Khadija Sulaiman’s journey began with a profound sense of purpose and a desire to serve her community. Recognising the need to combat cultural difficulties within the Black and Asian community, she ensured their voices were heard through workshops and promoting awareness through other partner agencies in the local faith establishments. She then pursued her chaplaincy journey working with the NHS and HMPPS.

With 14 years of experience working as a Chaplain in the public sector, she also developed training programmes that promote cultural competence, religious literacy and Theology to other professionals.

Khadija has spent a lot of time facilitating interfaith work. She recognises the importance of diversity and chaplains play an integral part promoting inclusion. Khadija then went on and became the Lead Chaplain for West Midlands Police. As the country’s first Muslim to lead a chaplaincy team for a Police Force, she is determined to ensure that pastoral, spiritual and religious support is offered to all her officers, staff and communities.

The need for spiritual guidance amongst the colleagues of West Midlands Police is imperative; Khadija and her team of 95 chaplains are determined to foster understanding, empathy and to build trust while promoting religious harmony and cultural sensitivity within West Midlands Police.