Embracing Diversity and Heritage: A Leader's Perspective

As Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust celebrates its diverse workforce, Trust Chair Selina Ullah shares her unique perspective as a British South Asian woman, reflecting on how her heritage has shaped her career and commitment to equity. Growing up in a deprived but culturally rich area of Manchester, Ullah was exposed to different cultures from a young age, shaping her understanding of community and belonging. Her parents, who immigrated to the UK from Bangladesh, instilled in her values of kindness, honesty, and helping others, which became the foundation of her leadership style.

Key Takeaways:

• Ullah's South Asian identity became a shield and a source of pride, allowing her to protect herself and later embracing it to find a sense of community and confidence.
• Her early experiences with racism and exclusion have shaped her commitment to equity and creating systems that are fair, inclusive, and compassionate.
• Ullah believes leadership is about giving voice to the voiceless and creating systems that prioritize diversity and inclusion.
• She emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, particularly for younger generations.
• Ullah's leadership is rooted in her empathy, insight, and lived experiences, which inform her decision-making and commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Statistics:

• Ullah grew up in an area with a high concentration of Asian families, with only a few Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, and African Caribbean families.
• She spent one year conducting health needs research with Bangladeshi women, which laid the foundation for her career in the NHS.
• As Trust Chair, Ullah leads the Board alongside a team of Non-Executive Directors, working closely with the Chief Executive and Executive team to ensure good governance and strategic delivery.

Sources:

• No specific sources are mentioned in the provided text.