Martin has led Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023, bringing with him more than 25 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across local government. 

Prior to joining Oxfordshire, he served as Chief Executive of Coventry City Council for over 14 years, during which time the city saw its most significant transformation since the post-war period.

Under his leadership, Coventry became the first Marmot City in the country using innovative approaches to reducing health inequalities. He continued his work with Professor Sir Michael Marmot and the health equity team at University College London as Oxfordshire launched the first countywide Marmot place in 2024.

He was also instrumental in establishing the West Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority and was its first Chief Executive from March 2016 to September 2017. 

Throughout his career Martin has been at the forefront of public service reform, driving innovation, partnership working and transformation programmes across complex organisations. His leadership has helped shape modern local government, including his role as a former President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) and the first Honorary President of LARIA (Local Area Research and Intelligence Association).

Martin said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. Local government is ultimately about people and unique places and, over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues and councillors who make a real, positive difference in their communities every day. 

“The best of local government is when we bring people together across a place, understand what really matters locally, and help create the conditions for positive change. This award genuinely reflects that collective effort.”

Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Councillor Tim Bearder, said: “This honour is thoroughly deserved. Martin has made a real and lasting difference in Oxfordshire and across local government more widely. He combines insight, integrity and ambition with a genuine commitment to public service and improving the lives of the people we serve.

“His good humour, approachable nature and personable leadership style make him a real pleasure to work alongside. I particularly admire his willingness to explore new solutions and drive innovation to create a better and more effective council.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have him as our Chief Executive, and I’m delighted to see his contribution recognised in this way.”

The King’s Birthday Honours recognise individuals who have made a significant impact in their field or community. Martin’s OBE reflects a career dedicated to improving public services, strengthening local government, and delivering lasting benefits for communities.

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David Proudfoot and Louise Haworth have been recognised for their work in the campaign that celebrates outstanding social work practice across the UK and highlights the vital role social workers play in supporting adults, children and families.

More than 300 individuals and teams were nominated this year by colleagues across the profession.

David Proudfoot, who works in Didcot and qualified as a social worker in 1995, has dedicated his career to supporting adults across Oxfordshire and was described by his nominator as “a powerhouse within the team.”

David is known for his detailed knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act legislation and his dedication to helping others strengthen their practice. He provides training for staff across the council, and, as a Practice Educator, regularly supports students on placement.

His nominator praised his commitment to his team, noting that he meets each member regularly to ensure they are supported.

Reflecting on the recognition, David said: “My head did swell a little bit when I received the email! It is always very gratifying to receive thanks or praise – especially when it is unexpected.”

Louise Haworth, who lives in Bicester, has also been recognised for her significant contribution to social work in Oxfordshire. Her nominator praised her role in shaping co‑production practice, saying Louise has been “vital in sharing practice stories that have helped shape thinking in how we do co‑production”.

Co‑production is an approach where professionals and people with lived experience work together as equal partners to design and improve services, ensuring decisions are shaped by the voices of those who use them.

Louise works with older adults with mental ill-health and is part of a small but essential team supporting some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Louise said: “I feel very proud to be recognised. Supporting older adults with mental ill-health is a privilege, and I’m glad that the practice stories I share have helped strengthen co‑production and the way we work with people in Oxfordshire.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “David and Louise exemplify the dedication, compassion and professionalism that underpin social work in Oxfordshire.

“Their commitment to the people they support and to strengthening the practice of colleagues across our services is inspiring.

“We are incredibly proud to see them recognised nationally as ‘Amazing Social Workers’.”

BASW will feature all recognised social workers on its website and social media channels throughout March as part of its celebrations for World Social Work Day on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

BASW Vice-Chair Lewis Roberts said: “BASW is proud to run our Amazing Social Workers campaign for its sixth consecutive year. It is a wonderful way for our profession to celebrate inspiring social work practice and pay tribute to the many individual and collective successes that deserve to be noticed.

“Across our communities, social workers go above and beyond to make a positive difference to the lives of adults, children and families they support.

“Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised this year and thank you for all you do every day.”

More information

• The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the independent professional association for social work in the UK, with just under 21,000 members. Their mission is to act for social workers, the profession and for a better society.
• The Amazing Social Workers campaign will form part of BASW’s celebrations for World Social Work Day on Tuesday 17 March, an international event raising awareness and visibility of social work. This year’s theme is “Co-building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.”
• More information about the Amazing Social Workers campaign can be found on BASW’s website.

