West Yorkshire branch: Committee

You can find out more about the committee below, or come along and meet us at the next West Yorkshire branch event.

Chair:
Daniel Toms MBCS, MSc, BSc

Head of Computer Science, Red Kite Learning Trust

Daniel Toms is a Computing teacher and educational leader with over 20 years’ experience. He has led Computing departments at Harrogate Grammar School and Rossett School, and has supported schools nationally through leadership roles with the National Centre for Computing Education, Red Kite Teacher Training and the Red Kite Alliance. Daniel is recognised as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Showbie Champion, CAS Master Teacher, Raspberry Pi Certified Educator and STEM Lead Facilitator.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdanieltoms/

Treasurer:
Chris Delee MBCS, ACSP, BSc

SOC Lead, CYSIAM

Chris Delee ACSP, MBCS, is a First-Class Computer Science for Cyber Security graduate from the University of Bradford and the SOC Night Shift Lead. Specializing in real-time threat monitoring, threat hunting, and cyber threat intelligence, he holds multiple industry certifications across CompTIA, Microsoft, and Splunk. Chris is deeply involved with the BCS, currently serving as Treasurer for the West Yorkshire Committee. Outside of cyber security, he is a STEM Ambassador and archery enthusiast.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmdelee/

Committee Member and Acting Secretary: 
Hamza Sohaib MBCS

Independent Advisor and Consultant 

Hamza Sohaib MBCS is an independent digital consultant, advising national organisations. Hamza serves on the Government Digital Service Responsible AI Advisory Panel, and as a youth advisor to various public bodies, including the UK Home Office. He has an interest in policy and legislation and focuses on leveraging tech for betterment. 

Committee Member and Early Careers Advocate:
Sharon Jandu OBE

Managing Director, NPH Business & Policy Forum 

Sharon Jandu OBE is Director of NPH Business & Policy Forum, Founder of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, ISS Freeports Director of Strategic Partnerships for India, and Chair of Unity Enterprise. She serves on the boards of Unity Housing Association, Federation of Small Business, Association of International Accountants, Leeds University Business School's International Business Advisory Group, and University of Bradford's Enterprise Ecosystem, and is Trustee for Leeds Playhouse. She received an OBE in the 2023 New Year Honours for contributions to international trade and an Honorary Fellowship from Leeds Trinity University in 2024.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-kaur-jandu-obe-9460624/ 

Committee Member: 
Sanjay Paul MBA, FBCS, CITP, BEng 

Enterprise Architect, HM Revenue & Customs 

Sanjay Paul is a seasoned digital practitioner, Chartered IT Professional and BCS Fellow with over three decades of experience enabling technology‑driven business innovation. A senior civil servant and Enterprise Architect, he specialises in data analytics for national‑scale transformation programmes. With an engineering background and deep expertise in cloud computing, distributed systems and risk‑based design, he blends technical precision with strategic insight, connecting policy, architecture and ethical innovation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaypaul/

Committee Member: 
Tim Ripper 

Director, ITogether

Tim Ripper is a Cybersecurity-focused IT professional with a strong background in bespoke network services, threat mitigation, and secure infrastructure design. He helps organisations strengthen their security posture through proactive risk management, modern security solutions, and resilient IT strategies. With a client-first mindset, he builds trusted 
partnerships while aligning cybersecurity initiatives to business goals, enabling organisations to navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape with confidence.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-ripper-a62022b4/ 

Committee Member: 
Joseph Odeh MBCS, BSc, MBA, PhD  

Support Coordinator, Home Group

Joseph Odeh is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience across sales, marketing, customer service, business analysis, research, and social support services. He has led growth initiatives, strengthened stakeholder relationships, and delivered data‑driven improvements across diverse sectors. An author and researcher with the Eudoxia Research Institute, he contributes to work on consumer behaviour, AI, and business innovation. His book, The Art and Science of Selling, is available on Amazon. He currently serves as a Support Coordinator at Home Group, promoting independence and improved quality of life.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-odeh/

Committee Member: 
Emma Petty

Head of Marketing, ITogether 

Emma is a marketing and events professional at ITogether, specialising in B2B technology, network infrastructure and cyber security. Emma focuses on creating engaging events, strategic partnerships and community-led initiatives that connect IT leaders, vendors and industry experts, and is passionate about helping organisations strengthen engagement with their members through relevant, high-quality events and communications.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmapettyyork/

Committee Member: 
Amit Bhagwat 

Chair, CEO, Programme Manager, Lead Enterprise Architect,  Chief Software Engineer 

Amit has worked on using Information & Communication effectively and safely to Improve Intelligence, Engagement & Reach of Institutions going back to the 90s, having contributed computational solutions to Materials Science and Astronomy before that. In 2000 he was serving as Head of Design for an Info-Systems Multinational, when he moved to UK and was rated very Highly Skilled Migrant able to establish ~twice the points needed to be placed in the top tier of the British points-based system.

Within BCS, he has been known as Chair and Treasurer of Specialist Groups and Chair of successful International Events - notably on the Software Practice Advancement, Information Governance and Enterprise Architecture themes, long before the pandemic made hybrid events the norm. Amit has advised the Government Data Sharing Review and the Westminster Science & Technology Select Committee on related themes.

Beyond the sector, Amit has enjoyed a rich Board portfolio across Third Sector (including multiple chair roles), Regulators, in Public Interest Protection/Senior Independent roles and Public Engagement Roles. He has also Chaired and Served as independent member of Public Sector Inquiries/Assessments/Reviews and Government Scientific Advisory Bodies across OECD, EU, UK and Eire.