Sheffield Hallam University’s Chancellor, Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, has been appointed to Scotland's Order of the Thistle by King Charles

Press contact: Emma Griffiths | e.griffiths@shu.ac.uk

Baroness Kennedy will be installed into the Order in July at the Order of the Thistle Service, hosted by the King and Queen at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. 

The Order of the Thistle is the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland, given in recognition of people who have held public office or have contributed significantly to national life. 

Baroness Helena Kennedy's appointment honours her lifelong commitment to justice, human rights, and education. Baroness Kennedy has spent her professional life giving a voice to those who have least power within the system, championing civil liberties and promoting human rights. 

Baroness Kennedy is passionate about education for all and, as chair of the Further Education Commission into Widening Participation, she produced the Kennedy Report which led to changes in government policy in further education. 

Her significant work for women in the legal profession has led to serious reforms on access and greater representation of women at senior levels in practice and in the judiciary. An advocate for the arts and literature, Baroness Kennedy served as chair of the British Council from 2004 to 2009 and as a judge for literary awards including the Man Booker Prize. 

Professor Sital Dhillon, Director of the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “The Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice are delighted Baroness Kennedy KC has been appointed to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest royal honour. It is a very well-deserved recognition of her outstanding career devoted to human and social justice. 

“Baroness Kennedy is also an outstanding leader; she serves as a role model for women all around the world and combines her extensive knowledge and leadership with genuine empathy. Time and time again Baroness Kennedy has demonstrated she has the courage to stand up for what she believes is right. More than anything else Baroness Kennedy has put the human into human rights.  

“It has been a great privilege to work with her for many years. She is the patron of the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice at Sheffield Hallam and our University Chancellor. On behalf of everyone at the University we congratulate her on this outstanding achievement.”