Darra is from Bradford and is the son of first-generation migrants who moved to the UK and then inner city Bradford from the Punjab in the late 50’s. He passed though the full education system in the city and his personal experiences in Bradford as a young person have been a strong motivator throughout his career.
Darra has worked across all sectors at a range of different levels, starting in the voluntary sector working with housing charities and becoming CEO of two housing associations. Darra has been CEO of Luton Borough Council, London Borough of Ealing and also Jobcentre Plus. He has experience of non-executive roles including Chair of Barnardo’s Audit and Risk Committee for five years.