Equality advocate awarded honorary doctorate

Sal received the accolade during a ceremony at the Docklands campus, where graduates from the School of Childhood and Social Care celebrated their achievements. His story exemplifies the University’s mission to foster social mobility and leadership by driving positive change in underserved communities

The citation accompanying the doctorate highlighted his remarkable career, characterised by a dedication to tackling inequality, empowering communities, and inspiring future leaders in public service. Born and raised in Newham, East London, he grew up as the youngest of five siblings in a household shaped by economic challenges. Early experiences of structural inequality and his upbringing in a Muslim household instilled core values of charity, equality, and service - principles that have defined his career and align closely with UEL’s vision of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all.

As the first in his family to attend university, he enrolled at UEL and pursued an MBA with distinction. During his studies, he developed critical leadership and strategic thinking skills, which he has since applied to his impactful work in local government. Reflecting on his time at UEL, he credits the University with shaping his approach to public sector leadership and community engagement.

His career has been marked by initiatives aimed at creating a more equal society. In Waltham Forest, he led the Connecting Communities programme, which engaged over 500 ESOL learners, hosted 50 ‘welcome meals’ for new arrivals, and convened a citizens’ assembly on hate crime. In Islington, following the murder of George Floyd, he spearheaded the award-winning Challenging Inequality programme, engaging over 6,000 residents to build a more inclusive future for the borough. These efforts reflect UEL’s principles of social justice and active community engagement.

Currently serving as Director of Strategy at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, he is the only South Asian and Muslim director within the council and among the few in London’s local government leadership. He oversees strategies to tackle inequality, promote data-driven decision-making, and foster community engagement, exemplifying UEL’s commitment to transformative leadership and educational excellence.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, he is a trustee of the Future Youth Zone in Dagenham, an organisation providing support to young people through activities, resilience-building initiatives, and free meals. UEL’s emphasis on nurturing young people is mirrored in his advocacy for youth empowerment.

A role model and mentor to Black and Asian youth, he encourages aspiring public servants to embrace empathy, creativity, and partnership. He emphasises involving those with lived experience in decision-making and adapting to technological change. This focus on inclusivity reflects UEL’s forward-thinking approach to societal progress.

Receiving his honorary doctorate, Sal said:

To be recognised by the University of East London, an institution that played such a pivotal role in my journey, is a profound honour. My work has always been about creating opportunities and empowering communities to thrive, and I am proud that UEL shares these values.

Salauoddin Asghar’s journey exemplifies resilience, compassion, and visionary leadership. His contributions continue to inspire the next generation of public sector leaders to drive meaningful change, reflecting UEL’s unwavering commitment to social mobility and community transformation.