Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to young people and to education.
Javed said:
“I’m delighted and incredibly humbled to receive this Honour.
“Growing up in inner city Birmingham in the 1960s and 70s, with Kashmiri immigrant parents who couldn’t read or write in any language, I never dreamt this would be possible for someone like me.
“At Barnardo’s we passionately believe that incredible things can happen when you believe in children, whatever their background. My family didn’t have much when I was growing up, but they gave me the love, care and hope that set me on the path to where I am today.
“As Chief Executive of the UK’s leading children’s charity, it is my mission to help deliver that love, care and hope to the vulnerable children and young people across the UK who need it most. This Honour is a testament to the work of this incredible charity, and to every colleague, volunteer and supporter who goes above and beyond, every single day to make sure children and families can achieve the positive future they deserve.”