Greater equality as a region. This was one of the Mayor of West Yorkshire's key pledges when taking on a first term in May 2021.
Since March 2023, the creation of a new Mayor’s Inclusivity Champion role was the first major step towards achieving this goal. Read on to read more about the role itself and the work of Fatima Khan-Shah, the first Inclusivity Champion for West Yorkshire.
The Inclusivity Champion role was created in 2023. The role supports with guiding the future policy direction of the Combined Authority and on behalf of the Mayor, works to deliver on greater equality for West Yorkshire.
This role aims for a region where women can reach their career potential and find job opportunities in inclusive workplaces. It serves as a strong starting point for success.
Appointed by the Mayor on 23 March 2023, Fatima Khan-Shah serves as our Inclusivity Champion. She is a spokesperson and a driver of change in our region.
The Inclusivity Champion works with regional leaders and local communities. Khan-Shah offers expert advice on inclusion and helps tackle regional issues in social, economic, and health areas.
Fatima Khan-Shah previously held the role of Associate Director at the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership. She strongly supports Public and Carer Involvement, Compassionate Leadership, and Diversity and Inclusion. Fatima is often featured on podcasts and blogs speaking on topics related to diversity, inclusion and authentic leadership.
We want to make West Yorkshire the best place in the country for women to thrive, whether that is to found a business, get a promotion, or start a family. We are close to having 1,000 Women of West Yorkshire members and we need your help. We want to see our network reach this major milestone before our next event, as we continue to build our momentum.
Fatima Khan-Shah
Mayors' Inclusivity Champion
In West Yorkshire, our biggest strength is our diversity, and we are determined to make sure our region works for all. I’m thrilled that Fatima will become our first Inclusivity Champion. Her knowledge, understanding and compassion will be invaluable as we continue to tackle inequality in all its forms.
Tracy Brabin
Mayor of West Yorkshire
I’m delighted that Fatima has been appointed to this role. She brings a wealth of experience and is passionate about public involvement, compassionate leadership and diversity and inclusion, all of which will be crucial. We know that people’s lived experiences, ideas, diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger organisation that delivers better outcomes for communities of West Yorkshire. This is fundamental to both the Combined Authority and our Health and Care Partnership, as we seek to create a region where people prosper and thrive.
Cathy Elliott
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board Chair
