Shokat is currently the Chief Executive of Sandwell Council and has been with the Council for 3 years. He joined at a time it was in government intervention, and his primary responsibility was bringing Sandwell out of the government directions. Sandwell was the fastest council to come out of intervention. Shokat has 36 years’ experience of working across the public sector, in local government and health at a senior level. Shokat is currently also a Ministerial Envoy supporting Tower Hamlets Council. Shokat’s professional background is in Human Resources and Organisational Development and he is a Chartered Companion of the CIPD. Shokat also has extensive experience of working in the voluntary sector.