New High Sheriff of Oxfordshire sets out theme of “Connecting Communities: Our Future Together”

Muhammad Jawaid Malik JP has been formally declared the new High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, beginning a year in one of the county’s oldest civic roles with a focus on community cohesion, public service and support for vulnerable residents.

The declaration ceremony was held at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, whose patron is His Majesty King Charles III. The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire website describes the office as a ceremonial, non-political royal appointment for a single year, with duties that now centre on supporting the judiciary, emergency services, local charities and wider community life.

In his first address after taking office, Mr Malik said his theme for the year would be “Connecting Communities: Our Future Together”, reflecting a programme focused on strengthening trust, encouraging dialogue and supporting people who feel isolated or overlooked.

What does the High Sheriff do?

The High Sheriff is one of the oldest secular offices in the country, with roots going back to Saxon times. Today the role is largely ceremonial, but it still carries formal responsibilities around supporting High Court judges, attending royal visits and working with police, emergency services and community organisations. The High Sheriffs’ Association says the office is an independent, non-political royal appointment, while the Oxfordshire Shrievalty describes it as a role that helps connect tradition with modern community service.

The Oxfordshire High Sheriff website says the office is unpaid, that the High Sheriff serves from April to the following April, and that each High Sheriff shapes the year around the causes and communities they want to champion.

A focus on cohesion, vulnerability and public service

According to the announcement, Mr Malik’s priorities for 2026/27 will include:

• championing public servants and volunteers
• strengthening community cohesion and interfaith dialogue
• supporting vulnerable people, particularly those with learning disabilities and those who feel isolated

He also appointed seven High Sheriff Chaplains from different faiths and communities, alongside four High Sheriff Cadets drawn from Thames Valley Police, the Scouts, St John Ambulance and Girlguiding. The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire site says cadets support the High Sheriff at civic and ceremonial events and are normally selected from youth organisations including St John Ambulance, Police Cadets, Scouts and Girlguiding.

Malik brings long record of public service

The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire’s official profile says Jawaid Malik arrived in the UK in 1983 and later moved to Oxford, building a long career in community development, civic engagement and justice. It says he worked with Oxford City Council as Asian Cultural Centre Manager, later became Community Development Area Manager, has been involved with the Oxford Independent Advisory Group linked to Thames Valley Police, and has served as a Justice of the Peace for more than 20 years. His profile also highlights his work with The Oxford Foundation, Oxford Council of Faiths and the Annual Interfaith Friendship & Peace Walk.

The same profile says he lives in Headington with his wife Rahat and their family, and has also supported vulnerable people through the Shared Lives scheme.

Why the Oxford Centre setting mattered

The choice of venue for the declaration was symbolically significant. The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies was founded in 1985 and says its mission is the advanced study of Islam and the Muslim world. It also confirms that King Charles III is its patron, having first become patron in 1993. The centre says it was granted a Royal Charter in 2012 and that the then Prince of Wales inaugurated its purpose-built Oxford premises in 2017.

Against that backdrop, holding the ceremony there reflected the new High Sheriff’s emphasis on interfaith understanding and dialogue across communities.

A role rooted in history, but focused on the present

The Oxfordshire Shrievalty says the High Sheriff helps support local police, emergency services, charities and civic events, while the national High Sheriffs’ Association describes the role as one that continues to lend encouragement to organisations involved in crime reduction, social cohesion and public service.

For Oxfordshire residents, that means the year ahead is likely to see the new High Sheriff appearing not only at formal county events, but also at school visits, voluntary sector gatherings, remembrance services and initiatives aimed at strengthening community links.