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 twenty 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. Driven by a deep commitment to the growth and future success of young people, he founded The Flowhesion Academies Trust in 2019. Believing that early intervention with positive role models and strong mentoring can significantly shape the life outcomes of our youth, his vision is to establish a network of hubs across the north of England dedicated to supporting young people’s development beyond the classroom. These hubs offer diverse enrichment, mentoring, and real-world opportunities aimed at helping young people thrive. Central to the Trust’s mission is the belief that progress for young people also means fostering greater integration, mutual understanding, and shared belonging among diverse communities.
Imam Abdul is a passionate advocate for tackling health inequalities and improving outcomes for underserved communities. He serves as a Non-Executive Director at Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, where he is also the Trust’s Wellbeing Guardian and Chair of the People Committee. In this role, he is instrumental in guiding the Trust through its merger with Warrington and Halton Hospitals to form the North Cheshire and Mersey Healthcare Partnership.
Imam Abdul’s leadership is rooted in a strong commitment to social justice, health equity, and community wellbeing. His work bridges both health and social care sectors, where he champions inclusive policies, promotes education, and amplifies marginalised voices. Through every role he undertakes, he continues to foster community cohesion and drive positive change for those most in need.