Our Chair, Daniel Singleton
Daniel Singleton has been the National Executive Director of FaithAction since 2007, building strong ties with national government, local authorities, and grassroots organisations. He regularly advises on the role of faith in public services, community engagement, and partnerships between government and local groups.
As a member of the UK Government’s Places of Worship Taskforce, Daniel helped shape the national response to Covid-19, particularly supporting underrepresented faith communities.
Through his team at FaithAction, he plays a key role with the DHSC and NHS England, helping to inform and scrutinise policy and system development — expertise that greatly benefits our Local Healthwatch board. Daniel is passionate about raising standards and ensuring that everyone can access and benefit from health and social care services.
Our Board
Val Shaw
Val Shaw is a lifelong resident of Barking and Dagenham. Following a varied career, including work as a legal secretary, she chose to give back to her community through volunteering after being made redundant. Val actively volunteers at several local organisations, including the Broadway Theatre, Barking Community Hospital, and with the local council.
Passionate about improving health and social care services, she serves as both an Enter and View Representative and the Healthwatch Champion for Longbridge Ward, alongside her role on the board.
Zahra Ibrahim
Zahra leads the B&D Somali Women's Association, which aims to become a vital resource centre and community hub for women in Barking & Dagenham and neighbouring boroughs.
The organisation is dedicated to empowering individuals to make informed choices, maintain good health, and reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. Sharing this vision, Zahra is deeply passionate about her work with Healthwatch and is committed to making a positive difference in the community.
Dr David Sollis
Dr David Sollis brings over 20 years of experience in the charitable sector, with a focus on disability, health and social care, sport, and services for children and young people.
He currently serves as the CEO of the Youth Enquiry Service, chairs ATF, and holds board positions with Active Essex, Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham, and St John's Church in Colchester.
Rachel Allen
Rachel Allen moved to Barking and Dagenham from Maryland, USA, in late 2019. As an expectant mother unfamiliar with the NHS and local support systems, and facing the risk of social isolation just before the pandemic, she is deeply grateful for the warm welcome and support she received from her local church, which helped her navigate these challenges.
During the pandemic, Rachel began volunteering with LifeLine Community Projects, supporting initiatives that foster belonging and connection. She volunteers at a local playgroup, befriended a terminally ill resident through BD CAN Connect, and participates in a women’s enrichment group. Professionally, Rachel works as a Bursary Programme Officer at the City of London School for Girls and is currently finalising a collaborative research project between FaithAction and King’s College London, exploring belonging, faith, and identity in the post-pandemic context.
Elspeth Paisley
Elspeth is the Health Lead at Community Resources, a Barking & Dagenham-based charity that cultivates creative solutions to local challenges. She is passionate about building thriving communities where individuals feel empowered, recognising that personal agency is essential to health and wellbeing. Elspeth is developing an integrated approach to healthcare that connects clinical, mental, social, and community support, placing greater control in the hands of individuals.
She is part of the leadership group of the emerging borough partnership within the ICS system and represents the BD Collective on the Health & Wellbeing Board. With over 20 years of experience in the voluntary sector, Elspeth is also married with two adult children.
Petrena Notice
Petrena began her volunteering journey in Barking in 2019 through her local church, City of Faith Ministry, where she found many opportunities to support the local community. Passionate about improving health and social care services, she is committed to making a meaningful impact in these areas.
Alongside her community work, Petrena is a legal scholar and researcher specialising in sustainable development and bauxite mining. She is also the founder of the Global Women's Network Vision Ascend, an organisation dedicated to advancing women's development and fostering global connections.
Mizan Rahman
Mizan is the Chief Executive of Ekota Academy, an award-winning community organisation that received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024. The organisation focuses on empowering and supporting local communities in Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge.
With a strong commitment to community engagement, Mizan has played a pivotal role in the development of numerous successful initiatives. With over two decades of experience in the voluntary sector, he has built strong relationships with a diverse range of national and local organisations. Mizan is also dedicated to providing support at a global level for those developing grassroots projects.
His career spans various fields, including aviation as a pilot and executive, IT and website development, consultancy, education and training, and running businesses, including a local media organisation. Mizan is a local resident and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for engaging, supporting and developing communities.
Past Board papers
We make the papers for our public Board meetings available online. We also publish a summary of what was discussed. Check out our past meetings to read more.