Meet the team

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

Ben Leather – Director Focus: Strategy, high-level advocacy, and international relations. He joined in 2022, having started as a PBI Mexico volunteer in 2008. His extensive human rights career includes advocacy at ISHR, environmental investigations a

Ben Leather – Director Focus: Strategy, high-level advocacy, and international relations. 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 Focus: Connecting defenders with UK MPs and diplomats. She joined PBI UK in 2023. A seasoned activist, she previously supported UN Special Rapporteurs and provided urgent protection for Front Line Defenders. With

Christina Challis - Advocacy Manager Focus: Connecting defenders with UK MPs and diplomats. She joined PBI UK in 2023. A seasoned activist, she previously supported UN Special Rapporteurs and provided urgent protection for Front Line Defenders. With an advanced background in international law and fluency in three languages (English, Spanish and German). Christina leverages her OHCHR expertise to champion global human rights and support defenders at risk. Contact: advocacy@peacebrigades.org.uk

Chris Poole, Finance Manager, 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.o

Chris Poole, Finance Manager, 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 joined PBI UK as a Partnerships and Policy Officer following her fieldwork with PBI Guatemala. Formerly a Front Line Defenders specialist, she combines a master’s in human rights law with statistical expertise to protect activi

Lorna Ní Shúilleabháin joined PBI UK as a Partnerships and Policy Officer following her fieldwork with PBI Guatemala. Formerly a Front Line Defenders specialist, she combines a master’s in human rights law with statistical expertise to protect activists. A lifelong social justice advocate, Lorna now leads our strategic partnerships and policy engagement. Contact: lorna@peacebrigades.org.uk

Partnerships and Advocacy Officer Ariana Zemaryalai joined in 2025, bringing strategic expertise from Young Lives vs Cancer and Womankind Worldwide. A specialist in feminist advocacy and donor insight, she holds a BA in French and Politics. Ariana is

Partnerships and Advocacy Officer Ariana Zemaryalai joined in 2025, bringing strategic expertise from Young Lives vs Cancer and Womankind Worldwide. A specialist in feminist advocacy and donor insight, she holds a BA in French and Politics. Ariana is multilingual, focusing her work on gender justice and international human rights. Contact: ariana@peacebrigades.org.uk

Senior Communications Consultant Vishnee Sauntoo 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

Senior Communications Consultant Vishnee Sauntoo 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

Interim Deputy Director Verity McGivern 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. Outsi

Interim Deputy Director Verity McGivern 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