OUR PEOPLE
One Voice Blackburn was launched in 2011, converted to a community interest company in 2015, and became a charity in 2021. The charity has five trustees and an experienced leadership team who are passionate about Blackburn with Darwen.
Abrar Hussain
Chairman
Raised, educated and having worked in Blackburn for most of his adult life, Abrar is a “Blackburnian” in the truest sense. He was a founding member of One Voice Blackburn and held positions as Treasurer, Vice Chairman before taking over as Chairman in 2015.
Abrar is a qualified Chartered Accountant and is employed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Star Academies, one of the country’s largest and highest performing Multi Academy Trusts. With over 25+ year’s experience including 10+ years at a senior level in local government, schools and MATs Abrar has a wealth of experience in leading finance teams to provide financial management services for the education sector.
As well as his involvement with One Voice Blackburn, Abrar is Board Director for Finance at Pleasington Golf Club, one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Lancashire.
Ehsan Raja
Trustee & Vice Chair
Ehsan Raja has been actively involved in community work for the last 30 years. As well as being a trustee for One Voice Blackburn Ehsan he is also a governor at two schools and a local councillor, representing the Audley ward.
Ehsan believes in making a tangible difference to the lives of people within the Blackburn with Darwen community through volunteering, and supporting those that are at most need. His committed work in the care sector for the last decade is proof of his desire to help others and hs volunteer commitments range from religious institutes to environmental agencies.
Ehsan’s role includes overseeing the safeguarding and child protection for the charity.
Nisbah Hussain
Trustee
A qualified solicitor and wealth management advisor Nisbah can be found seeking to inspire young people and provide access and opportunities to as many as possible.
Nisbah Hussain is the leader of the 1V Scouts in Blackburn and is also the North West Regional Commissioner for the scouting community.
Having lived in Blackburn her whole life she realised that young people were missing out on many opportunities. This was very apparent when she moved back to her home town. She is the founder and the group leader of the 1V Scouts. Her passion and dedication is reflected in her work as the scouting movement in Blackburn is one of the strongest in the region.
Ased Mahmood
Trustee
Ased Mahmood has an outstanding record in the pharmaceutical industry that stretches over four decades. Currently an account manager for one of the world’s leading companies in the sector Ased is passionate about health and the impact of health inequalities, particularly in marginalised communities. His work is concentrated in the North of England but has allowed him to visit all parts of the world.
He brings a wealth of experience to his trustee role which includes working with medical professionals across the UK.
Ased lives in Blackburn with his family, and is a keen classic car enthusiast and reader of classical history. He has been a trustee of One Voice Blackburn since 2015 and supports male empowerment and health inequalities provision for the charity.
Humma Ahmed
Trustee
Humma has over 25 years’ of leadership experience of working in mainstream education and special schools across a number of authorities such as Ealing, Rochdale and Blackburn with Darwen in a variety of roles such as SENCO, Team Leaders for EAL, Deputy Headteacher and has also been a Governor of a Pupil Referral Unit. As a Head of a multicultural school, she has a real passion for equality for all of her school community.
Humma believes that it is important for the children to experience and access opportunities which enable them to become successful, independent and confident children that embrace all that the world has to offer.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, walking, going to the gym, gardening and reading when possible.
Zaffer Khan
Chief Executive
Zaffer Khan started his career in journalism, moving into public relation and advertising, before settling in the charity sector while continuing his communications work. He brings with him years of experience and the ability to make life-changing impact for children, young people and their families in marginalised communities.
In his early career Zaffer launched some of the biggest regional brands while working for some of the largest advertising agencies in the country. In more recent years his influence as Chief executive of One Voice Blackburn can be measured by the growth of the charity in the community it serves. Above all else, Zaffer is massive advocate of his home-town, where he still lives.
Zaffer has been the chief executive of the organisation since 2015 and leads the operational team.