Directors & Founders
Who We Are
Richard Campbell
CEO & Operational Managing Director
Richard has over 24 years of experience in youth work, residential care, social care, and community development, supporting high-risk individuals across diverse sectors, including homelessness, gang affiliation, and mental health. He contributed to a £1M research project with Newman University, which led to published research.
Specialising in high-risk youth and safety, Richard has spent 15 years fostering partnerships, leading programmes, and mentoring. Holding a sociology degree and an MA, he is an assessor, consultant, and behavioural specialist. In 2024, he served as a community consultant for the BCFC Foundation, creating a community super hub. He is now a consultant for Birmingham Children’s Trust and Co-lead founder and CEO of BLESST Ltd/CIC.
Professor Martin Glynn
Director of Research & Training Development
Dr Martin Glynn, Visiting Professor in Creative Pedagogy, is a renowned criminologist whose research has reshaped criminal justice and youth services, focusing on race and desistance. Committed to social equity, he explores crime, punishment, and rehabilitation, highlighting the experiences of marginalised communities.
His innovative work integrates community-led methodologies, participatory research, and creative arts into criminal justice. With seven research books and extensive journal publications, Dr Glynn has influenced policy and academic discourse globally, earning recognition in the Sunday Times for 40 years of impactful work.
Dr Angela Jeffery
Director of Strategy
Angela is a senior leader in Community Development, serving as Co-Chair of Birmingham Citizens UK and Director at Blesst. She is the Executive Director at Saathi House, collaborates with the Legacy Centre of Excellence, leads the Community Connexions programme with Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, and is a Local Policy and Partnerships Fellow at the University of Birmingham, focusing on integration and cohesion.
Previously, she was Director of Regional Strategy at Aston University, where she led the Civic University agreement, a £7M net-zero programme, and NHS partnerships. Before that, she worked at St George’s Hospital Medical School, specializing in research commercialisation. Over 20 years, she has secured millions in funding for research, development, and regeneration.
Malieka Selassie
Director of Community Engagement
Malieka Selassie is a Company Director and Community Engagement lead at Blesst CIC. A graduate of Birmingham City University’s Black Studies degree, they pursued Community Organising and Participatory Research after three years in the voluntary sector.
Malieka also works as a Senior Residential Support Worker, caring for vulnerable children and young people. They have led projects, workshops, and school programmes and conducted research for the NHS, Birmingham City Council, and the University of Birmingham. In their free time, they enjoy nature walks and yoga.
Kerry Rickerby
Project Management & Research
Kerry is passionate about community engagement and youth development, with over a decade of experience working with diverse communities in Birmingham. She believes in the power of lived experience to drive meaningful change.
As the Community Engagement Officer at the University of Birmingham, she connects academics with community groups, cultural organisations, and charities, fostering sustainable, trust-based partnerships for collaborative research.
