University News Last updated 24 April
Hazrat Islam, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from the University of Central England (UCE), now known as BCU, in 2001, was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list earlier this year.
“I had a great time at UCE,” Hazrat remembers. “My degree helped to develop me as a young person and prepared me for the world of work especially having the opportunity to study and work abroad.”
After graduating, Hazrat worked part-time as a development manager for a membership organisation representing curry restaurants in Birmingham, where he focused on areas such as staff training, health and safety, food hygiene, promotion, and lobbying.
He then progressed into the public sector, joining Birmingham City Council’s Planning and Regeneration department in 2005, where he worked on projects, grants, and programmes to support local businesses, as well as training and employment initiatives.
In 2007, he moved to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), a national non departmental education agency. Following several organisational changes and mergers, his work eventually became part of the Civil Service at the Department for Education, where he continues to work today.
“My early experiences of growing up in a deprived area of Birmingham instilled in me a deep passion for education and its power to transform lives, creating opportunities for young people to achieve their full potential,” Hazrat said.
Hazrat is a senior manager at the Department for Education, working with leadership teams at educational institutions across the West Midlands to ensure young people and adults have access and succeed in education and training, regardless of their background.
The MBE was awarded in recognition of his outstanding service to education through his work at the Department for Education, alongside his longstanding commitment to supporting young people through his charitable work for over 20 years.
“It was such a surprise to be awarded the MBE,” Hazrat says. “Growing up in a challenging inner-city area of Birmingham, I never imagined receiving such recognition, so this is a great honour for me and my family.”
Hazrat was invited to Windsor Castle for the investiture of his MBE on 31 March, which was presented to him by the Princess Royal.
Hazrat has been involved with the Birmingham Youth Sports Academy (BYSA) since its early days in 2002, helping deliver grassroots football and mentoring activities that led to its establishment. Since it became a registered charity in 2011, he has served as Charity Secretary, supporting a range of activities.
BYSA is a non-profit, volunteer-run organisation focused on providing grassroots football, mentoring, and educational programmes for young people in inner-city Birmingham.
To those considering studying business at BCU, Hazrat says: “It is an excellent opportunity to combine what you learn in the classroom with actual work placement opportunities which will prepare you for the world of work.”