Following an impactful year of work, John May has passed on the baton to Jawaid Malik who has been sworn in as the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire for 2026-27.
Last week the historic role of High Sheriff was bestowed upon Jawaid Malik in a moving ceremony held at The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, a setting chosen to reflect his commitment to dialogue, learning and unity across faiths and communities. The High Sheriff is a ceremonial officer chosen each year, and although the role is mostly symbolic, the High Sheriff supports judges, the police, and emergency services, as well as supporting local community projects.
Jawaid brings decades of dedicated service in public life, community development and civic leadership to his role as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. Since arriving in the UK in 1983, he has built a strong and widely respected reputation across Leicestershire and Oxfordshire’s diverse communities, faith groups and public institutions. As well as an ongoing commitment to community cohesion and cultural engagement, Jawaid’s public service extends into policing, justice and civic engagement. He has also served as a Justice of the Peace for over 20 years.
During the ceremony Jawaid shared that his theme for the year ahead will be “Connecting Communities: Our Future Together”. This captures his vision of an Oxfordshire where people of all backgrounds feel proud to belong and work together to strengthen community trust, support the vulnerable, and champion those in public service.
Reflecting on being declared High Sheriff, Jawaid said: “As I take on this role, I do so with humility, gratitude, and a deep commitment to serve the people of Oxfordshire.
“Together, by connecting our communities, we can build a future that is stronger, more inclusive, and filled with opportunity for all.”
During John May’s Shrieval year he set out with a simple theme: Hearing the young unheard. Through a huge number of visits and conversations he heard directly from young people about their hopes, anxieties and their lived experience. He also convened a series of breakfast conversations bringing together people who work directly with young people. All of these insights were shared at a county-wide conference.
Outgoing High Sheriff, John May, said: “The real opportunity lies in bringing these efforts together more intentionally. Schools understanding what youth organisations can offer. Police working alongside community mentors. Businesses recognising the role they can play in shaping aspiration and opportunity.”
Oxfordshire Community Foundation support each High Sheriff with their charitable giving every year, managing and administering donations into their designated High Sheriff Fund. Thanks to the generosity of supporters a total of £6,850 was collected in donations into John May’s fund over the course of his Shrieval year. This will enable unrestricted grants to the following organisations:
- £1,000 – St John Ambulance, Banbury Cadet Unit
- £1,000 – 1st Upton and Blewbury Ranger Guide Unit, Didcot
- £1,000 – 43rd Oxford St Nicholas Scouts
- £1,000 – Police Cadets, Bicester Police Cadet Unit
- £2,850 – Oxfordshire Youth
Unrestricted grants empower charitable organisations to put funds exactly where they will have the greatest impact – whether that is covering essential running costs, strengthening existing work or launching new initiatives.
We look forward to supporting Jawaid during his Shrieval year.