Who we are

Who we are
Our place-based approach to equalities is led by a group of equality, intercultural, inclusion and integration experts including those with a background in HR, employment and skills and/or strategic responsibility in reducing inequalities.
Our role is to support and coordinate collective action for the (Health and) Wellbeing Board, which is made of senior leaders across public and the voluntary community social enterprise sector and are responsible for reducing inequalities, in improving our approach to equalities, equalities, maximising opportunities, learning and expertise across our place, so that we;
- Have a shared approach, understanding and language
- Do it once
- Test and learn from new ways of working
- Share what we do well
- Scale up what already works in one organisation elsewhere.
We aim to provide support to strategic partnerships, boards and leaders as well as hold to account, challenge, disrupt and agitate activities, programmes and decisions, providing alternative perspectives and views through an equality lens.
Our Commitment
We have a shared commitment across all public sector bodies, but we have a wider ambition to engage all employers across Bradford district and Craven to build momentum in the right direction. This ambition is articulated by our agreed equality priorities and supported by our peer review and exchange model. Our five priorities are;
1
Our people will reflect the population we serve and will be visible at all levels across our systems, boards, partnerships, and organisations.
2
We are committed and active in investing in our people and developing opportunities to enrich our local economy where people can achieve their full potential.
3
We will identify ways to increase participation and redistribute power across our Place and into the hands of communities focusing on equity.
4
We have an inclusive and compassionate culture which recognises and embraces difference at all levels, which is evidenced by high levels of trust and connections.
5
We will eliminate the conditions in which bullying, discrimination, harassment and physical violence occur starting with being anti-racist and prioritising safety of women and girls.
Our Membership
- Udy Archibong, Pro-Vice Chancellor for EDI and Chair, University of Bradford
- Sam Keighley, CEO, VCS Alliance, Vice-Chair, System lead for inequalities
- Zahra Niazi, Strategic Lead for EDI
- Mark Nicholson, CEO of Equality Together
- Lisa Wright, Head of Equalities, BDCFT
- Khalida Ashrafi, Equalities Lead, BMDC
- Kez Hayat, Head of Equalities, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Anne Lloyd, HR Director, BMDC
- Marianne Cuthbertson, Head of EDI, Incommunities
- Humma Nizami, Executive Director for Race Equality Network
- Charles Dacres, Director for Bradford Hate Crime Allianc
- Mahmood Mohammed, Stronger Communities, BMDC
- Alina Khan, Vice Principal of EDI, Bradford College
- Gill Cockburn, Head of EDI, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Ben Metcalf, Strategic Lead for Partnerships, West Yorkshire Police.