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Lyn Lacey, a dedicated Oxfordshire carer for more than 27 years, was invited to meet Their Majesties The King and Queen at a reception at Windsor Castle yesterday (Wednesday 11 February 2026).

Now aged 77 and living in Banbury, Lyn has spent nearly three decades opening her home and her heart to support others.

The reception, hosted by the King and Queen, shone a light on carers and their contributions to health and social care in the United Kingdom.

Shared Lives is where an adult or young person needing support is matched with a carefully approved Shared Lives carer by their local scheme. That relationship creates a stable foundation, connections in their community and a sense of belonging.  

People typically supported by Shared Lives include those with learning disabilities, care leavers, people with dementia, and people who need short term support, such as during mental ill health or after a hospital stay.

Oxfordshire County Council funds and supports the Shared Lives scheme locally, working with Shared Lives Plus, a UK membership charity and national network that supports Shared Lives schemes, to ensure carers like Lyn have the resources and guidance they need to make a difference.

Lyn’s invitation follows recent recognition at the Shared Lives Plus Awards, where she and the people she supports were named Highly Commended in November 2025. Shared Lives Plus were so impressed by Lyn’s dedication that she was at the top of their list when considering who should attend the reception.

Lyn was accompanied by her Shared Lives Social Worker, Nikki Oleksiw. Her son, Adam Lacey – originally approved to support Lyn and now a Shared Lives carer in his own right for the past 20 years – was also in attendance, representing how the next generation is continuing the Shared Lives model.

Across 27 years and six months as a Shared Lives carer, Lyn has provided both short term and long term arrangements, and currently supports three young men who have lived with her for several years.

A qualified nurse, former care home manager, midwife and magistrate, Lyn brings compassion, structure and resilience to her role.

She treats those she supports as family, advocating with professionals, supporting day to day appointments and creating opportunities to live happy, fulfilling lives. That includes adventurous holidays such as trips to South Africa and Barbados that expand horizons, alongside encouragement to find employment and pursue personal goals.

Lyn said: “It’s a real honour to care for people with different needs and to provide compassion and stability in their lives. Shared Lives is a fantastic way to achieve this, and carers deserve recognition for the work they do.

“It’s a team effort with our social workers. Choices matter, and helping people take part in their community, enjoy work and have a sense of purpose is so important.

“There are challenges, but with great support we overcome them together. I hope the love and positivity we share will inspire others to join our amazing Shared Lives family.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Lyn embodies the very best of Shared Lives: compassion and the belief that everyone should have the chance to thrive in their community.

“Her decades of dedication have changed lives, and it’s fantastic to see Oxfordshire’s carers recognised on the national stage.

“My heartfelt thanks to Lyn, Adam and all our Shared Lives families for the difference they make every day.”

Oxfordshire County Council is always looking to recruit more Shared Lives carers. Read more about Shared Lives and how you can get involved.

ENDS

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The awards are hosted by the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP) and are supported and recognised by Oxfordshire County Council.

And this year, the Oxfordshire Care Awards have a change of setting, with the ceremony taking place at The Orangery in Blenheim Palace on Tuesday 6 May. 

The event brings together the very best unpaid carers, members of the community and voluntary sector, and statutory and independent care providers.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “People who provide care for others should rightly be celebrated and the annual Oxfordshire Care Awards is one of the most important events in the calendar.

“From unpaid carers and those who work in the voluntary sector, to homecare providers and inspiration leaders in the sector, it is always an honour to be involved in this event and show the council’s support for carers in Oxfordshire.”

Eddy McDowall, CEO of Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers, said: “This event is about more than awards; it’s about gratitude, it’s our chance to recognise and thank the inspirational people and organisations who tirelessly support our communities.

“Whether it’s family run services, larger care providers, or individuals who consistently exceed expectations, these awards are a celebration of their unwavering dedication.”

This year’s categories include:

• Adult Social Care Student Award
• Newcomer to Care Award
• Care Home Worker Award
• Domiciliary Care Worker Award
• Overseas Recruitment Award
• Leadership Award
• Care Team Award
• Digital Achievement Award
• Specialist Care Award
• Volunteer / Unpaid Carer Award
• Oxfordshire Hero Award
• Long-Term Service Award.

