Gloucester professor receives MBE medal from Princess Anne
Dr Shafi was honoured for her contributions in research and services to social justice
Last updated 11th Nov 2021
University of Gloucestershire's Dr Adeela ahmed Shafi was presented with her MBE medal by the Princess Royal at an investiture at Windsor Castle.
Dr Shafi, Associate Professor in Education was recognised for her contributions in research and services to social justice.
She was awarded the honour in the Queen's 2020 New Year's Honours List.
Dr Shafi said: "It was a wonderful day at Windsor Castle and a moment I’ll never forget when I was presented with the MBE medal by the Princess Royal.
"I am very humbled to receive this honour because that is what this is: an honour. It has been a privilege to do the work that I do with the people that I do it with, so this award is for all of us."
Working with under-represented groups, fighting for equality and inclusion
Dr Shafi has been at the forefront of developing Advance HE’s Board Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit – the first of its kind for the sector.
It provides universities and other higher education programmes with the support and information they need to tackle under-representation at board level.
Dr Shafi's ongoing activities include three current EU-funded projects on re-engaging young offenders with education and learning, involving partners in Spain, Italy and Germany.
Moreover, she has started a project set to develop the emotional and social skills of young offenders through the use of games and sport.
She is the current Vice-Chairperson for the Avon and Somerset Police Constabulary's Police Scrutiny Panel, working with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Councillors and representative groups.
A founding member of the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group, Dr Shafi is committed to equality and inclusion.
She was also recently appointed Commissioner for Race Equality in Bristol by the Mayor's Office.