Two leaders at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust have been listed as two of just 50 Kindness and Leadership “Leading Lights” in the UK.
The Kindness and Leadership, 50 Leading Lights campaign seeks to shine a spotlight on leaders who are impacting others through kindness. Leaders are awarded based on a number of principles, including empathy, generosity and empowerment. The campaign provides an opportunity for leaders to share advice and expertise, and recognises the contribution of kind leaders to business, the economy and society.
Haseeb Ahmad, head of equality, diversity and inclusion, and Sarah Ward, service group manager, were nominated by their colleagues for their compassionate leadership both within their teams but also across the whole organisation and wider NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Haseeb’s nomination from his team member, Robin Cafferata, equality, diversity and inclusion coordinator, reads:
“As head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Haseeb balances conversations around race, disability, and gender, while ensuring the Trust is taking action to support all members of staff. He is especially interested in talent management and supporting those members of staff who can sometimes be overlooked. He has won awards for a reverse mentoring programme, champions inclusive recruitment, and always listens to feedback from staff networks. Haseeb is a former Great Britain paratriathlete and became the world’s fastest blind Ironman in 2016.
“Haseeb has created a very supportive atmosphere. He is the type of manager that makes you take time off when you need it if you’re too scared to ask for it because he wants to make sure his team is doing the best it can. This leads to everyone feeling understood and valued, whether that’s following a new baby or dealing with a death in the family. Haseeb leads by doing, he ensures that those in his team with disabilities are supported and uses his own experiences of being blind to empathise with others, while not assuming others’ experiences.”
Haseeb shared: “I feel very humbled to be included on the list. I was surprised to be nominated; however, it’s made me understand how important it is to continue to be kind and compassionate to everyone I come in to contact with. It should be within our leadership DNA – to care for staff and patients, to make a difference, to improve the lives of others.”
Sarah’s nomination from her colleague, Lisa Murray, family services manager, reads:
“Sarah first joined the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust as a public health nurse and has since held a number of managerial roles across the organisation. She has made a difference in multiple services, such as leading the School Aged Immunisation Service and heavily supporting the vaccination programme during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as becoming a change leader. Sarah currently looks after the Healthy Together service across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, where she also inspires other managers to make a difference.
“Sarah is a shining example of what it means to be kind. She makes time to listen to staff, addressing concerns with empathy and always being considerate of individuals’ needs. She regularly visits teams to distribute ‘Valued Star’ awards, helping to show appreciation and celebrate the achievements of others. Sarah is not afraid to make difficult decisions and does a great job of balancing the needs of the service as well as of the individuals who work within it. She is always flexible to ensure equity for all.”
Sarah said that “being nominated for kindness in leadership genuinely makes me feel proud and grateful. It’s a reminder that looking out for people and leading with care really matters.”
This year’s 50 leading lights have been chosen from across a number of sectors, including healthcare, business, education, engineering, finance, media and public service.
More information about the Kindness and Leadership Leading Lights is available here: www.kindnessrules.co.uk