Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Naghat Ahmed

Summary

Scottish Asian Business Awards (2023) winner

Strategic leader with significant experience in driving organizational growth and innovation. Adept at developing and implementing high-impact strategies that align with business goals and adapt to changing market conditions. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, with expertise in strategic planning, Passionate about driving organizational success and fostering culture of transparency and accountability. Experienced with developing and maintaining relationships with government officials and agencies to advance organizational goals. Utilizes strategic communication and policy analysis to effectively influence legislative outcomes. Track record of successful stakeholder engagement and navigating regulatory landscapes. History of building strong relationships with government officials and advocating for beneficial policy changes. Known for collaborative team efforts and driving results in dynamic environments. Skilled in public affairs and regulatory compliance.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Non-Executive Director

Social Security Scotland
09.2021 - Current
  • Provide strategic advice, scrutiny and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive and the Executive Team to ensure Social Security Scotland delivers on its purpose and principles underpinning the delivery of social security benefits in Scotland
  • Providing independent advice and act as a strategic partner on risk and governance on how the risk profiles are being managed against agreed tolerances.
  • Optimized organizational efficiency by advising on best practices related to corporate structure changes or reorganizations.
  • Promoted a culture of transparency, fostering open communication between management and stakeholders.
  • Increased board effectiveness by driving strategic initiatives and providing valuable insights from industry experience.
  • Participated in audit committee processes to ensure financial integrity throughout all levels of the organization.
  • Ensured compliance with corporate governance policies, regulations, and ethical standards across all levels of the organization.

Board member

Care Inspectorate
06.2018 - Current
  • Set the strategic direction of the Care Inspectorate, taking into account legislation and policy guidance set by the Scottish Government whilst bringing a passionate interest in social care and providing public protection and help drive improvement for care services.
  • Apply the key principles of corporate governance including Code of Conduct at all times ensuring governance is adhered to ensure social care remains a priority.
  • Whistleblowing Champion for Care Inspectorate to investigate complaints reported within legal guidelines
  • Steered the organization toward long-term sustainability by maintaining a clear vision for future growth opportunities..
  • Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decision making to improve care outcomes for people across Scotland
  • Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational missions

Committee Member

Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS)
04.2018 - Current
  • To give Scottish Ministers advice on aspects of policy, legislation and practice affecting the travel needs of disabled people.
  • To take account of the broad views and lived experiences of disabled people when giving advice as my lived experience as a Carer of disabled adults which affects their mobility, choices and opportunities.
  • To work closely with Scottish Government and ensure our work programme complements the work being undertaken in all areas of public transport provision.
  • Facilitated open communication among committee members, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.
  • Collaborated with fellow members to achieve consensus on key policy decisions, ensuring alignment with MACS goals and objectives
  • Advocated for MACS interests through active participation in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars related to pertinent policy topics.

Policy/Project and Performance Manager

Glasgow City Council
01.2013 - Current
  • Policy/Project and Performance manager for Glasgow City Council delivering transformational change of the corporate functions whilst delivering effective public services.
  • Delivered savings within timescales and implemented business processes for Digital/Data and HR function and gained extensive technical knowledge and practical experience within the project
  • Development and execution of operational practices to effectively manage internal audit functions.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of employee performance, identifying strengths and areas for growth.
  • Developed comprehensive performance management strategy, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity across departments.
  • Presented regular progress updates to senior leadership, facilitating informed decision-making regarding resource allocation and strategic direction setting.
  • Managed policy projects from inception to completion, meeting deadlines and achieving objectives
  • Monitored legislative developments, ensuring timely adaptation of policies in response to changes.
  • Enhanced policy development by conducting thorough research and analysis on relevant issue
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.

Committee Member

Law Society of Scotland
10.2012 - 09.2021
  • Set strategy and policy for the operation of the Client Protection Fund within a legal framework
  • Oversight of all aspects of the financial management and governance of the Fund
  • Made decisions on required actions where non-compliance is identified including money laundering regulations.
  • Successfully interviewed solicitors to protect the profession, public and the Client Protection Fund and managed risk to the solicitor profession and the public.
  • Assisted with development of organizational budgets and resource allocation plans
  • Reviewed financial reports, budgets, and audit results to monitor the Law Society of Scotland 's fiscal health.
  • Collaborated with fellow members to achieve consensus on key policy decisions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Policy and Strategy Manager

Glasgow Works
06.2008 - 01.2013
  • Worked in partnership with key public, private and voluntary sector organizations to achieve the Scottish Government's policy aim to reduce the ethnic minority employability gap.
  • Successfully in partnership with Scottish Government developed “Working with Ethnic Minority Clients: A Toolkit for Employability Projects and Partnerships
  • Managed and built strategic partnerships with external vendors, ensuring successful project delivery within time and budget constraints.
  • Led cross-functional teams to successfully execute high-impact projects, improving performance.
  • Presented regular progress updates to senior leadership, facilitating informed decision-making regarding resource allocation and strategic direction setting.

