New Year's Honours 2016: Defra staff recognised
The achievements of Defra staff have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list 2016, published today.
Looking for the latest Honours recipients? See the 2016 New Year Honours list
The New Year’s Honours list 2016, published today, has recognised the achievements of Defra staff.
Professor Nigel Gibbens, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, has been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the Veterinary Profession and Animal Welfare.
Appointed the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer in May 2008, Nigel is responsible for protecting the country from animal disease and ensuring high animal welfare standards. He is Head of Profession for all veterinary surgeons in the government’s employment.
Nigel Gibbens said:
I have enjoyed a varied career in government and I am honoured to receive this award. Whilst I am personally very pleased, I feel that it also recognises the importance and value of the work done by vets working across government in a wide variety of challenging roles to protect animal welfare and animal and public health.
Steve Ashby, lately Policy Adviser, International Plant Health, has been awarded an OBE for services to Protecting Plant Health and Peter Ogden, Senior Executive Officer, has been awarded an MBE for services to Public Administration and voluntary service to Young People and charity.
In addition, a wide range of outstanding people across the UK working in Defra’s field of interest have been recognised for services to agriculture, the environment, the rural community, fishing, woodland management and waterways.
Defra’s Permanent Secretary, Clare Moriarty said:
I’m thrilled that Defra staff have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list. Since I joined Defra I’ve been struck by the huge passion people have for their work. It is excellent to see this dedication recognised and I would like to congratulate Nigel, Steve and Peter for all of their enthusiasm and commitment to the work that we do.
Further information
Read more about what it is like being the government’s chief veterinary officer.
Find out more about the honours system and how to nominate someone for an award.