Our Advisory Board

  • Kurtis Dinnall-Bateman

    Treasurer

    Is a number enthusiast, with experience ranging from teaching mathematics to Accountancy. With nearly a decade of experience working in account departments of multiple companies, he went from being an account assistant to being the sole accountant of a company in 5 years. Whilst working at his last company, Kurtis was the sole accountant and assisted in the Financial due diligence piece during the multi million pound sale of the company. At the start of 2025, he has become the Managing Director of a Fintech Start-up company.

    Although time is more limited now, he still finds time to tutor students as he believes that passing on knowledge to the next generation is one of his main purposes in life. As a father, teaching others is something that he feels very strongly about. BIG is of great interest to him, as the promotion inclusivity in government is vital as it more inclusivity in government will offer younger people from minorities potential role models and encourage more young people to get into government. He hopes that being apart of the board will assist in the growth of this community interest company, whilst keeping the accounts in tact and up to date, as this is the foundation for sustainable growth!

    Kurtis loves going to the theatre, listening to music, spending time with his young family and going to Arsenal games!

  • Paris Lawrence

    Events Lead

    I’m Paris and I’m excited to be joining the advisory board of Black in Government (BIG) as the Events Lead. I deeply resonate with BIG’s story mission and values. 

    When I first joined the civil service, the lack of representation of black and mixed heritage civil servants in senior leadership positions, made me question whether there was really space for someone like me to thrive. My career aspirations felt a bit out of reach. But through finding my community, I started to feel valued, seen and recognised for what I bring.

    In this role, I want to create events that inform, support, and empower other Black and mixed-heritage civil servants to pursue amazing careers in the civil service and public sector. I’m passionate about championing our values of being authentic, intentionally cultivating community, celebrating our achievements and contributions, and fostering meaningful collaboration.

  • Ramona

    Fundraising and Partnerships Co-Lead

    I have experience in managing high-profile projects and charity events, I have a strong track record of bringing people and businesses together to create meaningful impact. I have successfully led events that required strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, and a sharp focus on outcomes.

    A significant part of my work has involved liaising with both local and national businesses to secure sponsorships and raffle prizes. This has consistently helped elevate events and increase fundraising success. My strengths lie in building strong relationships, communicating effectively, and ensuring every detail contributes to a memorable and impactful experience.

    I am incredibly excited to be part of the Black In Government Board, I hope to use my experience and platform to amplify underrepresented voices, foster meaningful partnerships, and support initiatives that drive equity, inclusion, and opportunity. It is an honour to be part of a team that shares deep commitment to lasting positive change.

  • Moses Bernard

    General Advisory Board Member

    Moses ‘Mo’ Bernard is a project management professional with over 25 years of experience in the delivery of projects within the Public and Private Sector. He currently serves as the Head of Project Delivery Standards and Guidance, where he develops and implements project delivery functions to enhance consistency and excellence across several organisations. His role involves facilitating reviews of departmental capability, advising over 500 project delivery professionals, coordinating independent improvement projects (as required) and collaborating with stakeholders to elevate project management maturity.

    Throughout his career, he has achieved significant milestones, such as Project Managing the procurement of the UK Search & Rescue Helicopter Services, the procurement of the South Western Rail Franchise and leading the development race action plans across several directorates, while advising Senior Civil Servants on approaches to develop and shape DfT Diversity and Inclusion policy.

    His civil service career began at Ofsted in 1999 as an Admin Officer, progressing through various roles to G6 (and occasionally Acting Deputy Director). These experiences have equipped him with strong skills in project governance, leadership, risk management, strategic planning, initiating projects/workstreams and stakeholder engagement.

    He is passionate about the development and mentoring of emerging professionals, representation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to help less represented colleagues excel and have a voice. With a focus on clear communication and collaborative leadership, he aims to drive excellence in the workforce and contribute to the impactful development of less represented communities.

  • Kelly-Anne Smith-Sinclair

    General Advisory Board Member

    Kelly-Anne Smith-Sinclair, (or KASS for short), is a seasoned policy professional with over a decade of experience in developing and implementing policies, primarily within the education and legal sectors. She has amassed over 15 years of experience in the Civil Service, during which she held various roles in communications, private office, and project management. In early 2024, she transitioned from the Civil Service to lead a policy team at the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 

    A multifaceted individual. Kelly-Anne is a mother, wife, leader, governor, board member, and qualified coach. Committed to supporting others through learning and development, striving to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive opportunities for others throughout her career.  She looks forward to continuing this work with BIG and empower individuals to maximise their potential, increasing their impact within their roles in the UK Civil Service.  

    A huge fan of sci-fi and anime, you will often find her reading or watching something from these genres in her “free” time!  

    www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-anne-smith-sinclair 

  • Richard Etienne

    General Advisory Board Member

    Richard Etienne is an award-winning personal brand and communications consultant who helps individuals and businesses thrive.

    A former official videographer for UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Richard now delivers workshops and talks on introversion, leadership, and communication. He’s the founder of The Introvert Space, a community interest company empowering introverts in the workplace, and author of ebooks like Self-Promotion for Introverts.

    He’s also learning piano – after realising he could no longer help his son with his music homework!

    Connect with Richard on LinkedIn and follow The Introvert Space for the latest on personality-driven insights.

    I’m keen to support BIG in creating spaces where Black professionals—particularly introverts and quieter voices—can thrive. With a background in high-level government communications, including as former Head of Leadership Comms at DBT and official videographer to the Prime Minister, I understand the power of storytelling in shaping perception and driving cultural change. I hope to bring strategic insight into how we can use communication as a tool to amplify underrepresented voices, build trust, and inspire leadership across the civil service. Ultimately, I want to help create a public sector where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported to lead authentically.