USHA SOOD | Breaking Barriers: A Life in Law and Advocacy for Women

A Conversation with a Legal Pioneer

At Innovative People Podcast, we believe powerful stories inspire meaningful change. In this latest episode, host Tina Jesson sits down with trailblazing barrister Usha Sood, a woman whose career has shaped legal protections for women, children, and vulnerable communities across the United Kingdom.

With more than five decades of legal experience, Usha Sood has dedicated her life to advancing human rights, family law, children’s welfare, and migration justice. As Nottinghamshire’s first female barrister and Head of Trent Chambers, her journey represents courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to fairness.

From Breaking Barriers to Building Change

Entering the legal profession at a time when few women practised law, Usha faced sexism and institutional resistance. Rather than stepping back, she used these challenges as motivation to create space for future generations of women in the legal field.

In this deeply reflective conversation, she shares what it meant to navigate male-dominated courtrooms, establish credibility, and ultimately become a respected voice influencing national legal reform.

Her story reminds us that progress often begins with individuals willing to challenge long-standing systems.

Influencing Law That Protects Children

One of the most significant highlights of Usha’s career is her contribution to Section 55 of the UK Borders Act, a provision ensuring that children’s welfare is prioritised in immigration decisions.

During the episode, she explains how legal advocacy can directly shape policy and why safeguarding children must remain central to immigration and family law decisions. Her insights reveal the human stories behind legislation — stories that often go unheard.

Advancing Domestic Abuse Legislation

Usha also discusses her work advising the government on domestic abuse laws, including the recognition of coercive and controlling behaviour as a form of abuse.

She explores how cultural expectations, societal pressures, and legal gaps can affect women differently across communities, emphasising the need for legal systems that understand lived realities as well as legal definitions.

The conversation highlights both the achievements and ongoing challenges in protecting survivors and ensuring justice remains accessible.

Choosing Advocacy Over the Judiciary

In a candid moment, Usha reflects on her decision to leave the judiciary to advocate more directly for vulnerable women and children. While the judiciary offered influence, advocacy allowed her to work closer to the people most affected by injustice.

Her reflections offer a rare insight into the emotional and ethical decisions behind a lifelong legal career.

Advice for the Next Generation

A particularly inspiring part of the episode is Usha’s message to young people. She encourages those as young as 17 to engage with NGOs, volunteer organisations, legal internships, and community initiatives.

According to Usha, meaningful change begins long before professional titles — it starts with empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to serve others.

Watch the Full Episode

You can watch the full conversation below and hear directly from Usha Sood as she shares her journey, challenges, and hopes for the future of justice.

▶ Watch the full episode here:

https://youtu.be/5uSoPBIrRB8?si=_vpZSsh2d8nfnbJa

About Innovative People Podcast

Innovative People Podcast is the media arm of Skilled Hands Organisation CIC, a community organisation committed to empowering people — especially women and children — through creative learning, arts, crafts, and practical skills workshops.

Through conversations with leaders, innovators, and changemakers, the podcast amplifies voices that inspire resilience, leadership, and social impact.

Learn more about our work:

www.skilledhandsorganisation.org

Why Stories Like This Matter

At Skilled Hands, empowerment goes beyond practical skills; it includes storytelling, visibility, and representation. By sharing journeys like Usha Sood’s, we aim to inspire communities to recognise their potential, challenge barriers, and contribute positively to society.

This episode is more than an interview — it is a reminder that justice evolves through courage, persistence, and people who refuse to remain silent.

Creative Platforms

Skilled Hands extends its impact beyond workshops through creative platforms that share stories, celebrate creativity, and amplify community voices.

Our creative platforms provide space for:

• Storytelling and lived experiences

• Conversations around creativity, wellbeing, and empowerment

• Showcasing the journeys and talents of women and community members

• Promoting positive narratives around craft, resilience, and growth

Through these platforms, we aim to inspire, educate, and connect with a wider audience—ensuring that the voices and stories within our community continue to be heard and valued beyond the workshop space.

