A life of service

01Honours & recognition

Sajid was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to the community and charitable fundraising in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. At 26, his recognition made him one of the youngest recipients of the honour, following years of voluntary service and charitable fundraising.

His contribution to society has been recognised through numerous national honours and awards. He received a British Citizens Award Medal (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster for his contribution to community life and improving British society. He was also awarded the Positive Role Model Award for Age at the National Diversity Awards and recognised through JCI UK’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP).

In July 2022, Sajid represented Staffordshire as a Batonbearer in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay — an honour reflecting his longstanding contribution to his local community and his role as an inspirational figure.

02Aerospace & engineering

Sajid’s professional career began at the age of 16, when he joined Rolls-Royce plc as a mechanical engineering apprentice. What began as an apprenticeship developed into a career spanning two decades within one of the world’s leading aerospace and engineering organisations.

Over 20 years with Rolls-Royce, Sajid has developed an extensive background in aerospace engineering while continuing to pursue his passion for aviation and technology.

Alongside his professional career, Sajid has served as a Rolls-Royce STEM Ambassador, engaging with young people to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and encouraging the next generation to consider careers in engineering, technology and aerospace.

His passion for aviation extends beyond his professional life. Having always aspired to fly, Sajid pursued and achieved his ambition of becoming a qualified pilot.

03A lifetime of community service

Sajid’s commitment to community service began at just 14 years old, when he started volunteering with the Staffordshire Youth Service.

He subsequently became involved with the Millennium Volunteers programme, serving on a committee and contributing to initiatives supporting youth provision across Staffordshire.

At the age of 20, Sajid was elected Chairman of Uxbridge Community Centre in Burton-on-Trent. Taking on a community facility in need of significant regeneration, he played a leading role in transforming the centre, improving its facilities and creating a resource capable of serving the wider community.

His work was subsequently recognised by the British Citizen Awards, whose official Roll of Honour described his contribution as instrumental in regenerating the community centre and noted his energy, drive, commitment and communication skills.

These early experiences established the principles that have continued to define Sajid’s work: service, leadership, resilience, opportunity and giving back.

04Philanthropy & fundraising

Throughout his life, Sajid has undertaken demanding fundraising challenges in support of charities, humanitarian causes and communities both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

He has raised more than £210,000 through his own fundraising efforts and charitable initiatives, supporting causes addressing poverty, social injustice, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.

His approach to fundraising has often involved pushing himself beyond his own limits. From high-speed zip-lining and skydiving at speeds of up to 120 mph, Sajid has undertaken physically and mentally challenging events to raise both funds and awareness for causes close to his heart.

His philosophy is straightforward: personal achievement becomes more meaningful when it can be used to benefit others.

05Inspiring others

Sajid’s journey from a teenage volunteer to a British Empire Medal recipient, award-winning philanthropist, Commonwealth Games Batonbearer, aerospace engineer, qualified pilot and STEM Ambassador reflects a lifelong commitment to making a positive difference.

His story is one of ambition, perseverance and service — demonstrating what can be achieved when opportunity is combined with determination and a willingness to give back.

From supporting young people in his local community to raising funds for humanitarian causes around the world, Sajid has sought to use his experience, platform and opportunities to create a positive impact.

He remains passionate about encouraging young people to dream ambitiously, overcome barriers and recognise their own potential.

For Sajid, achievement is not measured solely by personal success, but by the lasting difference one can make in the lives of others.

06What drives me

I believe that success has greater meaning when it creates opportunities for others. Whether through engineering, STEM engagement, community work or charitable fundraising, I’ve always tried to use the opportunities I’ve been given to help others believe they can achieve more.