CEO from Uckfield ‘honoured’ to be made Member of the Order of the British Empire in New Year’s Honours
A CEO from Uckfield has said she is ‘honoured’ to be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Caroline Anne Shaw, Imago Community’s Chief Executive Officer was made an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to Community Development in the South East.
Imago Community, a social action charity, announced on Tuesday, December 30: “We are delighted to announce that our Chief Executive, Caroline Shaw, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to community development in the South East.”
Caroline said: “Over the past 25 years I have had the pleasure and privilege of leading Imago Community where we’ve offered support to tens of thousands of vulnerable adults and children across the South East and London. I am honoured and grateful to personally receive this recognition and to the people who took the time to nominate me.
“But I really accept it on behalf of all the amazing colleagues and volunteers who have worked with me over the years, giving their time and commitment to making such a difference. I dedicate this award to them.”
Imago Community said Caroline established Voluntary Action West Kent in Tunbridge Wells after a career in HR and management consultancy because she recognised a need for VCO sector support. The organisation explained that it was rebranded as Imago in 2015. It grew and joined forces with other ‘like-minded organisations’ with the aim of strengthening its reach and impact, while ‘moving into direct delivery of support services for individuals and communities’.
Imago now supports more than 39,000 people, including young carers, adult unpaid carers, older adults, disabled children and their families. Imago also offers support services in Kent, East Sussex, Medway and six London Boroughs.
The MBE announcement added: “Imago’s vision is creating change together – empowering, supporting and enabling people to improve their health and wellbeing, to reach their full potential and thrive.”