Professor Higson has been appointed as the new Vice Lord-Lieutenant to the West Midlands’ Lord-Lieutenant, John Crabtree OBE.

Professor Higson, who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at Aston University, takes on the role from Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE OD, who has completed her three year term and devoted many hours to help the Lord-Lieutenant carry out community duties and oversee initiatives that have benefitted the region.

Since 2017, Helen has been a Deputy Lieutenant and acted as Lead on the Education group that has been working with schools, colleges and universities to promote the importance of good citizenship.  

This activity has involved working with a panel of education leaders, and going into schools to explain what the West Midlands Lieutenancy does, and how young people can make a positive difference to the community around them. Commenting on her appointment, Professor Higson said:

“It is an exciting time to take up the position as the region celebrates the Capital of Culture in Coventry in 2021 and the Commonwealth Games in 2022. 

“Through my existing involvement with education, working with disadvantaged young people and with cultural organisations, I believe thisnew position will allow me to connect a lot of the things I already do.  

“The West Midlands is known for its diversity and we have the highest proportion of young people in Europe, so it is important that the interests and the future of young people are high on the agenda and the Lieutenancy is playing a role in this.”

The role of Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands is for a three year term and involves assisting the Lord-Lieutenant in the performance of his duties.

The West Midlands Lieutenancy is the second largest lieutenancy in England and Wales, supporting a population of nearly 3 million people across the seven local authorities of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsalland Wolverhampton.

The Lord-Lieutenant is appointed by Her Majesty The Queen and has a Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants to help with duties.

For further information on the West Midlands Lieutenancy you can visit wmlieutenancy.org.