Sal Asghar is a strategic leader with a career dedicated to tackling inequality and building stronger, fairer communities. Awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of East London for his work in equality and community engagement, Sal has consistently championed approaches that place fairness, evidence, and lived experience at the heart of decision-making.
In his current role as Director of Strategy at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Sal leads a diverse portfolio including Strategy, Equality, Performance, Transformation, Communications and Events, Participation and Engagement, VCFSE partnerships, Data and Insight, and Customer Services. His work focuses on ensuring that the Council’s services deliver equity and opportunity for the most disadvantaged, while using data and predictive analytics to drive prevention and sustainable change.
A strong advocate for Community Power, Sal believes that community voice, lived experience, and co-production are essential to solving the most pressing challenges facing local government. His leadership has been instrumental in Barking and Dagenham’s pioneering approach to redefining the Council’s relationship with residents and the voluntary sector, through initiatives such as BD Giving and BD Collective.
Prior to this, Sal was Assistant Director for Strategy, Equality and Communities at the London Borough of Islington, where he led the Council’s Challenging Inequality Programme and supported the Inequality Taskforce. Alongside his local government leadership, he serves as a Trustee for Onside Future Youth Zone, continuing his commitment to empowering young people and communities.
At the core of Sal’s work is a passion for fairness and a belief that by listening, collaborating, and sharing power, we can create inclusive systems that give every individual the chance to thrive.