TEAM

Beltus Etchu (BA, MSc, FRSA, Accredited Assessor (EFQM) Chief Executive Officer

Leading the organization since 2009, Beltus provides management oversight and is responsible for the strategic development and sustainability of Next Step Initiative through our strategic relationships with partners and income generation. With over 20 years’ experience within the Third Sector across Scotland, at senior management and board level covering quality management, strategic leadership, housing, anti-racism, community engagement, social enterprise and capacity building.

Beltus holds a BA in Business Accounting with Distinction, and an MSc in International Finance Management. Beltus is the Chief Executive Officer of Next Step Initiative. He is also the co-founder, Fellow, and Director of the Centre for African Policy Development and Research Scotland and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has a wide and extensive experience in social entrepreneurship and enterprise through his pioneering work of successfully establishing and developing the Next Step Initiative’s Workspace and Business Hub, which is the leading African and Ethnic Minority Social Enterprise in Scotland.

His entrepreneurial expertise and grasp of commercial opportunities in Africa has earned him appreciative recognition and respect within the private sector. Beltus has been involved in many high levels strategic board; board chair Greater Pollok Integration Network Glasgow, board member Kennishead Housing Association Glasgow (2006-2008), appointed at a high-level United Nation Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) EMPRETEC Women Award Panel (2016-2018) and appointed for 3 years as Committee Member National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland. (2017-2020)

Dr Thelma- Head of Policy, Research & Programmes

Thelma is the founder of Jezreel Consultancy LTD. She is committed to the development and empowerment of minoritised communities. Thelma is passionate about the empowerment and development of communities as a means to improving general wellbeing.

She has supported over 100 community organisations across the UK formed strategic relationships and networks across demographics and communities. Thelma recently received the much coveted award- Heart of Glasgow Award, in recognition of her contribution to community development. In addition to being a researcher, she is an Associate Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland where she equips students with relevant skill sets.

With over 10 years of banking experience and a wealth of expertise in several areas including corporate, retail, Islamic and commercial banking, Thelma has a PhD in Accounting and Finance, focusing on Microfinance and Financial Inclusion, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Research Methods, with a bias for qualitative research.

Rizwan Ahmed Manager Heritage Leader Traineeship Programme

Rizwan Ahmed is a Project Manager at NSI with over 30 years of experience working in the field of race equality. He has a long-standing commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion, particularly within Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities.

Throughout his career, Rizwan has managed and supported a range of community development and advocacy projects, including Awaz – Voice of the Community, the Ethnic Minority Enterprise Centre, and Ethnic Minority Advocacy Services. His work has focused on empowering communities, supporting economic participation, and ensuring that ethnic minority voices are represented in decision-making processes.

In addition to project management, Rizwan has a strong track record of building and nurturing strategic partnerships with delivery partners, community organisations, and funding bodies. His collaborative approach has helped strengthen networks and improve outcomes for diverse communities.

Rizwan has also served on the boards of several community organisations and has actively participated in various working groups and forums addressing racial equality and social justice. Through these roles, he continues to contribute to policy discuss

Ibrahim Aleshinloye-Abass - Operation Manager

Ibrahim Aleshinloye-Abass is a project management professional with over 20 years of experience supporting ethnic minority organisations across Scotland. His work brings together project leadership, community development, and creative communication to help organisations plan, deliver, and promote impactful community initiatives.

Over the past two decades, Ibrahim has been involved in the planning and management of a range of community-led projects across African and Caribbean networks, including collaborations with organisations such as the African Caribbean Women’s Association, Yoruba Community Scotland, Nigerian Community Scotland, and other community groups. His work has contributed to initiatives focused on cultural engagement, African health and wellbeing, community events, and capacity-building programmes that strengthen community participation and representation.

Ibrahim currently serves as Project Manager at Next Step Initiative, where he supports the delivery of programmes such as the Heritage Leadership Programme, helping create pathways for individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds to access opportunities and leadership roles within Scotland’s heritage sector.

Alongside his project management work, Ibrahim has extensive experience in creative media and storytelling, supporting organisations to document their work, communicate their impact, and amplify community voices.

Ali Liaqat - IT Support & Development Officer

Ali Liaqat is the IT Support & Development Officer at Next Step Initiative, responsible for maintaining and enhancing the organisation’s digital infrastructure. He ensures that all systems, platforms, and tools used across programmes operate efficiently, securely, and reliably.

Ali plays a key role in supporting the team with day-to-day technical needs, troubleshooting issues, and implementing digital solutions that improve workflow and communication. He also contributes to the development and optimisation of internal systems, helping the organisation adapt to evolving technological demands.

With a strong focus on innovation and user experience, Ali supports the delivery of NSI’s programmes by ensuring that staff, partners, and participants can engage seamlessly through effective digital platforms.