Martyn Lewis, chair of NCVO, and Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, both received knighthoods in the Queen's New Year Honours List.
Lewis, chair of NCVO, received a Knights Bachelor for “services to the voluntary and charitable sectors, particularly the hospice movement”.
Lewis said the honour was a “tribute” to “the thousands of inspirational people in the voluntary sector whom I’ve had the privilege of working with over the last three decades” and the “difference they make to our society every single day”.
Kumar, who also received a Knights Bachelor for “services to cancer research”, said he was “very surprised and deeply honoured” by the recognition.
“It's a privilege to lead Cancer Research UK,” he said in a statement this morning. “More than anything, this honour recognises the extraordinary innovation and dedication of our scientists and clinicians to beating cancer, the creativity and passion of our fundraisers and amazing volunteers with their commitment to maintaining the highest standards, and the tenacity and belief of our policy and information professionals in driving change at all levels and in providing outstanding support for cancer patients and their families.
“I hope this honour helps to mark both how far we have come in cancer, whilst also raising awareness of how far we have to go,” he said.
Harvey McGrath, who is chair of Big Society Capital, was also awarded a knighthood for "services to economic growth and public life".
Mind chief executive and Charity Awards judge Paul Farmer received a CBE for his “services to mental health”. He tweeted: "Thanks to everyone for kind messages for my CBE - good news for mental health for 2016."
Former NCVO vice chair Jo Ash, chair of Southampton Voluntary Services, was also honoured for her work in the voluntary sector, receiving a CBE.
Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, said he was “delighted that both NCVO’s current chair and former vice chair have been recognised in the New Year’s honours list”.
“Both of them have contributed an astonishing amount to the voluntary sector and I offer them my heartfelt congratulations,” he said.
Sightsavers' chief executive, Dr Caroline Harper OBE was awarded a CBE for “services to visually impaired people abroad”.
Harper dedicated her award to the “staff, partners and donors who make the work of the organisation possible”.
“I am extremely pleased to accept this honour, and hope to continue to lead this organisation of which I am so proud into the future. There is much more to do,” she said.
Former chair of the Prostate Cancer UK, Paul Foster, was awarded an MBE for services to men with prostate cancer.
Angela Culhane, the charity’s chief executive, welcomed the news, adding that Foster guided the organisation through “dramatic growth”, including the merging of two charities into the single voice of Prostate Cancer UK.
Foster stepped down from his role in 2013 but still plays a “valued role within the charity”, supporting it on all major campaigns, Culhane said.
Another sector figure to gain the royal stamp of approval was Agnes Forsyth Robb Craig, chair of Save the Children who received a British Empire Medal.
John Cameron, head of helplines for NSPCC, received an OBE for “services to child protection”, while Hugh Osborn Thornbery, chief executive of Adoption UK, received a CBE for services to children and families.
Janice Anne Pallas, chair of NSPCC’s fundraising committee in Newcastle was awarded an OBE for charitable services to children and families, while Tim Sigsworth, chief executive of the Albert Kennedy Trust, received the same for services to homeless young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Greater Manchester.
Agnes Grunwald-Spier, trustee of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust was awarded the OBE for services to the Jewish community and Holocaust awareness, while Jill Woodhouse, children’s services practitioner for the NSPCC, was awarded the same for services to children.
Neil Jameson, executive director of Citizens UK was awarded a CBE for services to communities and organising social justice.
