The nominating committee has announced Professor Adeeba Malik CBE DL as the forthcoming High Sheriff of West Yorkshire for the year 2024-25.
- The annual nominations, overseen by the lords of the council in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, were held on 13 November.
- Professor Malik, deputy chief executive of QED Foundation, has dedicated over three decades to enhancing social and economic opportunities for minority ethnic groups in the UK.
- With a substantial history of ministerial and non-ministerial roles, her appointment reflects a trajectory marked by public service and community dedication.
- The role of High Sheriff in West Yorkshire is a one-year voluntary position that represents the Crown in judicial and law-related matters.
The nominating committee has formally confirmed Professor Adeeba Malik CBE DL as the next High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, set to serve during the term 2024-25. The selection process, traditionally conducted by the lords of the council in the King’s Bench, culminated this year on 13 November under the leadership of the Lord Chief Justice. Professor Malik’s official induction will occur at a declarations ceremony in March 2024.
Professor Malik currently holds the position of deputy chief executive at the QED Foundation, an organisation with a strong focus on improving socio-economic conditions for ethnic minorities across the UK. Her career, spanning over 32 years, began as an educator in Bradford and Hull. This extensive experience underscores her commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities.
Beyond her primary role, Professor Malik has served on various boards both within and beyond Yorkshire, reflecting her broad influence in public and community platforms. Her current positions include board membership on the Home Office Strategic Race Advisory Board and directorship at the Bradford Culture Company. She is also a visiting professor at York St John University, and a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire.
Professor Malik’s appointment is further distinguished by numerous accolades recognising her contributions to community and public service. Her honours include the recognition as one of the Yorkshire Post Top 20 Influential Women of Yorkshire and her presence in the Top 50 Northern Power Women List. Moreover, she was acclaimed with Woman and Home magazine’s ‘Amazing Woman Award’ in 2023. Her achievements were previously acknowledged with the awarding of an MBE in 2004 and a CBE in 2015.
The office of High Sheriff, historically a position of considerable honour, remains a non-political, one-year voluntary commitment. This role, appointed by The Crown, involves the representation of the King in matters pertaining to the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order within West Yorkshire.
Professor Adeeba Malik’s upcoming role as High Sheriff reflects her enduring dedication to public service and community enrichment.
