My passion for many years since I was a teenager is the outdoors and I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, in Cumbria – Lake District. I have been passionate about engaging Black and Minority Ethnic communities to access the countryside and outdoors and how working togethr we can make the Outdoors more inclusive.
I am an OS Get Outdoors Champion, and I serve on the National Outdoors for All Working Group, BMC Equity Steering group and am a volunteer with the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Park.
In 2019 I was awarded the Churchill Fellowship and my research was around the BAME/BIPOC engagement in the outdoors, for my research I visited North America to explore their approaches. I continue my research back in the UK and exploring a number of initiatives to engage BAME communities and how the Sector engage with Race Equality, with various partners.
With Mosaic Outdoors a number of us have been providing opportunities for BAME communities to safely access and enjoy the outdoors, whilst looking at how the sector can change to become more inclusive. We are working with partners on an autumn/winter online programme.
My current professional role is Equality, Diversity and inclusion Manager with the Fire and Rescue Service in Cumbria, previously I was managing support for witnesses attending Court in criminal trials across the three police force areas, working with the criminal justice service, to provide a smooth journey for witnesses.
I have worked at a senior strategic level in the voluntary and public sectors (inc. higher education, criminal justice, local government and the voluntary sector) advising on a range of issues related to equality, diversity and interfaith work. I have particular experience of working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in rural areas in the UK and Europe and am currently working on several projects in this area including postgraduate research.
I have been actively involved in youth work at local, national and European levels, particularly utilising the medium of outdoor education. I have developed and facilitated training and seminars at an international level.
I currently sit on a number of Executive Boards concerned with young people, rural development; Black and Minority Ethnic and Muslim communities.
My interests lie particularly in the development of social media and digital advancements in community interaction. I have led on the development and use of social media in supporting community development and changing the way in which communications take place within different community and social settings.
I have founded a number of Rural Community based organisations supporting Minority communities and campaigning for Race Equality.
I am an Independent Advisor on race and religious issues, with the Police service in Cumbria, and have volunteered at international sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy and Gymnastics World Championships in a variety of roles.
Mohammed Dhalech
