I was extremely privileged to meet and work with Kaneez during one of the most testing times our country has faced in recent years – the initial days of the Covid-19 response. As advisor to the Executive Chairman of NHS Test and Trace, set up within the Department for Health and Social Care, one of my key responsibilities was forging relationships with those furthest from power and most at risk.
I was adamant that we needed to have a broad and diverse range of voices represented at the centre, and we needed to hear from people who would teach, challenge and support us in the mission to save lives. I couldn’t have asked for a better find than the introduction from Baroness Barron, then Minister for Civil Society at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, to Kaneez.
Right from the beginning she went above and beyond. She arranged round-tables for Ministers and officials to engage with leading members of local communities, she ensured people were listened to, spoke truth to power, gave space for people to share what were often difficult and complex messages and emotions, but also ensured that our discussion was constructive. She graciously hosted, worked tirelessly on the ground with local government and communities and shared valuable insight back to those of us in government – such as about some of the misinformation and divisive rhetoric which was emerging in certain places, which we otherwise would have known very little about.
She taught us about cultural and local sensitivities but most importantly never put herself up as being the solution or the gospel – she was always putting others before herself, fostering relationships, conversations and reminding us that we are stronger when we work together. She was always available when I needed to speak, sense check, ask for advice or needed support.
Working with Kaneez made us, our communications and the delivery of testing in local communities infinitely better than it would have been had she not been involved. Any organisation which wants to understand how to engage communities – and the barriers of fear, trust, and cultural differences they face – would be just as privileged as I was to have her guiding them.
Alex Birtles, Former Advisor
NHS Test and Trace