Dozens of charity sector figures have been recognised in King Charles’ birthday honours list.
More than 1,000 people received honours in the list, which was published on Friday evening and recognises individuals who have made “outstanding contributions” across a range of sectors.
Most (608) of the recipients were people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity.
Parkinson’s UK chair Gary Shaughnessy was among the winners, being awarded a CBE in recognition of his contribution to business and charity.
Former Charity Commission chair William Shawcross, meanwhile, was knighted.
Orlando Fraser, chair of the Commission said: “I am delighted that the king, in the first birthday honours of his reign, has recognised so many people across England and Wales for their services to charity and volunteering.
“His majesty has honoured leaders of great national charities, as well as people whose contribution to charity is less visible, but no less vital, including many who have volunteered their time to raise funds for, or support charities, including as trustees.
“Charities play a crucial role in making our society kinder, stronger, and this is only possible thanks to the dedicated service of volunteers, trustees, and staff.”
CBE
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, Shaughnessy sits as chair at both Parkinson’s UK and Z Zurich Foundation.
Shaughnessy said: “When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I didn’t know what the future would hold, and I certainly never expected that it would lead me here and to this award. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful, as all I ever set out to do was to take control of my condition and show others that they could do the same.
“Awards like this underline the great work that the charity sector is doing, and indeed the vital role that they play in society. The roles I have with Parkinson’s UK and Z Zurich Foundation, as well as England Athletics, give me the platform to share a message, but it’s only because of the work of so many people and in those communities that the message matters.”
OBE
Emily Reuben and Alex Johnson, co-founders of charity Duchenne UK in 2012, were both awarded an OBE for their services to charity and to people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
David Buxton, chief executive of Action on Disability, was awarded an OBE for his service to Deaf and British Sign Language communities.
Jane Brewin, who led Tommy’s charity for more than 20 years before stepping down last year, received an OBE for services to women’s health.
Simon Daglish, co-founder of Walking with the Wounded and a fundraiser for Tommy’s received an OBE for charitable services.
Bianca Effemey, co-founder and chief executive of Momentum Children’s Charity received an OBE for services to young people with life-challenging conditions.
Juliet Hughes-Hallett, founder and honorary president of Smart Works Charity, received an OBE for services to unemployed women.
Joe Saxton, founder of nfpSynergy and CharityComms and incoming chair of the Association of Chairs, received an OBE for services to the charitable sector.
MBE
Tania Cohen, CEO of 360Giving, received an MBE for services to charity and social justice.
Susie Schofield, founder of the John Schofield Trust, was awarded an MBE for services to journalism and to diversity in the journalism industry.
Aaron Hearne, founder of Liam charity, was awarded an MBE for services to children.
Lorna Clayton, founder of ACTS educational charity was awarded an MBE for services to young people.
Daniel Chan, honorary treasurer and trustee of UK Youth, received an MBE for services to charity and to young people.
Angela Frazer-Wicks, chair of Family Rights Group, was awarded an MBE for services to children and families.
Jamie Ward-Smith, chair of the Co-op Foundation, was awarded an MBE for services to young people and charity.
Chris Burghes, CEO of Blue Cross, received an MBE for his time as trustee of NHS Charities Together and chair of the grants committee.
Excellence Not Empire
Some charity sector recipients voiced their support for the Excellence Not Empire campaign to remove “empire” from the awards’ titles.
Cohen of 360Giving said: “I chose to accept my MBE on behalf of the charities that I have worked with. I hope that one day soon we can celebrate these awards inclusively in the name of excellence, not empire.”
Buxton of Action on Disability said: “I support the campaign for British excellence to replace British empire as this will recognise individuals for their excellence in service.”
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