Nottingham Trent University's (NTU) Researchers aim to break down barriers and tackle society’s problems.

Meet Professor Veronica Pickering, an NTU researcher who is working to celebrate, give agency and create a legacy for the Black community in Nottingham.

For Black History Month, the NTU community celebrated Professor Pickering's remarkable career and achievements, as she shares how she feels about making history as the first black female to be appointed to the position of High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.

Meet Professor Veronica Pickering

Professor Pickering was born in Kenya, before moving to England during the 1960s, where the family would live in Kent for a couple of years. From here, Professor Pickering moved up to Nottinghamshire to attend secondary school, before later moving to London to further her studies and work.

Now, Professor Pickering is back in Nottinghamshire, living with her husband Roy, a Nottinghamshire born artist.

Having to adapt to a new culture, language and way of life, Professor Pickering acquired excellent observation and listening skills, that would prove extremely valuable as her career progressed.

Championing the needs of diverse communities

Working in the public sector for over 25 years, Professor Pickering has undertaken roles in social work, as a children's guardian and international child protection consultant for the United Nations. Now, Professor Pickering is an Executive Coach and Consultant, championing the needs of diverse communities and advising on diversity and inclusion techniques.

In addition, Professor Pickering is a trustee of the RPSB, Nottinghamshire YMCA (Robin Hood Group) and Belvoir Castle Cricket and Countryside Trust. Professor Pickering is also a proud patron of charity organization The Woodland Trust.

Reflecting on what Black History Month means to her, Professor Pickering recognized the month's importance. "Black History Month is a great opportunity for us to stand up, stand out and to be proud to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the black community," she observed,

Despite the month representing a chance to celebrate, Professor Pickering also highlighted the progress still needed: "The month is about acknowledging our success but also shines a spotlight on the work that still has to be done."

Making history in her career

There has certainly been plenty to celebrate during Professor Pickering's career to date, which has seen her make history on a number of occasions, becoming the first black woman to hold a number of high-profile positions.

In May 2013, Professor Pickering was appointed to the position of Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire. Fast-forward to September 2018, Professor Pickering became RAF Honorary Air Commodore for 504 (County of Nottingham Squadron), appointed and approved by her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 2nd.

During July 2022, Veronica was awarded the title of Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear by his excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya - making her the only person in the UK to have been given the title in that year.

For NTU, Black History Month is a great opportunity for people to stand up, stand out and to be proud to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the black community

Appointed High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

Professor Pickering is further making history, taking up the role of High Sheriff on Nottinghamshire, an appointment which Professor Pickering calls a "huge honour."

"To be appointed as High Sheriff for Nottinghamshire will be amazing," acknowledged Professor Pickering. "It is a huge honour to be the first black African/Caribbean and Kenyan woman in the role."

Looking to the future, Professor Pickering hopes that her achievements can "inspire others to elevate the work and achievements of many organisations, especially across the county and our city."

Professor Pickering is most certainly an inspiration to all.

Join talented women like Professor Pickering at NTU

Courage, creativity and collaboration – these are the foundations of NTU research. The University's brave approach to research is opening the door to bright new ideas and endless possibilities.

Find new opportunities to build and grow a research career at NTU.

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