More information about the awards, including different ways to put forward a nomination, can be found on online or by contacting Lisa Leah on 01235 248091 or emailing lisa.leah@oacp.org.uk.

Nominations must be received by 5pm Monday 3 March 2025.

The awards ceremony will take place at The Orangery at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PS, on Tuesday 6th May between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

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The awards are hosted by the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP), Carers Oxfordshire and Age UK Oxfordshire, and are supported and recognised by Oxfordshire County Council.

The ceremony will take place on Monday 17 June, bringing together the very best unpaid carers, members of the community and voluntary sector, and statutory and independent care providers.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “The Oxfordshire Care Awards is one of the most important events of the year, giving us all the opportunity to celebrate the inspirational people who provide support to adults in our county.

“From unpaid carers and those who work in the voluntary sector, to homecare providers and inspirational leaders in the sector, it’s an honour to be involved in this event and show the council’s support for carers in Oxfordshire.”

Eddy McDowall, CEO of OACP, said: “These uplifting awards give us all the opportunity to say thank you to the inspirational people working hard in the community and care services across Oxfordshire every day.

“They celebrate local individuals, highly trained direct care givers, adult social care professionals, ancillary workers, family run care services, larger care groups and support organisations who together consistently go the extra mile for the people they support.”

This year’s categories include:

•        Newcomer to Care Award
•        The Care Home Worker Award
•        The Unpaid Carer Award
•        The Volunteer Award
•        The Frontline Leaders Award
•        The Home Care Worker Award
•        International Recruitment Award
•        The Care Team Award
•        The Long-Term Service Award
•        The Inspiration Award
•        Digital Social Care Hero Award
•        Josie’s Award – celebrates an individual who in some way is making an exceptional difference to dignity in care. 

More information about the awards, including different ways to put forward a nomination, can be found on online.

Nominations must be received by 5pm on Friday 26 April 2024.

The awards ceremony is taking place on Monday 17 June at the Voco Oxford Thames Hotel in Sandford-on-Thames.

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Oxfordshire County Council Information Services Manager Charlotte Stacey is a diversity and inclusion champion for the council and the county’s fire and rescue service, and a proud advocate for LGBT+ communities and awareness.

She joined the council in 2014 and became an on-call firefighter in 2019. Alongside her day jobs, she established and chaired the council’s LGBT+ colleagues and allies’ network and helped other networks become established.

Charlotte, 43, who lives in Oxford, said: “I am immensely proud to have been awarded this honour as a role model and advocate. Each year at every Pride, celebration, or commemoration, I am reminded of how diverse and resilient our communities are and what a privilege it is to serve them.

“I have embraced every challenge and opportunity to overcome stereotypes and preconceptions. My aim is to build understanding as I’m a strong believer that there is more that unites us than divides us, and we have so much to learn from one another. I seek to educate and share this message with everyone from firefighters to chief officers, administrators to directors, councillors and many more.

“I have been able to help colleagues think about how they approach and make adjustments to better serve our diverse communities, and to be mindful of their situations, for example making our spaces LGBT+ safe and making the fire service visible and approachable to everyone as an inclusive employer.”

Charlotte has also championed change behind the scenes, writing and amending policies to make them more inclusive, promoting challenging and respectful conversations, and putting data into community engagement. Externally, she has built relationships with LGBT+ charities locally and nationally, supporting Prides in Oxfordshire and beyond.

“I’m so proud of what has been achieved in Oxfordshire,” she added. “Annually celebrating LGBT+ History Month; marking International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia with a display of young LGBT+ people’s artwork; and attending several Pride events with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, side by side with LGBT+ colleagues, families and allies.”

Charlotte’s goal is to reduce fear and misunderstanding and broaden inclusion.

“I’m very conscious that letters and labels don’t do justice to the spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. We still have a great challenge to embrace one another’s unique identities and characteristics.”

She is also keen to tackle hate crime, and make sure that people are not complacent.

“I have been attacked twice since moving to Oxford and was very well supported by Thames Valley Police. So, from a personal perspective, despite how frightening it may be, I actively promote standing up and speaking out, using, for example, StopHate.org to register incidents, and educating and empowering active allies.”

Oxfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: “We are thrilled that Charlotte is receiving this award in recognition of her work. She has been instrumental in driving forward the LGBT+ agenda within our fire and rescue service, nationally in the fire and rescue sector, and across Oxfordshire County Council.

“Her commitment has been driven by a desire to ensure that LGBT+ communities have a voice, whether this is residents or staff. She lives by this phrase – read more, listen more, ask more, share more, keep learning.”

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “We are delighted that Charlotte’s dedication to her community and to Oxfordshire has been recognised.

“The work of Charlotte and her fellow on-call firefighters makes a huge difference to the lives of so many people in our county, and we are all incredibly grateful to them for their commitment and community spirit. In this instance we're especially proud of Charlotte.”

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The north Oxford corridor project allows for easier access into Oxford city centre, improved bus journey times, better walking and cycling routes, and supports the ongoing local housing and employment growth.

At a ceremony on 11 October, the project won the Environmental Sustainability Award for de-carbonisation, and was highly commended in the Major Project category.

Another high commendation came in the Highway Partnership category for the Oxfordshire Highways Alliance which is made up of the county council, Milestone Infrastructure and subcontractors Aggregate Industries, Colas, Drayton Construction, Hazell and Jefferies, and MJ Titchmarsh.

The winning award entry highlighted how Milestone Infrastructure and the county council share ambitious carbon targets. The north Oxford corridor project is making a significant contribution towards those targets.

The project has so far achieved significant carbon reduction on baseline: 37 per cent, or 2,388 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). To illustrate, it would take over 14,300 mature trees to absorb this amount of carbon dioxide.

This success was achieved using baseline calculations, carbon workshops and events, and the development and implementation of a bespoke carbon estimating tool.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure & Development Strategy, said:

“I am delighted that our collaboration with Milestone Infrastructure and other partners has been recognised in national awards. North Oxford Corridor improvements is a multimillion-pound project that will provide enhanced bus priority and safer cycling and walking infrastructure on the edge of the city. The improvements will encourage a shift to more sustainable and healthy travel and contribute towards better air quality and reduced carbon emissions. It is brilliant that our vision for a greener, healthier county is acknowledged in the whole project lifecycle – I’d like to extend my thanks to all our partners and council officers who are living our values.”

More information

Milestone Infrastructure has delivered civil engineering projects for the county council since 2014. Their people are embedded in the council’s team structures to create a ‘one project’ ethos that promotes collaboration through a shared understanding and ownership of project objectives. On the north Oxford corridor project, this approach has taken the project from feasibility design to near completion within 30 months.

The Oxfordshire Highways Alliance brings together the council, contractors and supply chain, all aligned to improve efficiency, reduce carbon and add social value. Since its introduction in 2021, the Alliance has achieved an 8.5 per cent cost saving (£1.028m) and completed two improvement projects on recycling and delivery, adding another £1.7m of savings.

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The national award is the culmination of a nine-month application and validation process. The service was assessed on organisational health, collection management procedures, access arrangements and work with partners and stakeholders. 

The accreditation panel recognised the positive progress the service has made through its committed staff and commended its approach to partnership working.

 Mark McCree, Oxfordshire County Council’s Libraries & Heritage Services Manager, said of the award: “I am very proud of the team for regaining this quality standard. The National Archives has recognised the positive progress that the service has made in recent years. These are foundations, alongside the emerging libraries and heritage strategy, for us to build on. 

 “I hope this gives our customers and partner organisations renewed confidence that the rich and valued heritage of the county is in safe hands.”

 Oxfordshire History Centre, the county’s archive and local studies service, based at St Luke’s Church in Cowley, collects, preserves and makes available archives, photographs and printed material related to Oxfordshire and its history. 

 Accreditation by the UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee is the national quality standard, recognising good performance in all areas of archive service delivery. Accredited archive services help to ensure the long-term collection, preservation, and accessibility of archive heritage in Oxfordshire and nationally. 

 It is the second time Oxfordshire History Centre has received accreditation, having first been awarded it back in 2015.

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A highlight of the prestigious event involved Oxfordshire’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Marjorie Glasgow BEM, presenting ‘Her Majesty, The Queen’s Long Service and Good Conduct’ medals to eleven firefighters, all who have each provided 20 years’ service.

