Leadership & Trustees

Meet Our Trustees

Dr Hany ElBanna (MBBCh, MD, OBE, DUniv) – Chairman

Born in Egypt, Dr Hany El-Banna completed his MBBCH Medicine at Al Azhar University, Cairo and a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in foetal pathology from the University of Birmingham Medical School in 1991.

Dr Hany El-Banna is the founder of Islamic Relief, the largest Western-based Muslim international relief and development NGO. Dr. El-Banna visited communities in over 80 countries and 370 cities in pursuit of relieving people from suffering, encouraging better understanding and aiding bridge-building work.

Dr El-Banna has been recognised by several awards and bodies for his contribution to humanitarian work, most notably an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2004 for his services to the community. Other awards include: 

  • Ubuntu Award for Social Responsibility from the Republic of South Africa (2020)
  • GPU Lifetime Achievement Award 2010, Contribution to Muslim Heritage (2010)
  • Honorary Degree from the University of Birmingham, Doctor Honoris Causa (2007)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, Muslim Power 100 Award (2007)
  • Asian Jewel Awards (2006)
  • Hamilton Bailey Prize, Dudley Road (City) Hospital Birmingham (1981)

Adam Leach MBA, MA (Cambridge)


Director and Trustee for The Humanitarian Forum for 11 years with oOver 35 years’ experience in humanitarian assistance and sustainable development, principally in Africa and Asia, at field operational and strategic levels. Formerly Oxfam Regional Director for Middle East, Russia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe; CEO for a cross-sector corporate platform and youth action NGO; panticipated in numerous conferences on humanitarian issues worldwide. Now trustee/director with independent foundation and private commercial organisations and international consultant for aid evaluations. Enjoys a range of personal interests in cultural, sport, social and artistic pursuits.

Saleh Saeed OBE


Saleh has headed up the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) since 2012, which brings together 15 leading UK aid agencies in times of major humanitarian crises overseas.

During Saleh’s tenure, the DEC has launched 11 national emergency appeals raising over £523m for crises that included Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and most recently,  Covid-19 in the world’s most fragile places.

Before joining the DEC Saleh held a number of senior positions in the NGO sector and led on local public sector partnerships in the UK, including an innovative programme to promote access to new learning and social activities through the use of digital technologies.

In 2013, Saleh was awarded an OBE for services to humanitarian work and in 2019, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University.

In his hometown of West Bromwich, Saleh co-founded  The Yemeni Community Association,  which has been recognised with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services for its work in supporting women, children and refugees of all ages and backgrounds.

Saleh is Vice-Chair of the Emergencies Appeals Alliance – a unique global partnership that unites national joint appeal organisations like the DEC in a common purpose to increase funds raised from the global public for disasters overseas, and to raising standards in aid delivery.

Shahin Ashraf

Habibunnisha Patel