Equality and Diversity Officer

NHS24
12.2007 - 06.2008
  • Supported the work of the NHS 24 Committees in ensuring effective strategic governance and performance management of all NHS24 equality and diversity actions and ensured NHS24 complied with all the legal requirements by pro-actively setting up a policy group and disseminating information as required.
  • Facilitated cross-functional teams in driving diversity-related projects that addressed specific business needs or challenges.
  • Conducted regular audits of NHS 24 demographics to monitor progress towards diversity goals and identified areas for improvement.
  • Enhanced workplace culture by addressing employee concerns, resolving conflicts, and promoting open communication.
  • Developed internal communications materials designed to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion within NHS 24

Legal/Policy Officer

Commission for Racial Equality (CRE)
08.2006 - 09.2007
  • Successfully established effective working relationships with key partners and developed and executed a range of strategic projects designed to comply with legislation in Employment, Health and Education.
  • Delivered informative presentations on relevant topics increasing awareness among team members regarding pertinent issues facing the organization.
  • Assessed potential risks associated with policy proposals, offering alternative solutions when needed.
  • Monitored and evaluated policy effectiveness, recommending necessary adjustments for optimal results.
  • Improved interdepartmental collaboration by facilitating cross-functional working groups focused on shared policy goals.
  • Conducted comprehensive research to support legal proceedings, formulate defenses and initiate legal action.

Development Officer

Ethnic Minorities Law Centre
06.2005 - 06.2006
  • Successfully hosted development days and conferences to raise awareness and improve links to implement partnership working between Black Minority and Ethnic (BME) Organization's and mainstream money/legal advice organizations.
  • Developed successful fundraising campaigns for various organizational projects, resulting in increased financial support.
  • Led training sessions on development strategies for board members and other key stakeholders involved in fundraising efforts.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Streamlined internal processes for improved efficiency in prospect research, donor management, and event planning.

Customer Care Senior Officer

Lloyds TSB Bank
02.2002 - 06.2005
  • My roles within Lloyds TSB included successfully delivering a high level of customer service by reviewing and fully investigating all complaints within the Financial Ombudsman guidelines.
  • Established strong relationships with key clients to maintain customer loyalty and drive repeat business opportunities.
  • Coached junior team members, fostering professional growth and improving overall team performance.
  • Resolved customer complaints while prioritizing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Took ownership of customer issues and followed problems through to resolution.
  • Managed a team of customer service representatives, fostering a positive work environment focused on teamwork and collaboration.
  • Reduced customer complaints, proactively addressing issues and implementing effective solutions.
  • Trained and regularly mentored associates on performance-oriented strategies and customer service techniques.

Education

LLB (Hons) - Law and Accountancy

University of Dundee
01.2003

High School -

The High School of Dundee
01.1998

Skills

  • Organizational growth
  • Operational efficiency
  • Strategic leadership
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Global perspective
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Customer focus
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Political strategy
  • Public policy development
  • Legal analysis
  • Project management

Certification

CIPFA- Corporate Governance in Public Sector

Timeline

Non-Executive Director

Social Security Scotland
09.2021 - Current

Board member

Care Inspectorate
06.2018 - Current

Committee Member

Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS)
04.2018 - Current

Policy/Project and Performance Manager

Glasgow City Council
01.2013 - Current

Committee Member

Law Society of Scotland
10.2012 - 09.2021

Policy and Strategy Manager

Glasgow Works
06.2008 - 01.2013

Equality and Diversity Officer

NHS24
12.2007 - 06.2008

Legal/Policy Officer

Commission for Racial Equality (CRE)
08.2006 - 09.2007

Development Officer

Ethnic Minorities Law Centre
06.2005 - 06.2006

Customer Care Senior Officer

Lloyds TSB Bank
02.2002 - 06.2005

LLB (Hons) - Law and Accountancy

University of Dundee

High School -

The High School of Dundee

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Naghat Ahmed