Key figures come together to discuss diversity

Monday, 5 June 2017 00:00

from left Mabs Hussain, PC Amjad Ditta, Nosheen Qamer, Nabila Ayub, Major Lisa M Marr, Lieut. Colonel Paul Davies & Naz Shah

Key figures from the police, armed forces, politics and education joined a discussion about diversity in public services that was held at Bradford College.

Chief Superintendent of West Yorkshire, Mabs Hussain, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Davies of the British Army and Naz Shah, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Bradford West, were among the panel that spoke to students who are considering a career in the uniformed services.

Topics discussed included the need for public services to have the trust and confidence of all communities and to reflect the communities they serve.

Lenka Kaur, Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator at Bradford College, said: "The event was to inspire and motivate our public services students and above all to empower them to make the right choices when it comes to career prospects.

"We had fantastic panel members that came to speak to our students and to answer their questions on the day.

"The event was very positive and highly inspirational and both the panel and students found it extremely useful. It was an amazing opportunity for our students to listen to and engage with such positive role models.”

The college, which runs BTEC and degree-level courses in public services, hosted the panel discussion at its Advanced Technology Centre on Randall Well Street on Friday May 19.

Also on the panel was PC Amjad Ditta, a specialist firearms officer with West Yorkshire who is also the force's Positive Action Co-ordinator with a brief to encourage under-represented groups to apply to join the service.

Representing the college were principal David Harwood and Nosheen Qamer who, as well as running the popular Police Camps during school holidays, also works as a special constable.

Major Lisa M Marr from the British Army also spoke, along with Nabila Ayub from Mosaic, a mentoring charity founded by HRH The Prince of Wales, which helps young people from deprived communities to realise their talents and potential.

More from Local and National News

City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.
Leeds City Council to launch review on taxi vehicle condition standards

Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee is to embark on a review of vehicle condition standards for hackney and private hire vehicles, following updates to national guidance.
Man Named After Fatal Road Traffic Collision, Leeds Road, Bradford

Police have named the man who died after a road traffic collision on Leeds Road in Bradford last week.
Over £4,000 raised for Mental Health Charity in Bradford

Visitors to the stunning Van Gogh Alive UK exhibition in Bradford donated more than £4,000 to Mind in Bradford.
Bradford Clean Air Zone and the results of traffic flow monitoring

The Bradford Clean Air Zone has been live since September 2022 and is operating to improve air quality in the district by deterring the most polluting vehicles from entering the zone.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm