Farheen said of her appointment, “I am deeply honoured and privileged to have been appointed as the first Orthoptist to hold the Deputy Chair role within the Chief AHP Officer Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Strategic Advisory Group (CAHPO BAME SAG).

This opportunity has been made possible through the allyship and confidence of the North West Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Advisory Group (NW ED SAG), whose support has empowered me to champion underrepresented voices. I am proud to follow in the footsteps of inspiring leaders such as Noma and Malany, whose dedication has laid the foundations for meaningful change.

With over 20 years’ experience as an orthoptist, including my work with the Greater Manchester Stroke and Neuro Network, I have developed my leadership and strengthened my voice. As a Muslim woman of Pakistani heritage, I bring a perspective shaped by intersectionality, empathy, and lived experience—qualities that fuel my commitment to ensuring equity, belonging, and accountability across the AHP workforce.

I look forward to working alongside Chris, Suzanne, the national AHP team, and colleagues across the NHS regional BAME networks to advance the anti-racism objectives set out in AHPs Deliver. Together, through collaboration and collective action, we will continue to drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive, equitable, and safer future for NHS staff and patients.”