Bondholders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours list

Individuals with links to Derby City Council, Archway Learning Trust and East Midlands Chamber have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Andy Smith, strategic director for people services, has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

The honour has been awarded in recognition of his services to disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

A qualified social worker, Andy joined Derby City Council in 2014 as the director for early help and children’s safeguarding, following nearly two decades of dedicated service in various roles in Leicester.

His profound dedication to social work was rooted in his personal journey.

As a former child in care who was adopted by his foster carers just before his 11th birthday, Andy knew he wanted to be a social worker from an early age and has always tried to use his previous lived and positive experiences of the care system and of social workers throughout his career.

He said: “I am truly humbled to receive this honour. This recognition is not just for me, but for all my colleagues who work tirelessly to make a real difference in the lives of our children every single day.

“Every child deserves the best start in life, and I’m proud to have played a part in striving towards that goal.”

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “This is a truly deserved honour for Andy.

“His dedication and passion for improving outcomes for children are exemplary.

“He’s been a driving force in transforming our services and ensuring that the city’s young people receive the care, protection, and opportunities they need. We’re immensely proud of his achievement.”

In the same list, Sian Hampton, chief executive of the Archway Learning Trust, was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Archway is a multi-academy educational trust with primary, secondary and sixth form academies in both Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Sian has been recognised for her services to education.

Finally, former East Midlands Chamber president Dawn Edwards, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to the business community.

A highly respected figure in the region’s business landscape, Dawn has dedicated her career to supporting and developing networks for businesses across Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands.

For over nine years Dawn served as a board member for East Midlands Chamber, becoming its president in 2019/20 at the height of the Covid pandemic.

She has recently been appointed as regional chair (East Midlands) across six counties for the Federation of Small Businesses to promote the interests of small businesses and ensure their voice is heard among policy makers.

She said: “I never expected to receive such an honour and although it has my name on it, it is recognition for every person who has contributed to making our region a thriving hub for enterprise and innovation through volunteering or lending their time and expertise.”