Celebrating Charity Sector Leaders in the 2026 New Year Honours

by | 7th January 2026 | People & Leadership

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As we begin 2026, we’re delighted to celebrate the many remarkable individuals from across the charity and social impact sector who have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours List for their exceptional service to communities, social justice, and public good. These honours reflect years of dedication, leadership, and compassion.

Among those honoured this year are leaders whose work spans food poverty, youth support, inclusion, homelessness, arts and culture, social enterprise, and more. Their recognition is a testament not only to individual achievement, but also to the many volunteers, staff, partners and communities who work alongside them day in and day out.

A Special Honour for Emma Revie, OBE

We are especially proud to see Emma Revie, Co-Chief Executive of Trussell, named in the New Year Honours with an OBE for services to the eradication of poverty.

Since taking the helm at Trussell in 2018, Emma has been a powerful advocate for food equity, dignity and structural change. She has championed the voices of people with lived experience of hardship, supported food banks across the UK, and worked tirelessly with policymakers and partners to push for systemic change so that no one needs a food bank to afford the essentials.

In her remarks on receiving the honour, Emma highlighted that this recognition belongs to every food bank volunteer, supporter and decision-maker committed to ending hunger and hardship. Her words remind us that meaningful change happens through collective effort, solidarity and sustained advocacy.

“This incredible honour belongs to every food bank, volunteer, decision maker and supporter who has stood with us in our mission to end hunger and hardship… Together we have shown that change is possible…” Emma Revie, OBE

Zoe Williams, Vassall Community Hub Manager says, “The fact that Food Poverty exists in the UK at all is an injustice, but thanks to people like Emma working tirelessly to support those who are struggling to put bread on the table, people have somewhere to go, an extra helping hand and a little less to worry about each week.” 

Recognition That Inspires

As we reflect on these achievements, it’s inspiring to see so many people working for the public good being acknowledged at a national level. We extend our congratulations to all those named in the 2026 New Year Honours and thank everyone who continues to contribute to positive change in your communities, whether through leadership, advocacy, volunteering, or partnership.

Here’s to the year ahead, and to the collective impact we can generate when we work together for equity, dignity and opportunity for all. 🎉

Want to get involved in supporting food equity in Bristol? Join us at Vassall Community Hub or Stockwood Community Hub – volunteer, partner with us, or take part in activities. Get in touch to find out more.

Vassall Community Hub

Stockwood Community Hub

Volunteer for Bristol Charities | Bristol Charities

Author: Sophie Jerrold

Author: Sophie Jerrold

Sophie has a proven track record in neuroscience research, the arts, and social change sectors. With a 20-year career in the VCSE sector, she has driven sustainable growth, fostered impactful collaborations, and built strong partnerships. Communicating impact and purpose has been central to ensuring initiatives create meaningful, lasting change.

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