03 Jan 2023
by Policy, Practice and Innovation Team
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We are delighted that our CEO, Dr Jane Townson, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

Jane’s award was for services to domiciliary care, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jane said, on receiving the award:

Supporting and representing the domiciliary care sector throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, whilst challenging, has been and continues to be an absolute privilege. To be recognised with an OBE is humbling and I am very grateful to those who nominated me.

May the spotlight shine on all homecare workers, managers, and leaders, who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others with the utmost compassion and commitment. During the pandemic, despite risk to themselves, they continued to go out every day to ensure older and disabled people could live safely and well at home, acting as a lifeline for many.


We also congratulate our Chair, Martin Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Home Instead UK, who received an MBE. 

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Commenting on Twitter on 31 January, Martin said: “I am proud for be made an MBE in today’s New Year’s Honours List for services to older people.  New thinking, innovation and change is required to make society a better place to age in and this remains my focus.”

Other recognised in social care included Nadra Ahmed, Executive Chair, National Care Association, Professor Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Department for Health and Social Care and Sarah Pickup, Deputy Chief Executive, Local Government Association, who all received a CBE.

The news that senior figures in social care had been recognised in the Honours List was warmly welcomed in the sector.

Home care chief 'overwhelmed' by OBE in New Year's Honours List - BBC News

New Year Honours List 2023: Cabinet Office