I originally joined to become a volunteer in helping to setup the group after Sheikh Suliman Ghani shared the vision by inviting the MSF to Purley Masjid at the end of 2018. As things progressed there was an opportunity to take on more responsibility to help in the creation of the group which I was delighted and honoured to take.

Being Lead Volunteer (Group Scout Leader/Lead Volunteer) is a privilege and I see this role as being a facilitator bringing together the leaders supporting the Trustees. The most enjoyable part of this is serving the community and bringing exciting activities to the Young People in order to give them a chance to grow new skills in a fun, safe and secure environment. The other aspect that keeps me in Scouting is developing new Leaders from within the community – Alhamdulillah.

I have an amazing wife Sadef who is my Deputy and supports me above and beyond imagination in everything to allow me to be the best version of myself. We have four beautiful children who have all been part of Scouting at various points. My day job is very rewarding, working on one of the largest Technology and Transformation Programmes that The Metropolitan Police have ever embarked up with the mission to ‘make London safer’ for everybody. My passion aside from all of the above is coaching and helping people become stronger, fitter healthier versions of themselves physically, emotionally and psychologically. Fitness is key to me performing in peak and I do this with a mix of running, cycling, swimming and HiiT; although not all on the same day.

1.I became a Beaver Scouts leader after occasionally helping out during Beaver sessions when my eldest was there. Initially, my goal was to support his confidence in participating in more challenging activities and exploring new horizons. This journey led me to discover a love for helping and developing children and the community, all for the sake of Allah.

2.What I enjoy most about being a leader is the love and connection it fosters with each individual young person and the adults involved. I find great satisfaction in witnessing their growth, acquisition of new skills, and the enjoyment they experience. Additionally, I cherish the opportunity to learn from them and contribute to building a close-knit scouting family.

3.Outside of scouting, my life is busy with my two boys and husband. I have a background as an ex-police staff member and enjoyed working within the police industry for 10 years with both Gloucestershire Constabulary and British Transport Police. I have a passion for various cultures, sports, fashion/interior design, and traveling.

I became a leader as I enjoyed the Scouting experience as an Occasional Helper so wanted to be part of the movement.

I started as a section helper when my daughters joined but then I decided to engage more with the Scouts to have a more quality time spent with my daughters and to help the wider community in such an important programme (#SkillsforLife).

I enjoy being away from the daily routine in another world of challenge and fun as well as the continuous development benefit of growing and learning new things and skills.

By profession, I am a Doctor, specialising in pediatrics, which is the medicine for children.

I’m also a proud Mother of 4 children. In my pastime, I love reading, drawing, cooking and watching cookery programmes.

1.Why did you join the Trustee team?
A few things compelled me to step forward to join the Trustee team and apply for the Chair role. I have been a scout leader for 3 years and immensely enjoyed the opportunities to learn new skills, participate in new types of activities and events with my daughter and her friends. I am glad to have been able to support scouts with additional life skills, exposure and experiences that are unique and accessible through scouts. Being the largest group in the district, we are also at a pivot table tip to improve scouting for all. Our vision is to continue to support our youth /next generation and be the best they can be. I am keen to continue this journey to assist the 30th Purley scouts to my best abilities, plus provide better support to leaders so that they have everything to continue to do their amazing work.

2.What do you enjoy most about your role?
Being able to use my skills and experience to support our next generation. I am also grateful for the privilege I am awarded to be in the company of our scouts who are enthusiastic to learn life skills and grow to be a better person and be useful to their family and community.

3.Your life outside Scouting (e.g. work / family / hobbies etc.)
I work in the reinsurance industry and am married with two children, one of whom is the first recipient of the Chief Gold Scouts Award at 30th Purley.
I engage in other volunteer roles which are supplementary to my full time job in the city. I am the Secretary of the PFA at my daughter’s school. I am a Councillor at the City Of London Corporation since 2022 & hold board position roles in various committees which have an impact on community charity funds and children’s services.

1.I was a member of a Scouts group as a child, and still have great memories of my time in the early 1980s. I have been able to continue with some of the skills I learnt as a child, and apply them to the present day. When Shaykh Suliman Gani, the Imam of Purley Masjid shared his vision to set up a Scouts group at the end of 2018, I jumped at the chance to volunteer. I wanted to use my organisational skills to assist with the Scouts group, and to give time back to the community which helped and developed me in my youth
2.I like to see young people gaining the skills that will equip them for the rest of their lives – in a safe, Islamic environment. I enjoy putting my Project Management skills to use – organising events and meetings, and generally assisting and using my experience where needed. I also serve as a Trustee on Croydon Scouts District Executive team
3.I am a Project Manager in the Market Research sector. I actively volunteer at Purley Masjid. I have two adult daughters

I have always been passionate about giving back to my community by helping, volunteering and sharing ideas since I was young.

It was our Masjid Imam’s vision I hooked on to and with the help of my other friends that we build this platform for the younger generation where they can enjoy, learn and build on to some lifetime skills.
I took on a Group Treasurer and Facilities Management roles whereby I can utilise my past experience and knowledge.
The platform required a lot of behind the scenes support in order to run smoothly and keep the Scouts group running.

It gives me great satisfaction that I am contributing to my community, especially providing life time opportunities to our younger generation.

I have recently retired after 30 years working in Information Technology as a Senior Infrastructure Consultant.
I enjoy playing and watching cricket and walk regularly to keep myself fit.
I have two boys who are married and a girl who is currently studying medicine. I am also a proud grandfather of two young boys who are now Beavers.
I am also a volunteer at our local Purley Mosque where I manage weekly Jumma’h Prayer.