We are Hope & May
Who we are – Data Protection Experts
Founded by Mark Burnett, Hope & May is a legal consultancy with extensive experience providing outsourced Data Protection Officer representation, audits of compliance and a range of training solutions. We provide outsourced Caldicott Guardian services and HR Legal advice. We deliver professional cost-effective legal solutions for all sizes of organisation.
We work in the charity sector, retail, healthcare, fitness, recruitment and beyond. Today, we are a highly proficient team of practitioners, driven by strategic leadership.
Why choose Hope and May?
We partner with organisations and work together to solve the challenges of upholding your legal obligations. Our experience ensures that you can anticipate risk by delivering effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Our track record speaks for itself: we’ve helped hundreds of organisations achieve compliance with our range of outsourced services in data protection, health and social care and employment law. When you work with us, you gain a trusted partner committed to safeguarding your organisation and strengthening and maintaining your legal compliance.
What makes our approach unique?
Expert, tailored advice from qualified professionals.
A proactive approach that prevents problems before they arise.
Clear communication – no jargon, just straight answers.
Genuine partnership – we see ourselves as part of your team.
Confidence and compliance – so you can focus on your mission or business goals.
Our Vision Framework:
Our Mission: To make data protection clear, accessible, and actionable
Our Values: Integrity, Accountability, and Trust in every shape and form
Our Goals: To help you achieve and remain compliant with the law, now, and in the future!
Hope & May – protecting the data that protects your business!
Meet the team
Our Directors
Mark Burnett GDPR.Cert
Mark has worked In Data Analysis and Data Protection Law for more than 15 years. Mark established one of the first consultancies to offer GDPR advice and guidance to the voluntary sector and has helped over 1000 organisations to improve compliance. In 2017 he became a Certified GDPR Data Protection Practitioner. He has worked with organisations in Switzerland, Turkey, many of the EU countries, India, Pakistan and the DRC. Mark is a recognised fundraising trainer and London Committee member to the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. He is also a trained Caldicott Guardian.
CEO & Founder
Sofiya Mhaisale
Sofiya is a solicitor and foreign-qualified lawyer. As the COO at Hope & May Limited, she leads strategic operations and manages a team of practitioners in delivering data protection support services and has data protection expertise across diverse sectors. She is also a trained Caldicott Guardian, ensuring the ethical handling of sensitive information.
Chief Operating Officer
Denise Burnett
For the past 12 years Denise has worked for one of UKs largest employee-owned business, handling administrative activities customer facing and problem solving. I am very excited to be supporting Hope and May.
Chief Financial Officer
Our Practitioners
Abbie Beckett
Abbie brings extensive experience in both service delivery and operations within the charity sector, holding the role of Data Protection Officer for a national charity before joining the team at Hope & May. As a British Certified Trainer, she is passionate about delivering high-quality training and supporting organisations to build confidence, deepen their understanding, and recognise the importance of data protection compliance.
Senior Data Protection Practitioner
Niyati Walia
Niyati is a Senior Practitioner with a strong foundation in law, developed through her academic background and professional legal experience. Her experience with charities, law firms, advocates and companies have given Niyati valuable exposure to a range of legal environments, contributing to her well-rounded perspective on the practical and regulatory dimensions of data privacy. Niyati is passionate about applying her knowledge to support organisations in navigating complex data protection challenges and is particularly interested in expanding her expertise in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and its intersection with data protection.
Senior Data Protection Practitioner
Nesar Khan
After completing his legal studies at university, Nesar has supported both individuals and businesses with legal compliance across various industries. Nesar has extensive experience working in the charity/not for profit sector and is particularly keen on assisting organisations with meeting their obligations under data protection law. As a Data Protection Practitioner at Hope and May, Nesar hopes to continue supporting organisations with their compliance needs whilst developing his knowledge and skillset further.
Data Protection Practitioner
Angjela Molla
As a legal graduate with experience in the transport sector, specialising in data governance and compliance, Angjela is excited to continue her journey in data privacy as a Data Protection Practitioner at Hope and May. She is committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and compliance and hopes to support organisations in doing the same.
Data Protection Practitioner
Molly Calveley
Molly has a strong understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and the careful handling of sensitive information, gained through her work supporting children, young people, and professionals across education and public services. She is committed to high standards of data protection and helping organisations handle information with care and confidence.
Data Protection Assistant
Zainab Khan
Zainab has developed a strong foundation in governance and compliance through her roles in consultancy, and quality management. She has experience maintaining controlled documentation, supporting policy updates, coordinating governance meetings, and preparing organisation for audits. Her background has equipped her with a clear understanding of regulatory principles and the importance of accurate, transparent record-keeping.
Zainab is excited to build on her skills within the field of data protection and looks forward to supporting organisations with practical, well-structured compliance solutions.
Data Protection Assistant
Business Support
Lisa Oliver
Having left college with a secretarial qualification, Lisa went on to work in London as a PA for Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers, both one of the big 8 accountancy organisations, gaining valuable experience within the accountancy sector. She later joined the international law firm, HerbersmithFreehills as a Legal PA, where she worked for over 23 years supporting partners, senior associates and associates.
Personal Assistant
Matt Smithers
Matt has over 15 years senior marketing experience and over 10 years’ experience in the Not-For-Profit sector. Whilst Matt is working to ensure that Hope & May are visible to those who may need our support, he also has first hand experience of the challenges and pitfalls faced within the sector to ensure data compliance.
Head of Marketing & Performance