Published on: 31 October 2025
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating national recognition for two of its leaders. Chair, Selina Ullah, has once again been named by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) as one of the 50 most influential Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in health. Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Subodh Dave, has also been named a Rising Star for his work with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Doctors in Distress.
Selina Ullah, Chair since 2021 and one of the first Muslim female NHS trust chairs in the country, has been honoured for a second time for her leadership in advancing Board diversity and workforce inclusion. Under her leadership the Trust has won many awards for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion including Trust of the Year.
Her extensive career includes roles as regional lead on mental health policy for the National Institute for Mental Health. Leading a high-profile portfolio including community safety and community cohesion strategic partnerships, civil contingencies and emergency planning and commissioning third sector domestic abuse, drug and alcohol initiatives for Bradford Council, and serving as a Non-Executive Director at Locala and Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Selina is also a lay Board member at the General Pharmaceutical Council and the Vice Chair and Senior Independent Director at NHS Providers.
Selina said: “Being recognised alongside other leaders is an honour. The HSJ’s recognition of equality, diversity, and inclusion in health and social care highlights the ongoing priorities for our Trust. I plan to continue using my position to promote a culture that supports colleagues from diverse backgrounds, focusing on creating safe spaces within our workforce where everyone can bring their whole self to work and give their best to our patients.”
Dr Subodh Dave, Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist at Derbyshire Healthcare, Dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and Trustee of Doctors in Distress – which promotes the mental health of healthcare workers, has been named a Rising Star for setting standards for education and training.
He is also a professor of psychiatry at the University of Greater Manchester and Deputy Director of Undergraduate Medical Education at Derbyshire Healthcare.
Subodh said: “I am honoured to be recognised as a Rising Star by the HSJ. Supporting colleagues, especially during challenging times, and championing inclusion and compassion in healthcare remain at the heart of my work. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to make positive changes and help create a culture where every member of our workforce feels valued and supported,”
Mark Powell, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, congratulated the two on their achievement and said: “The Trust is proud to see both Selina and Subodh recognised for their dedication and leadership, which continue to inspire colleagues and improve healthcare for communities across Derbyshire and beyond.”
A full list of the top 50 most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic leaders in English health and care are listed on the HSJ website.
