The chief executives of two major housing associations received CBEs in the New Years Honour’s list.
According to Inside Housing:
David Bennett, chief executive of 98,000-home Sanctuary Group, and Keith Exford, chief executive of 57,000-home Affinity Sutton, both received the honours for services to housing.
The pair were among a number of people with housing connections to be included in the honours list, which was published on Tuesday.
Mr Bennett said: ‘I see this award as recognition of the tireless efforts and achievements of Sanctuary’s staff, for which I thank them.’
Mr Exford said: ‘This has come as a complete surprise and is a great honour that reflects also on the tremendous work and dedication of everyone at Affinity Sutton”.
David Ashmore, former chief executive of Greensquare Group, was awarded an MBE for services to housing in the south west of England.
Barbara Spicer, chief executive of Plus Dane and former chief executive of the Skills Funding Agency, was awarded a CBE for services to Education, Learning and Skills.
Shakuntala Ghosh, former chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis, received a CBE for services to philanthropy and the voluntary sector, while Margaret Clark, chair of Hastoe Housing, received a CBE for services to rural communities.
Joan Baird, board member at Clanmil Housing Association in Northern Ireland, received an OBE, while Elizabeth Craig, chair of the Stranmillis residents Association in Belfast, received the Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) as did Barbara Jones, chair of the Victoria Park Residents’ Association in Wrexham.
Jean Palmer, corporate director of residents services at Hillingdon Council, received an OBE for services to local government.
Rod Bennion, former chair of charity the Construction Youth Trust, received an OBE for services to construction training in the south east.