LIVING WITHOUT ABUSE

SEASON 1 EPISODE 3

HOST: LAUREN SIMPSON
GUEST: EMILY CORRIGAN
BEHIND THE CAMERA: MARTHA PERCIVAL

Having spent 25 years in the corporate sector managing communications and events Emily took the role of Head of Fundraising for Living Without Abuse in September 2022. 

"I have been volunteering for Leicestershire Cares for several years, and was awarded Volunteer of the Year, representing the charity at the Queen’s Garden Party" she said.  For the past 2 years she has supported people suffering domestic abuse as a Befriending Volunteer with LWA. 

As a domestic abuse survivor, having escaped a 13-year abusive relationship in 2005, Emily benefitted from 2 years’ counselling with a domestic abuse charity in Montreal, where she was living at the time. 

"It is not an exaggeration to say that without their care and support I don’t think I would be here today.  I vowed back then that, once I was able to do so, I would support those who are in the situation where I once found myself" Emily shared all these and more on INNOVATIVE PEOPLE'S PODCAST.

You may have listened to interviews on Relationship, Abuse and Sexual Harassment but this particular interview top's it all, with all there is to know about the above topics.

Have a listen and please don't forget to subscribe for updates to new episodes.

Innovative People’s Podcast (YouTube Channel)

CONTACT EMILY CORRIGAN

Tel: 07584 002640
Facebook: Living Without Abuse
Instagram @lwacharity

CONTACT SKILLED HAND SOUNDS

Tel: 074 32 44 0997
WhatsApp: 074 86 87 6873
Website: www.skilledhandsorganisation.org
Instagram: @skilledhandsorg
Facebook: Skilled Hands Organisation

CYCLING HAS BROUGHT ME A HUGE SENSE OF FREEDOM

SEASON 1 EPISODE 2

HOST: LAUREN SIMPSON
GUEST: LILY BEAVEN
BEHIND THE CAMERA: MARTHA PERCIVAL

Lily is one of the Directors at Women In Tandem.
This is a women-led, Nottingham-based bike collective to support women with all their bike needs.

On Innovative People's Podcast, Lily shared that they want all women to have the opportunity to access cycling and they are committed to breaking down barriers and creating spaces for women to thrive.

She also shared that, cycling has brought her a huge sense of freedom. Listen to the full interview for the juicy bits.

Youtube channel

LILY'S CONTACT:

Email: steph@womenintandem.org.uk 
Phone: 0115 958 4662 or 07511502741.

CONNECT WITH US EVERY WEDNESDAY FOR NEW EPISODES

Connect with INNOVATIVE PEOPLE’S PODCAST at: www.skilledhandsorganisation.org

Send us a email at: skilledhandsmediateam@gmail.com

Call us on: 074 32 44 0997

BEING AN ILLUSTRATOR IS A PRIVILEGE

Season 1, Episode 1: Emily Catherine

HOST: LAUREN SIMPSON

GUEST: EMILY CATHERINE

On this episode we interviewed Emily Catherine CEO of Emily Catherine Illustration. One of Nottingham's finest illustrator. Emily specializes in hand-drawn and hand-painted illustrations and artworks, and has worked with a multitude of Hip Hop artists from both sides of the pond, including names such as Your Old Droog, D Prince, Pharoahe Monch, Micall Parknsun, and Juga-Naut to name a few. We talked at length about Emily's classic illustrated album covers, Hip Hop art workshops, her creative process, working with legends and what lead her to become the woman she is today. She stated that being an illustrator is a privilege and she loves what she does.

A SNEAK PEEK OF INNOVATIVE PEOPLE’S PODCAST

Interview with Emily Catherine on Innovative People's Podcast. Airing Soon

INTRODUCING INNOVATIVE PEOPLE’S PODCAST

What makes you feel inspired? Welcome to Skilled Hands Sound : The Innovative People Podcast, the show that aims to enlighten, in form and inspire you.

Here at the Skilled Hands Organisation we empower women through Artisan Craft Workshops. We are a community. On this podcast we shall interview some truly creative people who will share with us the unique journeys they’ve been on in order to get to where they are now. Each story is different, each with a different beginning and different end, connect with us every Wednesday to enjoy the narratives of the innovative people.