Trust's Head of the Executive recognised in New Year's Honours List

Seamus Gaynor, Head of the Trust Executive, has been awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours, joining the likes of other recipients including 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu, dancer and choreographer Ashley Banjo, and many unsung heroes recognised for their significant contributions.

Sutton Coldfield-based Seamus, also the Company Secretary for the Trust, was given his MBE for services to Children's Social Care and to Education.

“I feel very humbled by this award. On receiving news about the MBE, I was moved, immediately, to reflect on the many talented and hard-working people I have been so fortunate to call my colleagues," said Seamus.

“I have been lucky to have met and worked with some inspirational people over my career – as leaders and also as committed individuals steeped in the ethos of public service. I also want to recognise the patience and support of my wife and family which, during some challenging periods, I could always depend upon.

“As Covid-19 has demonstrated there are multitudes of skilled and dedicated people across public services working hard to make a positive difference, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society. I am pleased to accept the award in that spirit.”

Andy Couldrick, Chief Executive of Birmingham Children’s Trust, said “I am delighted that Seamus’s many years of stalwart service, first to Birmingham City Council and more recently in the Trust, have been recognised with an MBE. It is well-deserved.

“Seamus’s skills, tact and expertise in governance have guided the path of the Trust and its relationship with the Council. His support to me personally, since the early days (for me) of setting the Trust up and getting it right, and every day since, has been invaluable.

“It is right that his many years of devoted public service have been honoured in this way.”

Andrew Christie, Chair of Birmingham Children’s Trust, added “I first met Seamus when I arrived in Birmingham in 2015 as the newly appointed Commissioner. He gently and skilfully organised me, making sure that I understood the lie of the land in pursuit of the best interests of Birmingham’s children and families, children’s services and the council.

“He was part of the team that helped us add the Trust to that list of priorities and make such a success of the venture. I owe him a great debt of personal gratitude and am delighted that his work has been recognised in the award of an MBE.”

Seamus Gaynor joined the Trust at its inception in April 2018 and was instrumental in its establishment in the year or so leading up to that. Prior to that he had worked in a range of strategic roles at Birmingham City Council including key positions in education and skills, school improvement, and community regeneration.