New director of strategy

Salma Yasmeen is South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s new director of strategy.

She is a mental health nurse by background, with a strong track record in transformation and innovation. Most recently Salma spent over five years at King Fahad Medical City in Saudi Arabia, where she was director of nursing services and transformation.

In the UK, Salma was a deputy director at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and was responsible for the mental and physical health care of older people across four London boroughs. Salma is an experienced programme manager, having previously worked at both Tower Hamlets PCT and Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT.

As a former chief executive of Bradford-based third sector organisation Sharing Voices, Salma implemented innovative ways of engaging black and minority ethnic communities in local mental health services. She successfully worked in partnership with a range of organisations to take the charity from strength to strength during her three-year leadership.

Rob Webster, chief executive, said: “Salma will play a vital role in setting the strategic direction of the organisation and changing the way we deliver care.”

Salma said: “I’m delighted to take on this opportunity to work in a fantastic, values-based organisation. Living in Huddersfield, I’m keen to be part of this organisation that truly serves local people and helps them to live well in their community. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues and local partners to continue to make a real difference across Barnsley, Wakefield, Calderdale, Kirklees, and beyond.”