Sayma is a system collaborator and an organisational development practitioner, with a lengthy clinical background including over 23 years’ experience working for the NHS. She has an outstanding track record of leading large scale system transformation programmes, building system leadership capability, and actively championing the inclusion agenda. Her contributions have led to winning a national HSJ award.

Sayma started her career in the NHS as a paediatric nurse initially progressing into senior roles in clinical and operational fields. She then moved into system leadership and transformation roles across local and regional systems. Sayma is currently working for the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board as the Associate Director for Children, Young People and Families.

Sayma is the Deputy Chair of the Strategic West Yorkshire Race Equality Network and an Appointed Governor for Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Sayma led the West Yorkshire ‘Connected on Inclusion’ event in 2021 attracting a national audience of up to 1300 professionals from the health and care sector.

She is known to continuously advocate for better patient outcomes, amplify the staff and patient voice, and improve equity in access to development opportunities. Sayma enjoys inspiring and influencing teams to achieve outstanding results by working together, and continually supports individuals through coaching and mentoring.