Spotlight On Director Ashok Khandelwal
With more than forty years in the UK health and care system, in this interview we find out more about how his commitment to community voice and fairness has shaped both his professional life and his voluntary work.
- Tell us about your career in the healthcare sector
“I have been privileged to work in the UK health and care system for over forty years. I trained as an Occupational Therapist and joined the NHS in 1976, spending my career working across health, social care and probation services until my retirement in 2015.
What has always motivated me is improving people’s quality of life, particularly those who are most vulnerable. During my NHS career, I was fortunate to become one of the very few professionals from an allied health background to hold the role of Clinical Director. I was deeply involved in transforming traditional services, including converting old people’s hospitals into community rehabilitation units, helping care move closer to people’s homes. As Director of the Lancashire Probation, I got opportunity to influence importance of rehabilitation in the criminal justice system.
Alongside my professional roles, I have always believed strongly in community‑led and voluntary sector involvement. I spent much of my own time working with voluntary organizations, faith groups and hard‑to‑reach communities to address health inequalities and promote integrated health and social care. I was also selected to be part of the local Fairness Commission as one of the members in Blackpool, Lancashire. This commitment has continued well beyond my formal NHS career.”
- What was it that brought you to Bedford?
“After retirement, I wanted to settle around my children, hence moved to Bedford in 2018 after many years working in the Northwest, including Blackpool. Bedford also appealed to me because of its strong sense of community and its diversity. I saw it as a place where my experience in community engagement, health inequalities and system leadership could still be useful.
I had old contacts in Bedford, the headquarters for BAPIO (British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin), who offered me a position as Hon. Director of Operations, and I also got the opportunity to join Healthwatch Bedford Borough (HBB) as one of the Directors – a voluntary position - which I joined.
Even after retirement, I wanted to remain active and continue contributing to improving local health and wellbeing. Bedford provided the opportunity to do that through voluntary and strategic roles, particularly through HBB and other local partnerships.”
- What was it that encouraged you to become a member of the HBB board?
“Healthwatch’s values resonated very strongly with me. Throughout my career, I have believed that services work best when they are shaped by the voices of the people who use them.
Joining the HBB board gave me the opportunity to support independent, patient‑centred advocacy and to ensure that local people’s experiences genuinely influence decision‑making. I was already familiar with the importance of listening to organisations through my work on Fairness Commissions, health and wellbeing forums and voluntary sector leadership, so HBB felt like a natural fit.
I joined HBB before the pandemic, during the time of the previous provider CIC, and have stayed because the organisation has consistently upheld its core purpose, amplifying public voice, challenging constructively, and working collaboratively with partners.”
- How do you feel that by volunteering for HBB you can help make a difference to healthcare in Bedford?
“Volunteering with HBB allows me to use my experience to bridge the gap between communities and systems. Having worked at both frontline and senior management levels, I understand how decisions are made, but also how easily lived experience can be overlooked.
Through HBB, I can help ensure that people’s stories, particularly from marginalised and seldom‑heard communities, are taken seriously and translated into service improvements. I also value representing HBB on local health and wellbeing committees and strategic groups, where I can help influence policy and practice using real community insight.
Ultimately, I see HBB as a vital connector, helping services listen better and helping communities feel heard.”
- You are our longest‑serving board member. Why have you stayed with HBB for so long?
“I have stayed with Healthwatch Bedford Borough because the organisation’s values closely align with my own. From the beginning, HBB has demonstrated integrity, independence and a genuine commitment to community voice.
Being involved since around 2018, before the pandemic and through a period of enormous challenge for health and care, has reinforced my belief in the importance of role of Healthwatch. During times of crisis, listening becomes even more critical, and I am proud of how HBB has continued to advocate for residents throughout.
Staying on the Board has never felt like an obligation; it has felt like a meaningful partnership. As long as I feel I can add value and support the organisation’s mission, I am happy to continue serving.”
- And finally, tell us a bit about yourself. What do you enjoy away from work?
“Away from formal roles, I am deeply interested in community life, wellbeing and lifelong learning. I enjoy engaging with voluntary and charitable work, particularly where it supports inclusion and community cohesion.
In 2019 I helped to build BAPIO Training Academy (BTA), of which I am Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance. This is one of the Indo‑UK’s largest training organisations which trains and promotes professional development of Doctors and Health Care Professionals. It is well recognised and thus also has a General Medical Council sponsorship status.
I also value time with family and friends and enjoy staying mentally and socially active. I have lots of family holidays. I also organise and attend community events such as health and wellbeing fairs, which is something I find rewarding, as it brings people together in positive and practical ways.
At heart, I remain passionate about people, communities and fairness, and that continues to shape both my professional and personal life.”
