Shabir Pandor, NExT Director

Shabir was born and bred in Yorkshire and is an accomplished public sector leader, entrepreneur, housing and NHS specialist who served as Leader of Kirklees Council and councillor for 22 years.

As leader he set a new vision and strategy to spearhead strategic development totalling over £1,000,000,000 of investment, inclusive growth, sustainability across Kirklees and led the organisation through the council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He served as Deputy Chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) and co-chaired its Civility in Public Life Committee. He served on Council of Europe, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Chaired the Business, Economy, and Innovation Committee.

Beyond his council leadership, Shabir has over 25 years’ experience in Local Government and the NHS. He was Director of his own company delivering large capital projects within the NHS.

His extensive professional background includes specialized experience within the NHS developing and delivering capital programmes, infrastructure development, estate improvements, regeneration and housing.

This technical foundation is complemented by high-level academic credentials, including Postgraduate qualifications in Management, Public Sector Modernisation, and Housing. He is a Corporate Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (MCIH).

Throughout his career, Shabir successfully bridged the gap between local government, healthcare, private sector, and voluntary and community sector championing “local wealth building” and pioneering integrated social care models to drive sustainable urban regeneration and community resilience.

Page last reviewed: January 29, 2026
Next review due: January 29, 2027