A senior Newham social worker, who has worked in children's social care for almsot 40 years, has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours.

Beverley Halligan, principal social worker (PSW) at Newham Council, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to the public sector.

Beverley has been PSW in Newham for six years, with much of her career spent in the borough.

She tweeted to say 35 of her 38-year career as a social worker had been in Newham, adding: "It's been a privilege."

According to Newham Council, she has been commended with support from the Department for Education in the wake of an improved Ofsted rating last year.

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Beverley said: "It’s an incredible honour to be nominated on such a national scale for the work done throughout the borough over the last few years.

"This award is a reflection and tribute to all those who played their part in helping to safeguard, protect and nurture our young people during adversity.

"We’ve been on a transformative journey for the last few years, all whilst navigating the pandemic, and I’m incredibly humbled by the nomination, let alone the award."

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Tim Aldridge, corporate director of children and young people’s services, called Beverley "a consistent source of support, resilience and passion throughout Newham’s improvement journey".

He added: "The achievements over the last few years were due in no small measure to Beverley keeping hope alive for the workforce throughout this time.

"Beverley is the epitome of a dedicated social worker. She frequently goes the extra mile to improve outcomes for children.

"Thanks to her creativity, care and dedication, Newham has a professional development offer for social workers providing the support and guidance that is essential in the early part of their career – this has radically improved the stability and quality of social work in Newham."

The King's Birthday Honours 2023 were announced on Friday (June 16).

Other Newham recipients include Angela Caroo MBE, Ellen Kemp MBE and Caroline Rae MBE.