Charity leaders and fundraisers are among the hundreds of people recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Among those to receive an OBE is Rosie Ferguson, whose six-year term leading charity leaders’ body ACEVO ended last year. She is also a former chief executive of The House of St Barnabas and Gingerbread.

Charity Retail Association chief executive Robin Osterley has also received an OBE as has Richard Kramer, the former CEO of disability charity Sense.

Kramer served as deputy CEO and led the charity from 2013 to this year, when he took early retirement. He currently holds a non-executive director role at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

“It’s an honour to be recognised by His Majesty,” said Kramer.

“It reflects the hard work and dedication of so many staff colleagues and volunteers that I have been so lucky to work and volunteer with over 40 years in the disability sector.

“This award is a testament to their commitment to improving the lives of disabled people.”

Sense chair Mark Cammies added: "This is a well-deserved honour bestowed on Richard by His Majesty. It recognises the amazing contribution he made to Sense as our previous CEO and to the wider disability sector over many years.”

Another OBE recipient in the charity sector is Russell Prior, chair of The Bell foundation for eight years until 2021.

“It’s an absolute honour to be recognised for my contribution to the charity and philanthropy sectors. The worlds of charity and philanthropy are so important to the health of our communities," he said.

“Through my involvement in these sectors, I have met so many committed and inspirational people and organisations, each with their own motivation to improve the societies we live in. To all the colleagues and friends I have had the pleasure of working with, I’d like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the shared journey.”

Charity founders honoured

Meanwhile Stephanie Slater, founder and chief executive of the charity School Food Matters, has been awarded an MBE. She also co-chairs the School Food Alliance.

The charity’s chair Rebecca O-Connell said: “It is magnificent that Stephanie’s tireless work to improve the lives of school children throughout England is recognised in this honour.

“This award recognises that the charity’s growing success derives from Stephanie’s determination to actively put hope into practice, driving transformation to meet every child’s right to nutritious school food.”

Scottish husband and wife charity founders Garreth and Nicola Wood, who launched Kids Operating Room seven years ago to create paediatric operating rooms in low and middle income countries, have also received MBEs.

"From co-founding Kids Operating Room together, to championing causes close to our hearts here in Scotland and around the world, our journey has always been about giving every child a fairer start in life.

"Nicola and I were deeply honoured to each receive an MBE for 'Services to Health and Charity, particularly Surgery for Children internationally'.

“It's humbling to be recognised in this way, and even more special to share this moment side-by-side with Nicola."

Charity fundraisers have also been honoured in the Kings Birthday list, including former England captain David Beckham for services to sport and charity.

Last year the former Manchester United midfielder was recruited as an ambassador for King Charles' the King’s Foundation.

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