Salam Katbi
Independent member since October 2018
Salam has led the South-West Vulnerable Children’s Unit at the Department for Education (DfE) since July 2023. She is responsible for improving outcomes for children by driving performance in Children’s Social Care across 15 local authorities. Salam oversees strategic interventions in underperforming areas and promotes collaboration through peer support from high-performing councils, ensuring sustainable improvement and stronger inclusion.
Previously, Salam worked in national security and education, including as a Deployable Civilian Expert (DCE) within the UK Government’s Stabilisation Unit (Foreign and Commonwealth Office), advancing UK interests on Counter Terrorism overseas. She served as the South West Prevent Regional Coordinator for Further and Higher Education, supporting universities and colleges on the Prevent agenda.
Salam has a BA in English Literature and History from Damascus University and a Masters with Distinction in International Relations; Global Security and Development from the University of Plymouth. Salam also holds a Diploma in Strategic Communications from King's College London.
Salam is a Syrian Muslim and speaks Arabic, English and Spanish.
Register of Members' Interests 2026/27
| Organisation in which interest exists | Nature of Interest (directorship, shareholding, membership etc.) |
|---|---|
| Department for Education | South West Regional Co-ordinator for Prevent |
| Vulnerable Children's Unit at the Department for Education | Head |
Contact
Email the Governance Services Team: governance-services@exeter.ac.uk