Naheed is a professionally qualified and nationally recognized expert in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). With extensive experience across various sectors, including public, voluntary, and higher education, she has successfully led numerous EDI transformation programs and projects.
Currently, Naheed serves as the Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she is spearheading initiatives to foster a culture of inclusivity throughout the institution. In 2023, she was honored as one of the Top 50 Influential Muslim Leaders in Europe by Equality X.
Known for her proactive leadership, Naheed excels in challenging established practices and promoting service redesign and reconfiguration in accordance with national policies and guidelines. She is also a qualified coach and mentor, providing executive-level coaching across both public and private sectors.
Naheed's leadership journey was prominently featured in the ‘Still I Rise’ campaign, exhibited at the Lowry in Salford.
Career History:
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Presently, guest speaker, EDI Consultant & Coach
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Feb 2024 to present Advisory Council Member Equality Leaders
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May 2022 to present Director Equity, diversity & Inclusion Manchester Met University
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June 2020 to April 2022 Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) Head of EDI NHS Northwest Region
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June 2019 to present Associate Director Inclusion & Engagement - Northern Care Alliance NHS Group (Salford Royal)
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Nov 2017 – June 2019 Head of Equality and Staff Engagement -Pennine Acute Hospital Trust NHS
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July 2012 – Nov 2017 Head of Equality & Human Rights – Pennine acute Hospital Trust
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May 2005 – Nov 2012 Equality and Diversity Lead – NHS Bury (Commissioning Group)
Achievements:
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Inclusive Companies Award 2019 – Highly Commended as Head of Inclusion Award
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Finalist HSJ Awards Race equality Award 2020
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Developed Inclusion Centre of Excellence consultancy model generating income (300k+)
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National Diversity Award 2015 – Positive Role Model
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National Workforce Race Equality Expert
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Inclusion roadmap – successfully developed and embedded the Inclusion roadmap across the Northern Care Alliance
Qualifications
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Fellowship EDI Institute Equity and Social Justice (2024)
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WRES Expert Programme (2019)
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Ready Now – NHS Leadership Academy (2019)
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ILM5 Executive Leadership Coaching & Mentoring (2014 British School of Coaching)
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ILM 6 Equality and Diversity in Workplace
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Masters Equality and Diversity in the workplace (2008-2010 University of Central Lancashire)
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BA(Hons) Social Sciences – major Sociology and Social policy (1995-1998 Manchester Met University)