Governors & Trustees

My name is Hasan Desai and I have had the privilege of being a member of the Al Islah family for a number of years. I was elected as Chair of the Governing Body in 2016, presenting me with the opportunity to project my expertise in the field of management.

Professionally, I have been working as an Operational Manager for over 20 years. This has helped me drive my Al Islah Senior Leadership Team from strength to strength, ensuring that the school gains maximum benefit.

I work closely with the head teacher to promote and maintain high standards of educational achievement and ensure that the governing body sets a clear vision with an Islamic ethos and provides strategic direction to the school. I feel very honoured and fortunate to be part of this exceptional school.

Additionally, I have also been serving on the Masjide Noorul Islam committee since 2011 and currently hold the position of Honourable General Secretary. I have close links with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and I am also involved with a charity organisation operating both locally and internationally.

I am Ismail Patel, Vice Chair of the Governing Body.

I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Internet and Information Technology from the University Centre in Blackburn. I currently work in a local primary school in which I teach, offer tutor support and provide Management and Data Analysis. Working in school settings has enabled me to acquire in-depth knowledge of the National Curriculum and invaluable experience of classroom and behaviour management. I have also been an integral part of a school management team that has undergone a number of Ofsted inspections.

Prior to working in school settings, I worked as an Operations Manager for a multinational telecommunications company wherein I managed a number of teams.
I have an Advanced Diploma in CCA Leaders of the Future and a Diploma in Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

I have been a Governor at Al Islah since 2016. This role has provided me with the opportunity to utilise my skills and experience in helping make Al Islah a better place. Alhamdulillah the school is blessed with a wonderful team that support each other in helping Al Islah flourish.

I am also the Joint Secretary of the Islamic Educational Society (Masjide Noorul Islam) and lead on a number of charity projects on a national and international scale.

My name is Alibhai Jasat and I joined Al Islah Girls High School in 2014 as a Finance Governor. A crucial part of my role is to channel investments into our school to allow students to achieve the very best outcomes. I am also responsible for the Health & Safety in our school ensuring pupils learn in a safe and secure environment. I feel honoured to be part of the Al Islah family.

Professionally, I have worked as a Production and Warehouse Manager in the hospitality industry for over 23 years. My main duties consisted of training staff and providing support to engineers nationally and internationally. I also ran a successful network business for over 13 years. I hope to use the skills and experience I have gained over the years to move our school towards a better future.

In addition, it has been a privileged and honour to serve the house of Allah. I have served on the committee of Masjide Noorul Islam since 2011 and currently hold the position of Vice President.

My name is Mohamed Saeed Sidat and I have been part of the Al Islah family in a consulting capacity since 2014. For me personally, this has been a humbling experience and a position of great responsibility, knowing that our decisions have a direct impact on an individual’s education and aspirations. I work with a fantastic, dynamic team of governors who have a clear vision that is delivered by our inspirational school staff.

By the grace of Allah, in my profession I have held a number of high profile roles. I have held the position of Contract Executive, wherein I was responsible for negotiating and delivering highly complex multi-million pound government contracts in the post 16 training/education sector. I have also occupied a management role at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in the Corporate Policy Unit, leading on Equality and Community Cohesion.

Currently, I am a Senior/Principal Manager at one of the biggest County Councils in England, wherein I manage staff and work on key strategic and operational central government policies and legislative directives across Lancashire. I also hold various senior chairing/vice chairing positions on a number of public sector and VCFS partnerships.

Alhamdullilah, I am privileged to work with many Masajids, Madrasahs, Islamic umbrella organisations, Darul Uloom boards and provide strategic direction on various projects.

I am Hafiz Yusuf Patel and I was privileged to join Al Islah Girls’ High School as a Governor in 2014. My role is to assist the Al Islah management team within the remit of IT and Marketing. I graduated with a joint BSc Honours degree in Business Management and Information Technology and I went on to work for several reputable engineering firms in an IT Management capacity. This experience coupled with the academic knowledge I gained from my degree, empowered me to establish a successful digital development agency, in which I currently hold the position of director.

My aim is to utilise the skills, knowledge and experience I have gained over the years, in supporting Al Islah Girls’ High School to become a successful school that provides a high standard of education to all of our students Inshallah.

I am Hafiz Salim Makda and I have been a member of the Al Islah family since 2009. Professionally, I have a background in Accountancy and have also worked in Customer Resolutions. My responsibilities at the school include assisting in cash flow, budgeting and finalising annual financial accounts.

Alhamdulillah, for over 12 years I was also part of Madrasah Noorul Islam, helping to run the busy office on a daily basis. I am also part of the Al Islah Senior Leadership Team aiming to enhance and improve the Islamic education of students. It is a great honour and a very rewarding experience to help and serve both institutions.