Meet the TIPS Managing Committee

James says: "I had a number of motivations for setting up the TIPS Network. My starting point was twofold: first, I believe that there is a growing and increasingly influential community of young, passionate anti-corruption advocates – across the public and private sectors, across law, finance, academia and many more sectors. Second, as a leading anti-corruption charity based in the UK (and part of a global movement), I see the work of Transparency International UK (TI-UK) as hugely important and influential at shaping the direction of the anti-corruption and transparency agenda both in the UK and globally. I founded the TIPS Network (i) as a means to bridge the gap between the two, as a vehicle to embrace the enthusiasm and talent of young and future leaders across the anti-corruption and compliance community, and (ii) to bring a collective purpose to that community, namely to support and amplify the outreach and advocacy efforts of TI-UK. Through the TIPS Events, Advocacy and Outreach initiatives, we have been able to both educate and empower the TIPS Network (and wider TIPS community) in a number of areas, whether through engagement with current and former regulators (e.g. from the DOJ, SFO and Argentina's anti-corruption office) or through encouraging more than 500 students from more than ten universities across the world to further their studies and work in the anti-corruption space. Seeing the TIPS Network grow from the seeds of an idea in June 2018 to an increasingly international network of more than 475 members is truly gratifying and is a great motivation to continue to steer the continued success of the TIPS Network. It wouldn't be possible without the support of all the wonderful volunteers – who all have busy day jobs – so, I want to say a big thank you to all committee members"

Will says: "My personal passion for transparency and professional anti-corruption pursuit drive my involvement in TIPS, which I joined in 2020. While usually deep in the investigative trenches across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in my daily work, it is great to raise the head above the parapet to connect with and learn from others pursuing the same goals in different ways. That is TIPS's real strength: sharing the diverse perspectives and experience of people in varied lines of professional and academic work, all working together for transparency."

Sofia says: "TIPS is a truly diverse and international network that encourages people no matter their age or seniority, to join and participate in open conversations on topics that are of coconcern about. Fighting corruption and improving transparency have been the key areas, but along the years, I am happy to see how the topics have growth and evolved together with cultural changes adapting to the context and interest of the TIPs community."

Stella says: "After my own studies and research in anti-corruption, I was able to join TIPS through an internship during my master's degree at the University of Sussex. TIPS has allowed me to make vital connections across the anti-corruption sphere that have helped guide my knowledge and passion for wanting to be more involved in advocacy."

Reecha says: "I got involved in TIPS to further my understanding of the current topics in the anti-corruption space and learn more about the innovative initiatives aimed at progressing transparency globally. Joining TIPS has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals and expand my professional network, helping to learn and exchange knowledge about others’ experiences of working in this space."

Adam says: "Having been involved in anti-corruption work for almost a decade, I felt like it was time to bring my knowledge to a wider audience, learn something myself and meet some bright and varied people while doing so. Being affiliated to TI-UK at the same time, and promoting its priorities to junior professionals and academics, felt like a no-brainer. Given the spotlight on corruption recently (and not just abroad, but very much in the UK), I am so glad I am involved. I look forward to expanding the initiative further!"

Irasema says: "My motivation in joining TIPS comes from the passion of researching about corruption. I find in TIPS Network a space to support anti-corruption advocacy, promote transparency, and connect with people that share the same values."

Samer says: "I've always been passionate about compliance and ethics work given my professional background as a GRC professional and I was fortunate to be introduced to TIPS a couple of years ago by a former committee member. TIPS has given me the opportunity to connect with other like-minded professionals and to use my experience and knowledge to get more involved in the important advocacy work that it does."

Lucy says: "I work at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) for the Enablers team. In light of the Ukraine war and how London - or Londongrad - has been used and abused by oligarchs laundering their money and reputations, anti corruption work is more important than ever. Politicians woke up to the threat oligarchy posed to the UK in the aftermath of the invasion and, although they have introduced some legislation to stem the flow of dirty money, there is still a lot more work to do. Before joining TBIJ, I worked in Parliament on inter-parliamentary relations and know that to change political will there first needs to be an engaged group of individuals. It’s for this reason why I am excited to be part of such a formidable initiative. I look forward to engaging with professionals, students, academics and others in the role!"

Sandra says: "I got involved with TIPS to help arrange engaging events with great subject matter experts in the anti-corruption field and to support the TIPS network’s growth!"

Joseph says: "TIPS brings together a wide and interesting array of professionals in the anti-corruption sector to draw ideas and inspiration for my career. It has also been a way of engaging and promoting the important work of TI-UK in the UK and elsewhere. "

Molly says: "I was introduced by a colleague to the founder, James Ford, and I felt that my views and interests were aligned to the network. I was keen to lend my skills, expand my knowledge and, most importantly, raise awareness of a really inspirational initiative!"

Jan says: "I discovered the TIPS Network by working on a pro bono anti-corruption project with TIPS founder James Ford. As a former journalist and now a consultant with a global advisory firm, I find anti-corruption work has the most impact when people from different disciplines come together to share their passion and expertise. I joined TIPS as it provides a brilliant platform for young professionals to start building these relationships, which I hope will benefit the anti-corruption community for years to come."

Oliver says: "I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to the TIPS Network, and its importance in promoting the work of Transparency International, by my colleagues, James Ford and Sam Eastwood. Given that the TIPS Network is a community of practitioners who are passionate about battling corruption and promoting transparency, it was immediately clear from this introduction that the TIPS Network was the perfect platform to allow me to explore my longstanding interest in the ‘anti-bribery and corruption space’ and connect with people who share my passion of combating bribery and corruption issues."