Westminster alumni and supporters have been recognised in the 2023 King’s New Year Honours list for their achievements and services to their respective industries.
Along with the Birthday Honours, the New Year Honours list is the most significant announcement of civilian and military gallantry awards. The recipients have improved the lives of others or are outstanding in what they do in some way.
Jane Chelliah-Manning, who was a Policy Lead for the Marine Sector at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and alumna of the Law LLB Honours course and the Legal Practice Postgraduate Diploma, has been awarded an MBE for her work in the civil service and contributions to British society. Jane also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from the London School of Economics, and is a contributor to the BBC Asian Network on issues relating to Asian women.
Another alumna, Dr Ingrid Pollard, a renowned portrait and landscape photographer of the Black experience in Britain and a Turner Prize nominee this year, was awarded an MBE for her services to Art. She received a PhD from Westminster in 2016, and her practice is concerned with representation, history, and landscape with reference to race, difference and the materiality of lens-based media. Her work is included in numerous collections including the UK Arts Council and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Peter Kyle, former Chair of the University Court of Governors, received a CBE for services to cultural heritage. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from Westminster and received an OBE for services to drama in the 2011 New Year's Honours. He is currently Trustee of the Noel Coward Foundation, Governor of English National Ballet School, Honorary President of Tavaziva Dance Company, and a Member of Council of Shakespeare’s Globe. He also served as Chair of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust for 11 years until September 2022.
Speaking about being awarded a CBE, Peter Kyle commented: “A particularly pleasing aspect of the CBE is that it is awarded, ‘for services to cultural heritage’. The University of Westminster has its own very rich cultural heritage, which includes the former Soho Poly Theatre, now the subject of a restoration project which I fully applaud.”
Speaking about her MBE, Jane Chelliah-Manning said: “I read Law at the University of Westminster and can honestly say that it was one of the best years of my life. The staff were very encouraging, accessible and were motivated to help students achieve good results. I was inspired to always do my best. I joined the Civil Service soon after graduating and have used my legal education to good effect by working on legislation. I want to thank the University’s legal faculty for shaping my career.”
Learn about the colleagues, alumni, supporters who were recognised in the 2022 New Year’s Honours.
Learn more about restoring the Soho Poly.
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