7 Nov 2025 Getting to Know...

Trustee Spotlight: Mohammed Zabed

It's Trustees Week, and we're celebrating the amazing commitment of our Board members like Mohammed Zabed, who brings a truly unique blend of skills and heart to The Kirkwood!

The Kirkwood's Board of Trustees is made of members from varied background, each bringing with them their own unique skills and insights. One of our newest Trustees’ is Mohammed Zabed, who joined our board last year. Born and raised in Dewsbury, Mohammed is a dedicated Yorkshireman who brings a unique blend of strategic business insight, a profound understanding of end of life care, and commitment to community service. His vision is not only to safeguard The Kirkwood's future but to ensure its compassionate services reach every individual in the communities who needs us.

An ambassador for care and strategic vision, Mohammed’s career and knowledge spans over 30 years in strategic management, commercial operations, and complex organisational transformation. Equipped to handle the charity’s governance and long-term planning.  Mohammed’s academic foundation, which includes a master’s degree in Digital Strategy from Middlesex University, has strengthened his approach to building resilient, future ready organisations.

Mohammed sees his Trustee role as more than just managing finances. It's about being an ambassador, representing The Kirkwood, and raising awareness of our mission across Kirklees.

“The role of a Trustee is really making sure the Hospice is delivering the best service they potentially can do and aiding the Executive Team in their roles to help the charity move forward. We're more or less the external ambassadors for the Hospice,” Mohammed states.

Mohammed’s role as Trustee is rooted in his direct, real-world insight as a founder and leader in the bereavement and funeral services sector. Having guided countless families through loss, he has a deep, sensitive understanding of people facing their most difficult times. That powerful experience ensures that cultural, faith-based, and practical considerations are always at the heart of the Board’s decisions on patient and family care.

 

The Power of Ongoing Charity

Mohammed feels a powerful connection to this work and his role as Trustee, rooted in the values of his Islamic faith. He is guided by the principle of Sadaqah Jariyah, the concept of ongoing charity. Simply put, this belief means that the good someone does in this world should continue to help others long after they have gone.

This ethical foundation aligns perfectly with The Kirkwood’s holistic mission. Mohammed explains: "As a Muslim, I believe strongly in the principle of Sadaqah Jariyah. The emphasis on dignity in the final stages of life mirrors the Islamic principle of honouring every soul until the very end. That respect for humanity really spoke to me.”

This sense of purpose is why Mohammed is driven to bridge a critical awareness gap in local communities. He knows that for many families, especially within the local Muslim population, the term 'Hospice' is often misunderstood or feared. Too often, people mistake it for just a care home, hospital or think it's only a place associated with dying.

Mohammed is on a mission of his own to help us break down the barriers surrounding hospice care. Mohammed recognizes that, for many, the very word 'Hospice' does not exist or carries negative cultural connotations, leading families to struggle alone.

To counteract these barriers, he champions a strategic shift in how The Kirkwood communicates, advocating for clear, powerful, and accessible outreach that shows the true breadth of palliative care.

“The messaging must clearly articulate that The Kirkwood is about living as fully and comfortably as possible and providing specialised support outside the In-Patient Unit, the care in the community that often goes unseen.”

 

Looking to the future

Mohammed is focused on the strategic resilience and expansion of care. He candidly acknowledges the immense pressure faced by hospices here in the UK, which rely heavily on donations while confronting rising costs and a lack of central government funding.

His strategic goal is to help The Kirkwood in building a robust network of community services, ensuring that even as external funding challenges mount, The Kirkwood can continue to adapt and provide exceptional, specialist care.

“I feel honoured to be part of The Kirkwood. I am looking forward to using my business experience to further the aims of this truly inspirational organisation as it works with the local community to offer a diverse range of services for people living with life limiting illnesses.”

Mohammed Zabed’s ability, combined with his personal commitment to dignity and social justice, makes him a great asset to The Kirkwood’s Board, strengthening our strategic direction and furthering our mission to serve the entire Kirklees community with compassion, dignity, and excellence.