Dr Ruby Bhatti, a highly successful solicitor based out of Bradford has been announced as the Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire.
With over 30 years of experience in the legal profession, she has worn many hats in her life including, National Leader of Governance for Education (NLG) for Yorkshire and the Humber, a Non-Executive Director for the Dixon Multi Academies Trust Ltd, Rainbow Academy, and BDAT Diocesan Academies Trust.
Her contributions to the community were recognised by The Queen in 2019, when Dr Bhatti was awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours list.
Taking to twitter, on 11 August, Dr Ruby Bhatti tweeted: “I am absolutely delighted by the grace of God, I have been today appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire. Looking forward to supporting, his Majesty, Lord Lieutenant, and our Lieutenancy family!”
Image: Dr Ruby Bhatti
Speaking to Asian Standard exclusively, she said: “I was very humbled and honoured after being chosen. It is a great achievement, truly humbling. There was a bit of a mixed emotion. My loved ones, my mother, father, and my uncle recently passed away. They would have been really proud of me.
“Having this position will mean so much for me, I will be able to continue supporting the community. I will be able to highlight the great work others are doing as well. It’s not just about me having this accolade. I will be able to, as an individual,truly continue supporting the community in this role that’s why I feel really honoured.”
Coming from South Asian heritage, Dr Ruby feels even more honoured with the accolade.
“A South Asian lady, from West Yorkshire – we are a minority. Wow, what an achievement. I just feel that I am a role model for others. You don’t need to be in a high position to be recognised. You can achieve it, there are people out there who recognise your work.
“A representation from within the South Asian community will only move Bradford and West Yorkshire forward.
“Being in this position, we can inspire, not just women, but all the South Asian community.”
Speaking on her plan of actions ahead and how will the honour help her serve the community, Dr Ruby adds, “I would say that it won’t change me. I will continue to do the work I have been doing, but it gives me the great opportunity, not just in the South Asian community, but overall. Because of my portfolio, I deal with communities across the board, it will be a great opportunity to highlight and take forward those communities that work tirelessly and are not recognised, for example our farmer community, they work so hard.
“Whether you are an individual, whether you are a community or an organisation, the work should really be bought forward and highlighted.”
Speaking on the need of awareness of Royal honours among the South Asian community, Dr Ruby said: “Being the Deputy Lieutenant, I should be able to communicate with the community at all levels and show that this is what a Deputy Lieutenant does. It’s really down to me, to ensure that awareness about the position and that information reaches out to our communities.
“They don’t know about the system, they don’t realise that they can be nominated, it’s not always the usual ones that know everything. It’s for me that I ensure, that I bring those communities to the front.”
Speaking from a personal perspective, Dr Ruby tells Asian Standard, “From my work, I have the experience. I am the voice for the needy, throughout my 30 years in the legal profession. So, I have this added advantage. Having the lieutenancy has given me another platform to spread awareness and help people.
“To be honest, I have this foundation from my parents. My mother and father used to support the schools and communities, so I have this skill from my mom and dad. I remember my father, he had cancer, he was due to have an operation. The evening before one of the restaurants needed an electric engineer. In his nightgown from the hospital, he jumped in the car, went, and sorted the issue and came back. So, I have seen all this, I have continued the foundation that my mother and father laid.
“For me, it was very emotional when I was awarded the OBE, the doctorate and now this”.
Deputy Lieutenants are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant and come from all walks of life, from across the County. They serve until attaining the age of 75.
Deputy Lieutenants assist the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out his role as The King’s representative.
Dr Ruby Bhatti will be joining Merran McRae, Claire Sutherley, Yvette Oade, Adam Beaumont, and Yvonne Stocks.
Together, the six deputies will be working with Ed Anderson, Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.
We wish Dr Ruby Bhatti OBE all the best in her new role as DL