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “These awards reflect the service and public’s appreciation and gratitude for each dedicated fire officer’s devotion to duty.

“I am delighted to be able to recognise the achievements of some of our teams, fire cadets and volunteers. It’s beyond comprehension just how many lives our medal and award recipients have collectively impacted during their careers. Congratulations to all on their fantastic achievements.”

Emily Spencer, Head of Operations at Blenheim Palace, said: “Hosting Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service awards ceremony is a great honour for us, and it is fitting such heroic achievements are celebrated in such magnificent surroundings. We would like to add our own thanks and recognition to the dedication and the bravery of our amazing firefighters.”

Pictured above are Banbury recipients: Fire Station Manager, Dave Edge (right), with Crew Manager, Daniel Evans – having both been awarded their 20 years’ service medals – joined by Phillipa Blair (centre) who had just been presented with the Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation.

Case studies – Chief Fire Officer’s Certificate of Commendation

Awarded by the Chief Fire Officer to members of the fire service, partner agencies or the public for acts of bravery, or performing to a high standard under difficult circumstances. This year’s certificates were awarded to:

1) Goring firefighter and his wife – Sean and Sue Absolom

Sean and Sue were recognised for their actions in assisting a seriously injured father and son who had been hit by a vehicle in August last year.

Sean – who is based at Goring Fire Station – was driving along Wallingford bypass with his wife when they saw a father and son waiting to cross the road. Suddenly the youngster, who was on his toy scooter, lurched forward. His father instinctively rushed to grab the boy, but both were struck by a minibus. The child was thrown to the left resulting in a severe head injury. His father hurled to the right resulting in a broken leg.

On seeing the accident occur, Sean jammed on his brakes, stopped his own vehicle and ran to the scene with his wife. Sean’s role as a firefighter means he is first aid trained, and Sue is a community responder for the NHS, so they switched instantly into their lifesaving roles.

With no equipment and no immediate back up, they prioritised treating the child who was unconscious with blood coming from his ear.

Sean quickly dialled 999 while Sue stabilised the young boy. She also intervened to stop a passer-by who wanted to move the child. Without a doubt, her actions saved the boy from further injury, as it was vital he remained still to prevent neck damage.

Sean spoke to a paramedic on his mobile, using the phone’s camera so that images of the injuries could be relayed to an oncoming ambulance crew.

After the incident, Sean received a phone call from the injured child’s mother and heard the great news that her son was on the mend. She also told him that the surgeon had advised the family that Sean and Sue’s prompt intervention had likely saved the life of her son.

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “Without Sue and Sean’s quick thinking and their combined trauma care skills, things could have been very different. I am really pleased that we can honour their selfless actions in how they dealt with this emergency.”

Pictured below: Sean and Sue Absolom receiving their Certificate of Commendation from (centre) Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall.

2) Banbury and Hook Norton fire crews

Fire crews from Banbury and Hook Norton were recognised for their prompt actions in tackling a house fire, while carrying out emergency first aid on the occupant who had collapsed.

The two Oxfordshire crews joined colleagues from Warwickshire to attend a house fire at Winchcombe Farm in Upper Tysoe in January this year.

The occupants were alerted to the blaze by their smoke alarm sounding. Smoke was billowing out of one of the light fittings in the lounge and the couple thought initially it was an electrical fire.

They immediately called 999 and evacuated the property, but on leaving the building they saw the roof was on fire. The owner started to tackle the fire with extinguishers, then suffered a cardiac arrest.

When the crews arrived, they not only had to tackle the fire, but Hook Norton and Banbury firefighters undertook CPR in front of shocked family members and onlookers.

The crews worked tirelessly to stabilise the stricken individual while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. They administered lifesaving CPR for more than 20 minutes, most likely saving the individual’s life.

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “This is an outstanding example of where quick decision making and teamwork has undoubtedly saved a man’s life. It demonstrates the importance of our firefighters having the right skills to provide emergency medical care, and also their ability to react to the situation in front of them. The crews thoroughly deserve this additional recognition for their actions on that day.”

Pictured below (from left to right): Banbury and Hook Norton firefighters James Beadle, Neil Voce, Nigel Matthews, and Pippa Blair; with Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service recognised the achievements of its staff and teams in two ceremonies at Blenheim Palace.

