Originally working as a qualified accountant, Shakil spent his early career in the private sector before later moving into the charitable sector. In 2009 Shakil had a career change and became qualified as an HR professional. These two professional disciplines mean that he has a more holistic perspective being adept with the two most important factors in every organisation, its people, and its financial resources.

As part of his HR career, Shakil worked as an HRD for an international organisation, responsible for staff in over 40 countries globally. He had a really diverse workforce, particularly in terms of age, gender, race, religion, disability and orientation. This provided him with extensive experience of discriminatory challenges that can present.

Since becoming a freelancer, and associate investigator, Shakil has carried out many Equality, Diversity & Inclusion investigations, around issues such as racial, sex and disability discrimination. He has also delivered training on EDI for a variety of clients.