Bushra Ahmed
Strategic Advisor
UNESCO NGO Liaison Committee | Board Advisor – Alliance for Gender Equality in Europe & BeVisioneers Mercedes Benz | Trustee Lloyds Bank Foundation | “Global 100 Most Influential Muslims” Winner 2026
I help organisations create the conditions for better conversations, better participation and better decisions - bringing lived experience, diverse perspectives and an understanding of power into the room
Current Roles
Strategic Advisor to ASCLOU
(UNESCO NGO Liaison Committee)
Board Advisor to the Alliance
for Gender Equality in Europe
Catalyst Council Member for BeVisioneers (Mercedes-Benz)
Chair of People & Culture at Lloyds Bank Foundation.
Trustee of 50:50 Parliament
Strategic Advisor to Rocket Science Ltd.
Recognised with Freedom of the City of London
Global 100 Most Influential Muslims Winner 2026
Finalist in the National Diversity Awards as a Positive Role Model for Gender
Named among EqualityX’s Top 50 Influential Muslims in Europe (2023 & 2024)
Finalist in the 2026 Inspiring Women Awards
Cofounder of Humanitree, a DEI technology solution launched through the H&M Foundation’s Knit Project, helping organisations embed equity into leadership, culture and decision-making.
Open to work
I welcome Board Advisory and Non-Executive Director opportunities
Organisations I’ve worked with
Lloyds Bank Foundation
•
Home-Start UK
•
50:50 Parliament
•
H&M Foundation
•
UNESCO
•
Sheila McKechnie Foundation
•
The DO
•
JRCT
•
Local Trust
•
West Croydon Voice
•
Lloyds Bank Foundation • Home-Start UK • 50:50 Parliament • H&M Foundation • UNESCO • Sheila McKechnie Foundation • The DO • JRCT • Local Trust • West Croydon Voice •
Better decisions.
Stronger institutions.
Greater public impact.
About me
I’m a strategic advisor, board advisor and consultant working across governance, civil society, community engagement and organisational culture.
My career has spanned business, charity and public life - giving me a unique perspective on both sides of the decision-making table.
After running my family’s dry-cleaning business in Croydon for around 20 years, I experienced its destruction during the 2011 London riots.
I founded West Croydon Voice and campaigned
for compensation for affected businesses and residents.
KEY EXPERIENCE
BOARD AND TRUSTEE ROLES
Charities, foundations and public-interest organisations.
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
West Croydon Voice and local campaigns for change.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
20 years running a family business in Croydon.
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
H&M Foundation, The DO and UNESCO-related work.
Comfortable enough
spaces for uncomfortable conversations.
MY SIGNATURE PHILOSOPHY
The most useful perspective in a room isn’t
always the most comfortable one.
I help you create the conditions for honest, challenging conversations, where different perspectives can lead to better decisions.
How can I help you?
Practical support for organisations, leaders
and teams across the public, private and civil sectors.
SERVICES
-
See what’s really happening beneath the surface.
Power mapping · Decision-making dynamics · Organisational culture -
Move from consultation to real influence.
Participation design · Community engagement · Stakeholder involvement
-
Make space for challenge, not just agreement.
Facilitation · Constructive challenge · Building trust -
From understanding to lasting change.
Strategic thinking · Policy and practice · Implementation support
Trusted by leaders,
organisations and communities.
TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials
“Her leadership has been transformational. Bushra’s ability to listen, connect and inspire has had a lasting impact.”
— Toni Letts“Her strategic judgement and ability to build consensus are invaluable.”
— Public-sector colleague
“Bushra stands out for her curiosity, adaptability, and ability to turn challenges into opportunities.”
— Jodit Tesfai · H&M Foundation
“Bushra’s ability to bring people together and turn complex issues into practical solutions is exceptional. A true leader … with a special ability to inspire, challenge and advise in her gentle but steely way.”
— John Savage“A powerful voice for equity, inclusion and innovation. She doesn’t just talk about change — she makes it happen.”
— Professional recommendation
From community voice to advisory practice.
Timeline of the journey.
West Croydon Voice
Community advocacy following the riots.
Community Safety
Stop & search · youth violence · community response.
Big Local / Local Trust
Community decision-making and local development.
Power Project / SMK
Two-year Power Project · core member.
JRCT / Power Sharing
Exploring different approaches to power and participation.
Governance
Boards · trusteeships · civic leadership.
Independent Advisory & Consulting
Strategic advisory across governance, participation and organisational culture.