
Imam Abdul Hafeez Siddique is a visionary leader and the founder of The Flowhesion Foundation, The Flowhesion Centre for BAMER Research, and The Flowhesion Academies Trust. With a rich academic and practical background, he is an experienced, qualified Muslim Chaplain who began his journey at a traditional Islamic seminary at the age of eleven, becoming one of the youngest Imams in Britain upon graduation at seventeen. Beyond his religious duties, he continues to serve as a Muslim Chaplain in the prison service, contributing to a broader faith-based team that supports individuals in the criminal justice system.
With a deep commitment to understanding community dynamics, Imam Abdul pursued a degree in sociology, community cohesion, and social capital, followed by an MPhil in community cohesion in 2008. His groundbreaking research, supervised by Professor Carole Truman and Dr. Margaret Boneham at the University of Bolton, focused on the South-Asian community in Bolton, analysing how they interpret community cohesion. His work, which involved engaging directly with marginalised members of these communities, provided valuable insights into the challenges they face and their aspirations for a more cohesive society. This pioneering research culminated in a thesis titled ‘A Critical Analysis of Cantle’s (2001) Community Cohesion Model and Its Applicability to Marginalised Elements of Bolton’s South-Asian Muslim Community,’ earning him his MPhil in 2011.
Imam Abdul brings over 15 years of experience working with communities experiencing racial inequalities (CERI) across Northern England. He has been a significant contributor to policy discussions, workshops, panels, and academic forums, with a focus on community identity, integration, intersectionality, and cohesion. His extensive work at both the strategic and grassroots levels has informed his expertise in addressing the issues that affect marginalised communities, strengthening his reputation as a thought leader in community cohesion.
In 2014, Imam Abdul completed an MA in social work at The University of Manchester, further solidifying his belief in the importance of a holistic, values-based education. Motivated by the need to transform community relations, he founded The Flowhesion Academies Trust in 2019. His vision is to create an educational environment that nurtures both personal and academic growth, fostering greater integration and understanding between diverse groups.
Imam Abdul is also dedicated to addressing health inequalities. As a non-executive director at Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, he serves as the Trust’s Wellbeing Guardian and chairs the People Committee. His leadership in the healthcare sector reflects his ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life and wellbeing for underserved communities, making a significant impact in both the social and health spheres. Through his various roles, Imam Abdul continues to promote values of community cohesion, education, and health, ensuring that marginalised voices are heard and supported.