Our directors
The House Outside is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company with a board of non-executive directors who bring their experience, knowledge and values to the oversight of our work.
Emma Baars
Emma is a voluntary sector ex-CEO with over 20 years' experience working with individuals, communities and government to deliver large-scale international services as well as small grassroots community-led projects. A Senior Social Work Practitioner with significant experience delivering therapeutically informed services for people experiencing trauma and change. Winner of Social Worker of the Year Award for Innovative Practice. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society; working in the context of government policy change, human geography as well as working therapeutically with groups and communities through adventure and the outdoors. Qualified Sussex Wildlife Trust - Wild Beach Leader, lover of the South Downs and the Sussex coast. Emma founded The House Outside in 2024 - read more about this here.
Hira Bandheri
Hira is a highly experienced welfare rights, advocacy and project management professional with over 28 years’ experience across statutory and voluntary sectors supporting the work of organisations which represent disabled people, carers and communities facing vulnerabilities. Hira has led services, developed new co-produced projects and built strong partnerships with health, local authority and third sector organisations to improve access and outcomes for people. Hira also brings commercial and governance insights from co-running a travel business and her previous experience as a shop proprietor, alongside human resources, health and safety and organisational development. Hira is committed to inclusive, person centred services and collaborative leadership. Outside of work Hira loves hiking and travelling.
Phil Jones
Phil Jones began his career supporting young people in residential and community settings before qualifying as a Social Worker with a child protection focus. Specialising for many years in supporting young people affected by domestic abuse and sexual exploitation, his expertise led him into strategic training and development roles, including senior positions with the NSPCC and the National Probation Service. As an independent consultant and mediator, he continues to help public and voluntary sector organisations navigate conflict, organisational change, and leadership development.
Parallel to his social care background, Phil has been a professional performing musician for over two decades. He operates a commercial recording studio, tours as a double bass player and solo artist, and runs songwriting retreats. His creative focus centres heavily on theatre work, alongside his ongoing commitment to mediation and organisational support.
Michael McGrath
Michael has built his career around people, support, and community, working across a variety of roles that all share a common focus on helping others thrive. He began his working life in an interactive science centre, where he gained hands-on experience in creative learning and engagement, exploring how education can be delivered in imaginative and accessible ways outside of the traditional classroom environment.
As a trained Social Worker, he has worked extensively with both children and older adults, supporting individuals to maintain independence, dignity, and autonomy in their daily lives. His work has included facilitating safe hospital discharges, coordinating and reviewing care packages, connecting people with local services and opportunities, and encouraging community-led approaches to wellbeing through volunteering, local knowledge, and practical support. He has also worked alongside job seekers through charitable organisations and wellbeing centres, helping people explore pathways into employment, education, and greater confidence in their futures. More recently, his work has focused on supporting asylum seekers, providing practical and ongoing assistance throughout what can often be difficult and uncertain journeys in a challenging social and political climate.
Outside of work, Michael values the restorative impact of nature and time outdoors. He enjoys walking his 16-year-old lurcher, Sophie, along the beaches and coastal spots across Northern Ireland, and enjoys open water swimming and kayaking. Spending time in nature has become an important way for him to reflect, recharge, and support both his mental and physical wellbeing amidst the pressures of modern life.