Representing our people, respecting our roots and reinforcing race equality    

Neela Syeda, Chair of the Race Equality Network (REN) at Practice Plus Group, shared her story and her vision for the network group on this South Asian Heritage Month.

See current vacancies
HIHGOYwinner badge

Neela Syeda is the Chair of the Race Equality Network (REN) at Practice Plus Group. She works as a Business Development Writer within the Health in Justice team. 

Neela shared her story and her vision for the network group on this South Asian Heritage Month. 

She says –  

“As Chair of the Race Equality Network (REN), South Asian Heritage Month holds deep personal meaning for me. Being British-Bangladeshi, I understand how important it is for South Asian voices, stories, and contributions to be recognised and celebrated. Representation matters, not just for visibility, but for validation. 

This month is a powerful opportunity to acknowledge our history, honour our cultural roots, and highlight the diversity that exists within the South Asian identity. It’s also a time to reflect on the barriers that remain and to recommit to breaking them down. For me, it’s about showing up, creating space, and ensuring South Asian colleagues feel proud of who they are and where they come from. Our presence and our impact deserve to be seen.” 

My heritage and identity 

“I’m British-Bangladeshi, but my roots reach beyond borders. My grandparents migrated from Bangladesh to the UK in the late 1960s, carrying with them the strength, values, and traditions that shaped our family. My grandfather often told stories of our ancestral ties. These stories became a core part of my upbringing and identity. 

That deep connection to heritage sparked a lifelong passion for history, migration, and belonging. I went on to study law, specialising in human rights, with a particular focus on immigration and asylum. For me, movement is part of what makes us human. Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and at home. That belief is at the heart of my commitment to racial equity and inclusion. I don’t believe there’s any space where someone doesn’t belong.” 

My painting of my grandad in Bangladesh, who I often reflect on in this piece.

Why I chair the Race Equality Network at Practice Plus Group 

“I chose to chair the Race Equality Network (REN) to champion ethnically diverse colleagues, me included, in reaching leadership roles and accessing environments where we genuinely belong, without having to work twice as hard to be seen, heard, and valued. 

The Race Equality Network exists to ensure ethnically diverse colleagues feel seen, included, and empowered to thrive. Our vision is to break down the barriers that limit progression, remove glass ceilings, and open real pathways into senior leadership. Equity isn’t just an aspirational goal. It’s a fundamental way of working, collaborating, and growing together.” 

Building a culture of belonging 

“Race Equality Network (REN) offers colleagues a platform to voice their experiences, share ideas, and help shape the changes they want to see. I don’t want there to be a hierarchy in the network. Everyone has a voice, and everyone plays a part in creating impact. 

As Chair, my role is to facilitate that space and ensure it remains open, safe, and empowering. REN is about collective ownership and making sure no one has to wait for permission to lead change.” 

Why inclusion matters to patient care 

“Our patients are incredibly diverse, and we have a responsibility to reflect and understand that in the care we provide. When we build inclusive teams where colleagues feel respected and open to each other’s perspectives, it strengthens how we serve our communities. 

Inclusion isn’t just an internal value. It directly impacts patient experience. The more we understand each other, the better positioned we are to meet the needs of those we care for.” 

How allies and leaders can make a difference 

“True allyship means being willing to challenge comfort, including your own. Support starts with listening, but it doesn’t end there. It’s about asking yourself: Where am I holding the power? Whose voices are missing from this table, and what am I doing to change that? 

Sometimes it means stepping back so others can step forward. Other times, it’s about using your influence to open a door, name a bias, or disrupt a pattern, even when it’s inconvenient. 

The best allies act with humility and intention. They understand that inclusion is not a one-time initiative but a daily responsibility to create space, share power, and move equity forward.” 

Looking ahead 

“I hope for a future where inclusion is embedded into our culture, not treated as an add-on. Where ethnically diverse colleagues don’t have to shrink themselves to be accepted or work twice as hard to progress. I want to see leadership that reflects the richness of our workforce, and a culture that doesn’t just invite difference but values it deeply. 

My vision is for an organisation where everyone feels they can grow without limits and contribute without compromise. REN will continue to push for that future, ensuring we move beyond good intentions and into lasting change.” 

Explore careers

Life at Practice Plus Group

Read more stories