A former director at Salford City Council has received an MBE for her dedication in helping local people.
Debbie Brown, who was a Strategic Director for Service Reform, received the prestigious Member of the British Empire (MBE) award in honour of the King’s Birthday (June 15).
During her career she worked with the Good Things Foundation – the UK’s leading digital and social inclusion organisation – to help those who lacked digital skills to get online and access core services.
In total over 10,000 Salfordians were given skills to transact online and 30,000 people to get access to digital support. More than 2,000 devices and connectivity packages were gifted to local residents.
Debbie also played a lead role in the council’s Better Off approach, to give more opportunities to local people. Better Off Salford has helped thousands of people with support for benefits and employment with information easily available via www.betteroffsalford.org.uk. The project has supported residents with more than £20milion of help.
In addition, her Poverty Truth Commission work was nationally recognised, winning a Municipal Journal Award in 2018 for delivering better outcomes. This work was also instrumental in abolishing burial and cremation fees for children under 16 to ease the financial burden on bereaved families.
Debbie said: “I am deeply honoured and thrilled to have been recognised in this way. It’s testament to the hard work, energy and commitment from teams and elected members across the council and a fantastic community and voluntary sector in the city that enabled everything that was achieved.”
Debbie worked at the council for more than 30 years, progressing to Strategic Director for Service Reform in 2017. She retired from the city council in 2023, and has recently been appointed as Director of Salford Credit Union to continue her work to support residents in the city and the anti-poverty agenda.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I am delighted that Debbie Brown has been recognised in the Kings Honour’s List for her dedication and service over many years to Salford City Council, our city, its people, communities and local businesses.
“Debbie played a significant role in the direction of the city and City Council, from improving the council’s digital inclusion and innovation within the city, working in partnership with our university and hospital to helping develop the City Council’s long-standing strategic relationship with our Credit Union.”
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