Covid heroes from care sector win awards in Queen's Birthday Honours List

The chiefs of Age UK and the National Care Forum are just two of a host of social care heroes that played a key role during the pandemic, who have been recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Nearly a quarter of those on the list of 1,129 people issued by the Cabinet Office features those who helped during the pandemic and has supported the UK in its recovery. These include people who gave charitable and voluntary support, worked in health and social care, and provided critical infrastructure support.

This includes Professor Sarah Gilbert for her pivotal role in developing a Covid vaccine and the former chair of the UK vaccine taskforce, Kate Bingham. They have both been recognised with damehoods.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The Queen’s Birthday Honours allow us to pay tribute to all those who have gone above and beyond in their service to this country.

“Throughout the pandemic we have seen countless examples of every day heroes. From those using their expertise to help develop life-saving vaccines, which are now being rolled out successfully to all parts of the UK, to the people who have given time and energy to care for their communities.”

He added that we should be inspired “by their courage and kindness”.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK has been awarded a CBE, with the charity’s chief executive, Steph Harland, calling it “richly deserved”.

“Caroline has dedicated herself to making life better for older people ever since she joined Age UK in 2012. This has been more true than ever during the past year, when she has worked with energy and compassion to lead Age UK’s public response to the pandemic and to make sure that older people are not being forgotten at this exceptionally difficult time.

‘There is no doubt that Caroline's leadership and commitment drive Age UK’s impact when it comes to our influencing to improve the lives of older people,” she said.

Vic Rayner, chief executive of the National Care Forum

Vic Rayner, who became a prominent voice for care homes during the pandemic, has been awarded an OBE.

Ms Rayner who is chief executive of the National Care Forum (NCF) – the leading association for not-for-profit care providers, said: “I am delighted to have received this huge honour. It is a privilege to work in a sector supporting millions of people to improve their quality of life and wellbeing. The last year has shone a light on the social care sector and how instrumental it is and the enormous impact it makes to people’s lives.”

As chief executive of the NCF Vic Rayner chairs and contributes to multiple strategic government and national specialist groups with a focus on the social care workforce, digital transformation, new models of care and regulation. Andy Cole, chair of NCF called her “an extraordinary champion for social care” and said it is “wonderful and well-deserved recognition.”

Andy Tilden, former Skills for Care director of operations

Andy Tilden, former Skills for Care director of operations was also awarded an OBE.

Skills for Care chief executive, Oonagh Smyth said: “This award recognised his outstanding contribution to developing the skills and knowledge of the adult social workforce and as Andy is keen is point out it’s also a recognition of the support he has received from colleagues since he first qualified as a social worker.

“Andy did a fantastic job as our acting CEO for a year during a time of great change for our sector, but more that his award acknowledges the outstanding work done by well trained and motivated care workers in our communities, particularly over the last year.”

Cheryl Harbourne, manager at Royal Star & Garter's Solihull care home

Royal Star & Garter’s Solihull care home manager has been made an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Cheryl Harbourne received the award in recognition of her service to veterans during Covid-19.

The registered nurse, who has worked in social care since 2006, said she was “astounded” by the honour, and praised the staff who work with her at the Tudor Coppice Home.

In March and April last year, Ms Harbourne led 35 members of staff who volunteered for a two-week live-in at the care home, in a pre-emptive step to ensure all 60 residents stayed safe while infection rates soared in the local area.

This was repeated with a further week later in the year. Along with her hugely proactive approach to infection control management, this meant no residents or staff were affected by Covid-19 until November 2020, say Royal Star & Garter.

Cheryl Harbourne said: “I am astounded, but delighted to receive this award for doing a job that I both love and feel very privileged to have. The residents are very precious to me, and I owe a huge thank you to the dedicated team at the Solihull Home, who support me to ensure the residents live their best lives with us.”

Paula McGowan, learning disabilities campaigner

Learning disabilities campaigner, Paula McGowan, whose son Oliver died at the age of 18 at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, was also recognised for her work developing mandatory training in autism and learning disabilities for health and social care practitioners.

She has been awarded an OBE for her services to people with autism and learning disabilities.

Oliver died after being given anti-psychotic medication in hospital. Due to her campaign work, in 2019, the government announced that every NHS and social care worker will receive mandatory training in learning disabilities and autism relevant to their role, to be called the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.

Joanne Balmer, chief executive of Oakland Care

Oakland Care chief executive, Joanne Balmer, was also recognised for her leadership during the turbulence of the pandemic and has been awarded a BEM.

Ms Balmer said: "I'm both surprised and delighted to receive the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to social care.

"I have worked in health and social care for over 20 years, but still I never expected to receive such a special recognition. I accept the medal warmly in recognition for the efforts of my entire team at Oakland Care, who dedicate their heart and soul to fulfilling our mission every day."

George Blunden, chairman of respite charity, Revitalise

Respite holiday charity Revitalise revealed that its chairman, George Blunden, has received a British Empire Medal. The award is in recognition of his time working in the housing sector with Stonewater housing association and in setting up the Longleigh Foundation, a charity which has continued to flourish since its inception back in 2015.

George Blunden said he felt humbled and added: “There are so many people, quietly working selflessly in the interests of others in our communities, it was an unexpected call. The Honours list is testament to the many people making a difference in all walks of life and I feel privileged to be named among them.”

Other awards

A knighthood has been given to Professor Andrew Pollard, Professor of Paediatric Infection, University of Oxford for services to Public Health particularly during COVID-19.

British Empire Medals go to brother and sister John Brownhill and Amanda Guest, co-founders of Food4Heroes which delivered food from local chefs to those NHS frontline staff.

A BEM also goes to Rhys Mallows, 25 years old from South Glamorgan who repurposed his whiskey distillery to produce hand sanitiser and Mahtab Morovat for her work in supporting vulnerable people during the pandemic.

The youngest recipient is 21 year old Amika George, founder of the #FreePeriods Campaign who receives an MBE for services to education. In campaigning against period poverty, she is joined on the List by friends Clegg Bamber and Anna Miles, also receiving MBEs for their work on the Red Box Project which has delivered free period products in schools across the country.

MBEs are also awarded to England footballers Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling for services to charity and racial equality in sport respectively.

Other people honoured are TV chef Prue Leith and choreographer Arlene Phillips, while actor Jonathan Pryce is knighted.