Oxfordshire’s Vice Lord Lieutenant attended the prestigious event to present ‘Her Majesty, The Queen’s Long Service and Good Conduct’ medals to nine firefighters, all who have each provided 20 years’ service.

The Lord Lieutenant, Tim Stevenson OBE, also attended, and presented medals to eight firefighters. It was his last official duty as the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire prior to his retirement, after 13 years’ service.

Richard Bowley, an Oxford resident, was presented with a certificate to recognise his 40 years’ service, initially as a firefighter; then following his retirement from operational duties, as a valued member of the service’s Incident Command Team, based at Slade Park Fire Station, Headington. (see image, above)

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “Having had to postpone last year’s ceremony because of the pandemic, I am absolutely delighted that we have now been able to mark and recognise these remarkable achievements. These awards reflect the service’s and public’s appreciation and gratitude for each dedicated fire officer’s devotion to duty.”

Emily Hirons, Head of Operations at Blenheim Palace, said: “We’re delighted to be able to once again host the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service awards ceremony here at Blenheim Palace. All of us owe a huge debt of gratitude to our incredible firefighters and it’s an honour to be able to welcome them here to the palace.”

Case study – 14-year-old awarded for saving his family from a house fire

Special recognition went to 14 year old West Oxfordshire resident Max Ebeling, who received the Chief’s Commendation for 2021. (see image, below)

In the early hours of 19 March 2021, Max was woken by a cracking and popping noise in the corner of his bedroom. On investigation, he discovered the fuse board below his bedroom next to the front door was on fire.

Max acted quickly and alerted his family to the unfolding situation. At this point the smoke detectors had not gone off due to the location of the fire, which was spreading in the ground floor ceiling void and adjacent to the front door. On reaching the first floor landing the smoke detectors sounded the alarm and the family quickly escaped down the stairs past the developing fire, through the back door of the property, where his father dialled 999.

Due to Max’s quick and calm actions, he gave the family valuable seconds to escape before the exit route became smoke logged and potentially impassable due to smoke and fire. Although the smoke detectors set off as designed, Max’s quick thinking resulted in a safer, faster exit from the property.

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “Max was an absolute star – his quick thinking and calm actions saved his family from serious injury or worse. Max is a worthy winner of the Chief Fire Officer Commendation.

“This story highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home and checking them regularly.”

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The awards have been set up to celebrate and thank those who have brought hope and heroism to many people in the county since March 2020 when COVID-19 led to the first lockdown.

Imam Monawar Hussain, High Sheriff for Oxfordshire, said: “When I took office in April, I announced that my year would be spent celebrating and recognising acts of altruistic kindness and generosity during the pandemic by individuals, voluntary groups, and businesses/organisations, drawn from all walks of life.

“I was therefore delighted to receive, for this first round, 60 nominations – all in their own right making contributions to Oxfordshire’s communities that were both humbling and hugely inspiring to read. Our county has so many people and organisations dedicated to the selfless service of others and this has been made especially clear through this difficult and demanding period.”

“There are 21 final nominees but in no way should this diminish the contribution of those who were not successful on this occasion. To all of these people, we owe our thanks and gratitude for all that they have done, and continue to do, to serve their communities in Oxfordshire.”

Award winner Natasha Barnes, Customer Services Centre Delivery Manager at Cherwell District Council, said: “I would like to thank those who took the time to recognise these individuals and organisations who have tried to make a difference during the pandemic. I’m sure I speak for all the nominees when I say we didn’t expect thanks or praise for our efforts, rather that we did what we did because it was the right thing to do – this award is a great and unexpected bonus!”

Award winner Tehmeena Ajmal, Director of COVID Operations at Oxford Health, said: “I was so delighted to receive the letter telling us that our vaccination team has been given the High Sheriff’s Award. A recognition like this means so much to everyone who has been working so hard for so long on the vaccination programme. The High Sheriff has seen our work in action numerous times and is an incredible supporter of all our staff and volunteers working at the Kassam Stadium and the other locations where we have teams giving jabs.”

The list of final nominees was selected by the High Sheriff, Michael Payne, Under Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Adrian Sell, Chief Executive of the Oxfordshire Community Foundation and Sophie Law, disc jockey at BBC Radio Oxford.

The award ceremony for this round will take place on 22 September 2021.

