A raft of charity leaders have received awards as part of New Year’s Honours handed out by King Charles III.

Those to receive an OBE include Deafblind UK chair Robert Nolan, who is deafblind himself and has volunteered for the charity for more than 26 years, including leading its board since 2018.

The charity says the award "shines a welcome spotlight not only on his personal contribution, but on a community that is too often overlooked” with its chief executive Nikki Morris added that his is a “powerful advocate” for deafblind people.

Nolan said he is “deeply honoured and very proud to receive this award”.

He added: “Whether through my career or volunteering I have tried to challenge assumptions and highlight what people living with deafblindness can do, rather than what they may not be able to.

LGBTQ+ charity founder

Also receiving an OBE is the Dr Alex Rhys, for services to healthcare and the LGBTQ+ Community.

He is chief executive of the Infection Prevention Society and also the founder of the charity It Gets Better, which works to empower and support the LGBTQ+ community and helps more than 2.5m people through positive storytelling and crisis intervention content.

“I am extremely grateful for this recognition,” said Rhys.

“Both of the organisations I lead exist to support people at vulnerable moments, whether that is healthcare professionals working to reduce harm or LGBTQ+ young people seeking hope and connection.

“Any impact I have made has been possible because of the extraordinary volunteers, members and colleagues who give so much of themselves in service to others. This honour belongs to all of them.”

Youth leader

Among charity leaders to receive a CBE in the New Year Honours List is Neil Martin, chief executive of the Jewish Lads’ & Girls’ Brigade (JLGB), for “national service to young people, interfaith relations and Holocaust remembrance”.

This elevates Martin, who has led the charity for the last 20 years, from the OBE he received a decade ago.

“I am profoundly humbled by this honour,” he said.

“More than an individual achievement, it reflects the dedication of the young people, volunteers, survivors, colleagues and partners who make this vital work possible, and whom I am so privileged to work alongside.

“JLGB shaped who I am, and every day I remain inspired by the next generation.

“In a time when community and resilience matter more than ever, I remain deeply committed to ensuring the lessons of the past, combined with the energy and spirit of today’s young people, help shape a stronger and brighter future for us all.”

Alzheimer's charity chief

The CEO of Alzheimer’s Research UK Hilary Evans-Newton is another CBE recipient.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition," said Evans-Newton, who joined the charity in 2013.

"It reflects the incredible work of the entire team at Alzheimer’s Research UK, all our supporters, and our shared commitment to improving the lives of people affected by dementia through research.

"I am proud to be part of such a devoted and determined community.”

Autism pioneer

Another CBE recipient is the National Autistic Society’s lead associate consultant Dr Judith Gould, who has been instrumental in the diagnoses of autism during her career.

This has included helping develop an assessment tool during the 1970s that is still used globally, and carrying out research to identify the concept of a spectrum of autism.

She said she is “absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed with this honour”.

National Autistic Society chief executive Caroline Stevens added: “It is thanks to Dr Gould’s pioneering work that we are able to recognise the unique traits of autistic people and offer tailored support based on their needs.

“She has devoted her life to autism research in women, championing the fact that autistic women and girls are often misdiagnosed and transforming the lives of millions as a result.”

Comedian fundraiser honoured

Celebrity charity supporters to receive an honour includes Paul Elliot, who is more widely known as Paul Chuckle, one half of the comedy act The Chuckle Brothers with his brother Paul. He has received an MBE for his work supporting end of life care charity Marie Curie, which the brothers began supporting in 2016 and looked after Barry before his death two years later.

“It was mine and Barry’s privilege to support Marie Curie together for all those years until he died, and it’s been my pleasure to keep supporting them ever since,” said Elliot, who is taking part in the charity’s 40th anniversary celebrations this year.

Former Charity Commission chair

Elsewhere, former Charity Commission chair Orlando Fraser has been named a CBE. He chaired the regulator from 2022 until last year.

The appointment of former Conservative Party candidate Fraser had been rejected by MPs sitting on the Culture, Media and Sport selection commission amid concerns around a lack of diversity in the selection at the time.

Also, his political affiliations garnered criticism from the charity sector.

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