In a groundbreaking moment for West Yorkshire, Professor Adeeba Malik CBE DL has been declared as the new High Sheriff, becoming the first ethnic minority female to hold the esteemed position.
The historic appointment was marked by an official Oath of Declaration ceremony at Leeds High Court on Monday, March 25, presided over by High Court Judge Sir Nicholas Hilliard. Professor Malik, renowned for her decades-long commitment to social and economic empowerment, has embarked on a year-long tenure in this prestigious non-political and unpaid role.
The Office of High Sheriff, tracing its origins back over a millennium, stands as one of the oldest secular offices in the United Kingdom, second only to the Crown itself. As a voluntary appointee representing King Charles, Professor Malik assumes responsibility for upholding matters related to the judiciary and law enforcement.
Born to Pakistani immigrants in Bradford, Professor Malik’s journey to this historic appointment has been characterized by a lifelong dedication to serving her community and advocating for the marginalized. With over 32 years of service at the Bradford-based national ethnic minority-led charity, the QED Foundation, she has been instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and opportunity.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to serve her home county, Professor Malik emphasized her commitment to acknowledging and championing the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working for the betterment of West Yorkshire. Her formal duties as High Sheriff will include attending royal visits across the region and providing support to His Majesty’s High Court Judges.
Throughout her illustrious career, Professor Malik has held numerous influential roles across Whitehall, contributing her expertise to various boards and commissions focused on promoting diversity and social cohesion. Her accolades, including the MBE and CBE honors, reflect her unwavering dedication to advancing social justice and equality.
Dr. Mohammed Ali OBE, CEO of the QED Foundation, hailed Professor Malik’s appointment as a testament to the vision of inclusivity and diversity. He praised her remarkable achievements and contributions to QED over the years, emphasizing her role as a respected advocate for positive change in the region and beyond.