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Oxfordshire County Council has made the final six in the Association for Public Sector Excellence (APSE) Annual Service Awards 2020 for its work to reform its highways service. It is shortlisted in the Best Innovation or Demand Management Initiative category.

Councillor Liam Walker, Cabinet Member for Highways Operations and Delivery, said: “I am really pleased we have been shortlisted for this award and proud of the excellent work our highways teams do. We are not complacent though, and know that there is always room for improvement, which is why it is so good to see this service is embracing change and always thinking of ways things can be done better.”

During 2018/19, the highways service conducted a full review of how it operated, including how it communicated with the public, the way it worked with its contractors, and how efficient it was. This resulted in a programme of improvements put in place to create a better highways service for Oxfordshire.

The improvements include:

• Increasing income by £400,000 per annum, reducing the burden on council taxpayers.
• Utilising funding more efficiently, increasing the money available to deliver services.
• Better engagement with town and parish councils, producing better information to help them deal with highways issues locally.
• Creating a network of local volunteer ‘super-users’ as part of the Fix My Street initiative that help report issues to the highways teams for fixing.
• A better approach to business planning that has improved the relationships with contractors and provided more robust measurement of performance.
• More and better communication with the public, with more information available about the work the highways teams are doing, using channels such as Twitter and Facebook.
• An increase in customer satisfaction with highway maintenance by nine per cent (National Highways & Transport Survey data).

APSE Chief Executive, Paul O’Brien, said: "These finalists are amongst the best in local government. Showing ingenuity and dedication to local government frontline services, they are all deserving of their place.

“The APSE Annual Service Awards are uniquely placed to recognise the enormous effort and dedication of these vital frontline services and the value of the unsung public sector heroes who deliver these services, day in and day out to local communities."

The winners will be announced at a special virtual ceremony on Wednesday 16 December 2020.

Oxfordshire’s Lord Lieutenant presented ‘Her Majesty, The Queen’s Long Service and Good Conduct’ medals to 16 members of operational staff, all who have served for 20 years.

Station Manager Pat Rosum was also presented with a distinguished certificate for his outstanding 45 years’ service and Watch Manager Charles Williams for 40 years’ service. Additionally, Christine Barefield was presented with her 30 years’ certificate.

The recipients received recognition for their commitment at Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service and Community Safety’s annual achievement evening at Blenheim Palace on 17 April.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Simon Furlong, said: “It is only right that we should acknowledge and appropriately recognise long service achievements.

“These awards indicate the high esteem in which the recipients are held by the authorities and the public and expresses our gratitude for their honourable service and devotion to duty.

“There were 435 years’ total service in the room, collectively an incredible amount of experience, commitment, bravery and endurance.”

Blenheim Palace’s Operations Director, Heather Carter, said: “We were incredibly humbled to host the awards ceremony that celebrates the success of Oxfordshire’s Community Safety Services and the firefighters who have dedicated 20 years or more service to its communities.”

Special recognition went to control operator Michelle Peacock, based at Thames Valley Fire Control Service in Calcot. She received the Chief’s Commendation of the Year.

On 05 January, Michelle took a call from a lady in distress, asking for Fire and Rescue to attend a house blaze in Banbury.

Michelle rapidly mobilised the correct fire vehicles and was consistently reassuring to the caller, helping them remain calm. Whilst doing this, Michelle sent additional information to her team. This was then passed to oncoming fire crews, so they were fully prepped to deal with the emergency.

Simon Furlong said: “The most impressive thing throughout the entire call was Michelle’s compassion, reassurance and professionalism. She is a well valued member of the Thames Valley Fire Control Service. Her actions, on 05 January, undoubtedly saved a life.”

Didcot-based firefighter Daniel Preston, and Mick Dunn from Kidlington, were recipients of the Chief’s Fundraiser of the Year award.

Daniel has been the driving force behind a great deal of the station’s fundraising over the last 18 months.

It began with his new-born son, Henry, being diagnosed with a rare heart condition and requiring some significant treatment at the John Radcliffe Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospitals.

This exposed Daniel and his family to stresses that they never had expected to experience and through their struggles they became involved with Max’s Foundation. This charity helps those families affected by this condition and makes it easier to cope.

Daniel and his colleagues have now raised over £9,000 for the charity. And the evening was topped-off for them when Didcot was named Oxfordshire Fire Station of the Year.