Mehmuda Mian, Trustee

"The BBC is an iconic institution that not only produces high quality programmes that no one else can, but also upholds standards that the public holds dear.

"Listening to the public, reaching out to audiences so that everyone gets something for their money, is a vitally important role for the Trust. As a lawyer with no media background, I see my role particularly as a representative of the licence fee payer.

"Thinking about how I'd explain something to a reasonable person helps me think through the many challenging issues we face as we aim to maintain the standards of excellence the BBC is known for.

"For me personally, it's good to hear more and more different voices within the BBC, although there's still more to do to represent all communities within the UK "

About Mehmuda

Mehmuda's ambition from an early age was always to become a lawyer, and she practised for over 10 years as a solicitor specialising in commercial and professional indemnity litigation.

Mehmuda's commitment to rigorous, high standards in public life led her to take on the regulatory function of the Law Society, investigating complaints against solicitors, and also to chairing independent review panels for the NHS. She left to take up an appointment at the Police Complaints Authority.

Mehmuda was subsequently appointed as one of the first Commissioners to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), where she gained wide experience dealing with the public's concerns, often on very sensitive matters.

She has recently been appointed as a non-executive director of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).