Queens birthday honours for housing sector

Reported by the CIH:

The list was published on Friday and Edward Stevens, the chair of the National Self Build Association, received an OBE for services to housing in England.

The former journalist and events director for Inside Housing has been volunteering for the organisation for six years, but said he thought it was a hoax when he received the letter.

‘I was completely shocked and sure it was a hoax from some of my old journo pals. I phoned the following day to check it was genuine.

‘I received the letter about two weeks ago but was sworn to secrecy. I couldn’t even tell my kids until Friday afternoon as I was worried about them spreading it on social media.’

Mr Stevens said he was absolutely delighted and is looking forward to the reception to speak business with the royal family.

‘I hear they are building 12 custom build homes at the Balmoral estate for the workers and if one is engaged in conversation I may well bring up what more can be done.’

Martyn Kingsford, former chair of Paragon Community Housing and honourary housing policy adviser to Tenants and Residents Organisations of England, has also had his commitment to housing and community engagement celebrated with an OBE.

Lieutenant colonel Kingsford sits on the sounding boards of the HCA and DWP, sits on the Chartered Institute of Housing’s London board and he has chaired four housing associations. Despite his long-term commitment to the sector, he was shocked when the letter arrived.

‘I was shaking when I opened it as it was unexpected. I’ve had very kind communication from people saying its long overdue, but I was shocked.

‘I’m looking forward to going to Buckingham Palace and the OBE will go along with the military decoration.’

William Steele, managing director for Castle Rock Edinvar housing association,  was also awarded an OBE for services to social housing and regeneration

Eric Pickles, communities secretary, congratulated all those from the local government, housing, voluntary and community sectors recognised in this year’s queen’s birthday honours list.

‘They can be deservedly proud their achievements have been given national recognition,’ he said. ‘This is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the individuals who so silently serve their communities day in day out.’

Other people celebrated in the honours list:

Government

Barry Cox, head of debt management for the Department for Work and Pensions, was awarded for services to debt management and to the community through Christians Against Poverty.

Margaret Moor, who is lately head of benefits for the benefit directorate of the Department for Work and Pensions, for services to people with disabilities and to charitable fundraising.

Local government

Jill Stewart, head of housing and property for Moray Council, for services to council housing in Moray.

Sarah O’Driscoll receives an MBE for services to the community and neighbourhood planning in Bristol.

Care and charity

Janice Flawn, the founder of PJ Care, was awarded for services to the care home business and charitable fundraising.

Robin Aitken and Thomas David Cairns, co-directors of the Oxford Food Bank, for services to vulnerable people.

Philip Sturrock, former chair of one of Southwark’s oldest almshouse charities United St Saviour’s Charity, has received an MBE. He was also chair of Wandle Housing Association.

Property

Jenefer Greenwood, a board counsellor for the Crown Estate, was awarded for services to the UK real estate industry and voluntary service to young people.