Photography of Dame Beverley Lindsay by West Midlands Lieutenancy
King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls' Academy governor Beverly Lindsay was made a Dame in the King's Birthday Honours.
Our Bailiff and Chair of King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, Fazle Kinkhabwala BEM said:
"This distinguished national honour recognises Dame Beverly’s exceptional contribution to the West Midlands and her decades of service to communities across Birmingham and beyond. Her appointment reflects a lifetime of leadership, resilience and commitment to improving opportunities for others.
Dame Beverly has served as a governor at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy for over 30 years. During this time, she has contributed her extensive experience, sound judgement and strong commitment to the education, wellbeing and future success of young people.
Her wider record of public service includes becoming the first Black woman to be appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands in 2013 and the first female Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands in 2017. She has also received honorary doctorates from Aston University and Birmingham City University in recognition of her significant contribution to civic life and community leadership.
In further recognition of her achievements, the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean will confer upon Dame Beverly the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at its 2026 Commencement Ceremony in Kingston, Jamaica.
We offer Dame Beverly our warmest congratulations. Her achievements are a source of immense pride to Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, the Foundation and Academy Trust, and the wider Birmingham community."
