“`html
New Year Honours 2021: Britain’s Finest Recognised
The 2021 New Year Honours list salutes 1,239 outstanding individuals from across the UK. From community heroes to world-class professionals, these awards celebrate extraordinary service, diversity, and dedication.
Honours Snapshot: Diversity and Dedication
- 1,123 honours awarded at BEM, MBE, and OBE levels:
- 397 British Empire Medals (BEM)
- 476 MBEs
- 250 OBEs
- 65% (803) recognised for exceptional community work, paid or voluntary
- 49% honoured are women
- 14.2% hail from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds
- 6.9% have a disability (Equality Act 2010)
- 4% identified as LGBT+
Top Honours: Who’s Who in 2021
Companions of Honour Sir David Alan Chipperfield CBE
World-renowned British architect Sir David Chipperfield leads international firms from London to Shanghai. Since starting his practice in 1985, his works include the award-winning Museum of Modern Literature. In 2009, he was awarded Germany’s Order of Merit for his outstanding contributions to architecture.
Rachel Griffith CBE FBA
Economist Rachel Griffith broke barriers as the Royal Economic Society’s first female president in decades. Instrumental in shaping the UK government’s COVID-19 economic policies, she founded the Economics Observatory to guide policy-makers through the pandemic.
Sheila Hancock CBE
Legendary actress Sheila Hancock has dazzled stage and screen for over 70 years. Known for her activism since opposing Ruth Ellis’s hanging in 1955, Sheila champions disadvantaged kids through The John Thaw Foundation and educational projects.
Irene Lucas-Hays CBE
Apprenticeship advocate Irene Lucas-Hays has spent 40 years boosting skills and job opportunities, especially in the North East. She co-founded the Hays Travel Foundation to empower young people through training and careers support.
Caroline Mason CBE
Philanthropist Caroline Mason backs causes that build inclusive, creative, and sustainable communities via the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. She swiftly unleashed £16 million in COVID-19 emergency grants to charities across the UK.
Patricia Ann McGrath MBE
Glow-getter Pat McGrath is the beauty world’s most influential make-up artist. Through her Pat McGrath Labs, she smashed sales records, dominated Selfridges, and made the Powerlist for the UK’s top Black influencers, with a Time cover nod in 2019.
Professor Carol Propper CBE FBA
Acclaimed economist Professor Carol Propper channels her expertise to shape UK health and economic policies, especially around COVID-19. She’s a leading voice at the Centre for Economic Policy Research and former president of the Royal Economic Society.
Alwen Williams CBE
NHS leader Alwen Williams turned Barts Health Trust from special measures into a top-rated hospital group serving 2.5 million in East London. Under her guidance, financial woes eased and care quality soared.
Knights Bachelor: Saluted for Excellence Richard James Atkins CBE
Education powerhouse Richard Atkins helmed Exeter College for 14 years, steering it to national awards and an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating. He’s held key national roles, including Further Education Commissioner and Ofsted board member.
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen
World-leading psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen is recognised for his groundbreaking work on autism and learning disabilities, revolutionising understanding and care in the UK and beyond.
More Honourees Across the UK
The list also celebrates hundreds more heroes—from NHS workers, educators, designers to community volunteers. Each name reflects grit, passion, and service in sectors vital to Britain’s fabric, especially during the tough COVID-19 years.
For a full breakdown of all recipients, including those honoured with MBEs, OBEs, and BEMs for their remarkable contributions, visit the official honours database.
“`
