Black History in Westminster

Westminster Staff profiles

Richard Timmerman

Current role:

Working as a new researcher for the City Council is helping to develop my understanding of the role its Town Planners and other political figures play in accommodating the interests of various groups living and working within Westminster.

When did you first come to work in Westminster?

I joined Westminster in June 2008. I chose to pursue a career in Town Planning mainly because of the role it plays in shaping the places where we live, so that ultimately harmonious communities are created to promote higher quality living environments, and social integration.

Brief history of your working experience in Westminster:

So far my experiences have been positive. I find Westminster's staff crucially instrumental to my development of key skills associated with my personal growth, such as character building for my professional development and career enhancement.

What do you enjoy most about working in Westminster?

I enjoy working in Westminster because it presents a dramatic contrast in social demographics and has a highly cosmopolitan culture. I grew up in North London, living very close to Westminster. This enabled me to embrace the historic, diverse cultural features unique to Westminster at an important point of my life.

Outside of work my personal interests include tennis, swimming, skating, and using the gym.

Mostafa Ragab

Current role:

I had been Chair of Westminster Black and Minority Ethnic Network (WBMEN) for six years. Born 1948 in Egypt, I graduated from Cairo university with a Bachelor degree in Physical Education.

When did you first come to work in Westminster?

I started working in Westminster in 1973, when London was a Monday to Friday 9 to 5 town.  Not much you can do after that, food choice was very limited and in 1975 I started my own transport business, which has grown to be one of the biggest and best transport company in London.

Brief history of your working experience in Westminster:

The business obtained the ISO and Investor in People status and was awarded a 5 star company by the Private Hire Association. Working long hours, we were able to expand in the eighties due to the tourist industry's boom. Employing staff from different backgrounds in our company helped to provide the services to our tourist clients. Pruning the company for nearly 28 years with the kind of employees mentioned did help to understand their needs and reduce barriers for ethnic minorities.

In 1997 I founded the Egyptians' UK Association and we became members of the WBMEN until I was elected as the chair in 2002. I immediately started working with the City Council to identify the needs for the BME Communities in Westminster.  The City Council commissioned Imperial College to carry out research, and we came up with a comprehensive report for all the communities need. This report is now known as the "WEMNA", and is available on the City Council website. The report was followed by a three year action plan to deliver the needs identified.

What do you enjoy most about working in Westminster?

I very much enjoy the diversity of Westminster, and this is represented in the varieties of cultures and food which is to be found throughout the borough. The services provided by the statutory and voluntary organisations had found it easy to work with them. I like the support provided to BME communities, looking around I can say that we are well ahead of every one else. What I would like to change is the Education system and add more police force to the City. Diversity to me is a dream that proves that we can all live together and enjoy each other.

Janese Samuels

Current Role:

Family Information Service Manager. I manage a team of 5 officers providing information on services and activities for children and young people in the city and nationally. 

When did you first came to work in Westminster?

Do I have to tell you, it was soooo long ago. However I have worked as a Housing Management Officer, and a Residents' Choice Officer before joining the Early Childhood Service as an Information Officer. So I have a varied work history.

Brief history about your working experience in Westminster:

On the whole it has been a good experience. I am passionate about my work and as a perfectionist always try to give 110%. It is hard work and not for the faint hearted, if you want to succeed you have to be dedicated and clear about what you want to get out of working in a large organisation like Westminster. I have been nominated 4 times for an excellence award winning on 3 occasions. So I must be doing something right.

What you enjoy most about working in Westminster?

Initially the location was ideal for me (have since moved up north), over the years I have worked with some fantastic people and have made firm friends. Once I got used to the way things worked in Westminster it was an easy to progress. Policies and procedures are a great way to steer your way through the mine field of what, when and the wheres. Training opportunities are there for all so have a clear idea about how you want to progress at Westminster.

What would you change?

Of course it hasn't been plain sailing and there are a few things I would change but to be honest everything I have experienced has been character building so nothing is the short answer.

What does diversity mean to you?

Diversity means accepting differences in all areas of life. No exceptions.

Gloria Seruwagi