Supporting second chances – Sofia Buncy MBE DL

Sofia Buncy MBE DL was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University in December 2022 in recognition of her significant commitment and passion for the voluntary and community sector, on both a local and international level.  

Sofia is a well-known figure in Bradford. She is the pioneering co-founder and National Coordinator of the multi-award-winning Muslim Women in Prison resettlement programme evidenced by three ground-breaking pieces of research which she has co-authored. The programme is the first of its kind in the UK and is based at the Khidmat Centres in Bradford.

Professionally, she has amassed over 15 years’ experience in the voluntary/community sector both within the local authority, grassroots communities as well as at an International NGO level, and is also a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire. 

Sofia's commitment to giving back and her positive approach to supporting the School of Law in providing opportunities for students to gain practical skills and be job-ready graduates is exemplary.

Professor Engobo Emeseh, Head of the School of Law                   

How we work together

Sofia has a longstanding relationship with the University which has continued to flourish since she received her Honorary Degree. Given the nature of Sofia’s work with the Khidmat Centre, many of the projects and initiatives that the University has collaborated with her on include a strong connection to supporting those that are most in need. An example of Sofia’s support included her work with the School of Management to develop and implement the REMAKE Programme which was aimed at supporting ex-offenders by teaching them entrepreneurial skills. The programme played an important role in the rehabilitation of ex-offenders, ensuring they can contribute positively to society in the future.   

Sofia’s experience, knowledge and network was invaluable in helping us launch ReMake here at Bradford, and her passion and commitment to support the programme and University’s work in this regard is clear.

Professor David Spicer, Director of Business and Community Engagement (School of Management)

Sofia also supports other initiatives and projects that contribute towards enhancing the student experience including mentoring and supporting a PhD student in gaining participants for their research. Due to the links forged with this student and the Khidmat Centre, Sofia was able to include this student alongside the the group that attended the King’s Coronation Concert back in 2023. Sofia is also strongly linked to the School of Law and is exploring the potential for the University’s Law Clinic to expand to work with women from the Muslim Women in Prison project.  

The University has also been Sofia’s chosen location to host both 'Young in Covid' film premiers which explored how young people living in Bradford have been affected by the pandemic. 

I love working with and supporting the University as it is a mutual collaboration. Hopefully, I add value to the University’s understanding of issues immediate to the community. In return, the University brings academic prowess to the community’s efforts with wider knowledge, research and perspectives which help to improve wider critical understanding of issues. This is very important in a fast-moving world. The satisfaction of building a more informed and able student body, community and ecosystem is immeasurable.

Sofia Buncy MBE DL, Doctor of the University

Watch Sofia's graduation speech, and find out more about Honorary Award Recipients. .