Jonathan Freeman, founder and chief executive of the CareTech Foundation - the first independent grant-making charitable corporate foundation in the care sector - has been awarded an MBE for services to charity in the Queen’s new year’s honours list.
Under his leadership since its founding three years ago, the foundation has committed over £2.5m in grants to long-term partnerships to drive change in the care sector, including a £1m partnership with the British Asian Trust to deliver a step change in mental health and wellbeing provision in Pakistan where mental health problems affect one in four people.
In addition, CareTech Foundation established a £1m partnership with Barnardo’s to develop a digital resource to support at least 1000 young people per year leaving care.
Other developments include the newly-completed ToddlerLab at Birkbeck University of London, which uses cutting edge technologies for early age autism research, and establishing a partnership with EY Foundation to develop a ‘care to employment’ programme for care-experienced young people.
Freeman has also been a driving force of the cross-sector Championing Social Care initiative, of which he is vice-chairman.
The initiative aims to shine a light on the incredible value of social care and those who live and work within it.
Championing Social Care also delivers the Care Sector Fundraising Ball, which has raised over £350,000 in its first two years for care-related charities including the Care Workers Charity and Alzheimer’s Society.
“Working in charities is a rare privilege and to receive this honour as well is very special,” said Freeman.
Other social care professionals awarded honours include:
KBE
- David Pearson, former director of adult social care at Nottinghamshire Council
OBE
- Sean Holland, chief social work officer, Department of Health, Northern Ireland Executive
- Claudia Sykes, chief executive, Social Enterprise Kent and All Seasons Community Support
MBE
- Dr. Richard Harling, director of health and care, Staffordshire County Council
- Stephen Holmes, service director of adult social care, Northumberland County Council
- Ryan Kelley, chief executive, Whitmore Vale Housing Association, Surrey
- Catherine Paterson, founder, Dochas Fund, Argyle & Bute
British Empire Medal
- David and Jennifer English, directors, English Care Ltd., Shropshire
- Laura Gaudion, assistant director of adult social care commissioning, Isle of Wight Council
- Emrys Owen, healthcare assistant, Royal Star & Garter Surbiton, Surrey
- Andrew Rowe, senior activities co-ordinator, Arbrook House care home, Esher, Surrey
- Elizabeth Saunders, manager, Waverley Court care home, Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute
