Lecturer in Law, University of Hertfordshire
Sham Qayyum is Lecturer in Law at the University of Hertfordshire, having previous taught at SOAS University of London for many years. After reading Law LLB (obtaining a first class) Sham completed his Ph.D (Law) which examined how British Muslims negotiate demands placed upon them by sharia, English law and their cultural tradition, with special reference to family law matters. His research interests include 'race', culture, religion, and the law, Islamic law, human rights law, immigration law, capacity building, leadership and management, and Equity and Trusts Law with special reference to practices offshore.
From 2010-2013 he received funding from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to support community leadership and as a part of this he developed the first postgraduate degree in the UK that focuses on Law and Community Leadership.
In 2013 he received an 18 month grant from the European Commission to explore and address issues connected to radicalisation through community leadership in East London. In recognition of his work in 2014 he received an ‘outstanding scholar award’ by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
In 2015 he was made a Winfield Fellow by the U.S. Embassy.
Sham is also an experienced expert witness on issues related to Islamic law, with particular reference to South Asia.
His academic work is informed by his activism and he previously was the Chief Executive of the Council of Somali Organisations. Currently, he provides advice and strategic leadership through his role as a board member of a number of charities, including The Monitoring Group, Islington Refugee Forum and Education Skills Development Group.
Jul 26, 2019 09:03 am UTC| Insights & Views Life
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