Jawaid Malik Vice Chair of OxCoF made High Sheriff of Oxford
Thursday 10 April | Oxford
Oxfordshire Shared Lives carer Jawaid Malik has been declared High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, in recognition of decades of public service and commitment to supporting people across the county.
Jawaid, who lives in Oxford, has spent many years serving others through both his professional and voluntary roles, including his long‑standing work as a Shared Lives carer alongside his wife, Rahat.
The couple began their Shared Lives journey in 2004 after responding to a local newspaper advert seeking carers for a young person who needed a long‑term home.
In 2005, they welcomed that young person into their busy family home, where they remain today, now approaching the age of 40.
In 2013, Jawaid and Rahat extended their care further, welcoming another person into their household and continuing their commitment to providing a safe and supportive home environment.
Over more than two decades, Jawaid and Rahat have been consistently described as kind, gracious and unwavering in their advocacy for the people they support.
Their whole family has played a role in this journey. Their adult children have always been closely involved, and their daughter, Sana, went on to become a Shared Lives carer herself, supporting her parents and continuing the family’s caring legacy.
The people Rahat and Jawaid support attend a local Community Support Service, whose staff have spoken warmly about the impact the couple have had, describing the genuine love and care they show as being “as if they are their own family”.
Alongside her role as a Shared Lives carer, Rahat also worked as a teaching assistant at her local primary school. She retired earlier this year but remains keen to find new ways to help others.
Jawaid continues his work as a Magistrate, following a long history of involvement in community groups and community development in East Oxford.
Reflecting on being declared High Sheriff, Jawaid said: “It is humbling and a real honour to be appointed High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve local residents.
“Supporting people and giving back to the community has always been at the heart of what my family and I do, and I’m proud to be able to continue that service in this role.”
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Jawaid’s appointment as High Sheriff is richly deserved.
“His long‑standing commitment to supporting people through Shared Lives, alongside his wider public service, perfectly reflects the values of compassion, community and leadership that this role represents.”
