Community Advisory Board
Islam has a degree in business and communication form the University of Southampton, and an MA in management of contemporary global issues from the University of Winchester. He started his career at HSBC Bank, prior to joining local government, and currently works for a local authority in Hampshire as an Inclusion and Diversity Lead. This role involves supporting and working with a diverse range of residents and forums such as Multicultural, Disability, Over 55s, Interfaith, LGBTQ, and Humanist. He also works closely with the local Access Group to respond to accessible requirements and I am the lead for the local Hate Crime Woking group.
Working with local partner agencies, Islam helps to raise awareness and celebrate diversity within his local community. His approach focuses on building capacity and enabling individuals and groups to find their own solutions, as well as being willing and able to act as a voice for their own communities. He supports groups to act as advocates for those whose voices often go unheard.
Islam is a volunteer governor for Sixth Form College in Hampshire since 2016, a member of the Centre of Religions for Reconciliation and Peace in Winchester, and a guest speaker for local educational institutions with topics related to his area of work, contemporary issues related to his faith, and country of origin Palestine. He was also selected to be a member of the revalidation committee for postgraduate courses and member of the re-validation committee for Prevent and Radicalisation working committee for Hampshire County Council.
Islam is studying part-time to be a coach and mentor at the Institute of Leadership Management in partnership with the NHS.
As part of the Community Advisory Board, he brings 15 years’ experience, knowledge, understanding and strategic thinking, working with diverse communities to empower people to lead and nurture resilient communities.