Mrs. Sandra Samuels OBE RGN: A Trailblazer in Community Leadership
Celebrating the Enduring Legacy of Wolverhampton’s First Mayor of African Caribbean Heritage
Introduction
Mrs. Sandra Samuels OBE RGN stands as a beacon of resilience, leadership, and community dedication. Her journey from a young girl in Jamaica to becoming the City of Wolverhampton’s 163rd Mayor and First Citizen in 2022 is a story of perseverance, trailblazing achievement, and tireless service to others. Sandra’s remarkable career has touched countless lives and continues to inspire both present and future generations.
Ground-breaking Mayoral Service
Sandra Samuels made local history as the City of Wolverhampton’s first Mayor of African Caribbean heritage, and only the eleventh woman to hold the post in almost two centuries. Her mayoral year was distinguished by her passion for youth engagement, most notably her collaboration with over 50 of Wolverhampton’s schools and their pupils—whom she regards as the future custodians of the city. She has always placed the community’s well-being and inclusivity at the heart of her work.
Distinguished Career in Politics and Health
With over 25 years dedicated to national, regional, and local politics, Sandra has shaped policies and delivered transformative change. For thirteen years, she served on the Central Government’s National Policy Forum (NPF), contributing to the creation of three winning General Election Manifestos between 2000 and 2013. Her influence extended further as Wellbeing Ambassador for both the West Midlands and the West Country on the Local Government Association (LGA).
Leadership in Local Government
A former NHS Manager and Company Director, Sandra has been the Council’s longest-serving elected female member and a key figure in the Council’s Cabinet. She spent eight years on the Executive, managing portfolios in Public Health and Wellbeing, Adult Social Care, and Corporate Governance. Her commitment often saw her working up to 17 hours a day, while also fulfilling her clinical duties as Operating Theatre Manager in Neurosurgery at QE West Birmingham Hospital.
Her achievements include successfully leading the transfer of Public Health responsibilities from the Primary Care Trust to local government, overseeing the TUPE transfer of staff and more than 50 NHS contracts. She established the city’s first Health and Wellbeing Partnership, interviewed and appointed Wolverhampton’s inaugural Director of Public Health, and steered the Council through major legislative changes in 2013.
Stewardship in Social Care and Governance
As Cabinet lead for Adult Social Care, Sandra managed over 30% of the council’s annual budget, achieving £2.5 million in efficiency savings without resorting to the use of essential Council reserves. In Corporate Governance, she championed flexible working policies that supported new parents, those undergoing the adoption process, and foster carers, further cementing her legacy as an advocate for progressive and compassionate workplace practices.
Recognised by Royalty and Regeneration Work
Sandra’s exceptional service was recognised in 2015, when she was honoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II with an OBE for her contributions to politics and local government—a moment she described as both shocking and humbling.
She has also played a pivotal role in urban regeneration, chairing the ‘New Deal for Communities’ (NDC), a ten-year, £53.5 million project revitalising All Saints and Blakenhall in Wolverhampton.
Clinical Excellence and Entrepreneurship
Sandra’s professional credentials are formidable: she is a qualified Enrolled Nurse, Registered General Nurse (RGN), theatre-trained, and has expertise in ENT and Ophthalmic nursing, as well as holding a teaching certificate in nursing. Beyond healthcare, she is a successful businesswoman and co-founder of Wolverhampton’s Heritage Centre Ltd, an African-Caribbean resource centre and model social enterprise established in 2012—a venture she proudly serves as one of three Company Directors.
Personal Journey and Continuing Legacy
Born in Jamaica, Sandra moved to England at the age of ten to join her parents. She could not have foreseen the remarkable path her life would take, nor the breadth of her impact. Today, she continues to inspire, travelling nationwide as a public speaker and sharing her story of achievement, resilience, and hope.
Conclusion
Mrs. Sandra Samuels OBE RGN’s legacy is one of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the people of Wolverhampton. Through her leadership, advocacy, and compassion, she has helped shape a more inclusive and resilient community—one in which future generations can continue to thrive.
Sandra Samuels OBE: Championing Health and Wellbeing in Wolverhampton
Mrs. Sandra Samuels OBE RGN, a stalwart in our community, has and continuously made a difference in many positives ways.Sandra a former NHS Manager and Company Director, became [...]
