Testimonials
Waheed Saleem – Non-executive Director of various national organisations “…Zaffar was appointed by Sir Albert Bore as chairman of Birmingham City Council’s Social Cohesion and Community Safety Scrutiny Committee, a role he has tackled with enthusiasm. He launched the ‘My Brum’ inquiry to find out the core values that bring the people of Birmingham together, and the inquiry on welfare reform, an opportunity to trash the Government, as well as taking up the opportunity to raise his profile internationally through the cause of Mala Yousafzai.” Lincoln Moses MBE – General Manager, Continental Star FC:“Cllr Waseem Zaffar- User’s his time and energy to give advice and the much needed guidance to curb the social challenges that Lozells & East Handsworth Ward presently faces. With awareness comes education and understanding, and the power to help young people who are caught in the crossfire of life.” December 13, 2011
Waqar Ahmed, Policy Advisor – PREVENT, Birmingham City Council: “Waseem is a credit to the communities that he represents as Councillor for Lozell’s and East Handsworth. He is an inspirational leader with integrity and great enthusiasm. Waseem is driven and motivated by the plight of those he represents and I have never seen him tire or avoid the difficult issues.” December 9, 2011 Aftab Rahman, Director, Legacy WM “Waseem is the new generation of young councillors. He is hard working, and determined to do the right thing. He has shown the ability to take on institutions and rightly challenging them, where others will not dare to speak. He has also demonstrated his commitment to the community and the his ambition to develop new leaders under his stewardship. His use of social media, is inspirational and shown the way to communicate with masses. I am certain that he will do very well for himself and the people that he serves.”December 1, 2011 Romi Kanungo, Local Resident “Waseem is very professional and an excellent coordinator. He is extremely intelligent and grasps the situation very well. The best thing I can say about him is that he is a solution finder and a very good one at that.” November 28, 2011 Javed Khan, Chief Executive, Victim Support UK “Waseem is a highly talented and committed community representative. His passion for championing the rights of the deprived and dispossed in his local ward is second to none. He uses his excellent communication skills alongside a well groomed political antennae to great effect. He is a pleasure to work with.” November 27, 2011 John Duffy, Operations Manager, Leon Security Services Ltd “Waseem is a dedicated community campaigner who works hard for the rights of all the individuals, families and businesses that he serves with distinction as a Councillor.” November 27, 2011 Chief Inspector Adrian Atherley, Head of Diversity and Community Cohesion at West Midlands Police ‘…I have said before, thanks for your support. For me the most important thing is that communities and police work together. That what happened to reduce the impact these demonstrations had in Birmingham and then to come out the other side with greater understanding and confidence in the strength of the communities of our great city. You’re quite right things did not go well but of course we can all learn and improve and I am determined that my team and I will continue to improve but we can only do this with critical support of people like you who take the time to work for our Birmingham communities.’
Pete Barrow, Former Head of Licensing, Birmingham City Council
‘During often sensitive discussions, …Waseem proved to be an effective and competent negotiator. I, personally, have found Waseem to be polite and courteous at all times. Waseem is an articulate speaker and has a tactful and respectful disposition. I feel that…enables Waseem to conclude issues with reasoned and reasonable compromise.’
Police Sergeant Mustafa Mohammed – Diversity & Community Unite, Lloyd House & Chairman, West Midlands Police Muslim Association
‘I would like to acknowledge your contribution towards the below mentioned and your willingness to assist the West Midlands Police in delivering into the Trust & Confidence agenda: ‘Murder of the Taxi Driver – You were instrumental in bringing together the taxi community to work with the WMP after this community had lost all confidence with the service. …Your commitment was admirable and your obvious care for community cohesion was clearly evident. The recent protest marches in Bham city centre by the English Defence league…your assistance in disseminating key assurance message…was much appreciated. Your involvement in the process of community tensions/cohesion at this critical time was very noticeable which is indicative of the passion you have to help communities and make Birmingham a better place to live and visit…We have enjoyed your working relationship and have appreciated valuable feedback as a representative of the community.’
Chief Inspector Adrian Atherley, Former Head of Diversity and Community Cohesion at West Midlands Police
‘Waseem, congratulations on this award; personally I have been impressed with your energy and selfless hard work for the people of Birmingham.’
Saidul Haque Saeed, Chairman, Lozells Neighbourhood Forum & Organiser, Citizens UK BIrmingham
‘His dedication to involvement and empowerment of local people is always a key starting point of any contribution from him. Nevertheless, he is a ‘man of action’ and does not shy away from leading on tasks himself. A very good motivator and strategic thinker, Waseem is not your ordinary active citizen, but an accomplished young Community Leader having led on various city wide campaigns and drivers for change.’
Chief Inspector Corfield – West Midlands Police
‘I am formally writing to say an enormous thank you on behalf of Thornhill Road Police Station for your tireless community work in the Lozells area of Birmingham. People such as you, who have grown up in Lozells are the future. You have the knowledge, understanding and networks to make sure that change happens and that our local communities become the drivers for that change. I have witnessed first hand your passion and commitment, you put yourself out on behalf of residents and really drive forward community action.’
