Ariana Zemaryalai | Partnerships and Advocacy Officer | She joined in 2025, bringing strategic expertise from Young Lives vs Cancer and Womankind Worldwide. She holds a BA in French and Politics. | Contact: ariana@peacebrigades.org.uk

Vishnee Sauntoo | Senior Communications Consultant | She joined in 2025, bringing over 20 years of expertise. A former Director of Communications at C40 Cities, she has led award-winning global campaigns for Save the Children and the British Heart Fo

Vishnee Sauntoo | Senior Communications Consultant | She joined in 2025, bringing over 20 years of expertise. A former Director of Communications at C40 Cities, she has led award-winning global campaigns for Save the Children and the British Heart Foundation. As the founder of VS Comms, Vishnee now leverages her expertise in climate and humanitarian narratives to amplify PBI’s mission. | Contact: vishnee@peacebrigades.org.uk

Verity McGivern | Interim Deputy Director | She joined in 2026, bringing 20 years of experience in global advocacy. Having led high-impact strategies targeting the UN and EU for major NGOs, she now provides senior leadership during PBI UK’s transiti

Verity McGivern | Interim Deputy Director | She joined in 2026, bringing 20 years of experience in global advocacy. Having led high-impact strategies targeting the UN and EU for major NGOs, she now provides senior leadership during PBI UK’s transition. Outside her professional work, Verity serves as a local councillor in her London borough. | Contact: verity@peacebrigades.org.uk