Barnsley Council Chief Executive to be awarded OBE in the King’s New Year Honours

We’re delighted to announce that our Chief Executive, Sarah Norman, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours for her outstanding dedication and contribution to Local Government.

Sarah has been the Chief Executive of Barnsley Council since July 2019 but has had a long career in local government and leading services that deliver positive impacts for local people and places.  

Sarah’s success is reflected in Barnsley Council being awarded Council of the Year in 2023 by both the Local Government Chronicle and The MJ. A massive achievement and the only council to have ever won both awards in the same year. It’s also seen in initiatives across the borough like Health on the High Street, Pathways to Work, Love Where You Live and our Great Childhoods Ambition, including the very popular MiCard free bus travel for under 18s in Barnsley.

Sarah said: "I'm deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. I am passionate about local government and the difference it can make in communities and working in Barnsley has been the highlight of my career. This honour is not just for me but reflects the commitment and hard work of the politicians and many partners and teams I’ve had the privilege to lead and work alongside."

Leader of Barnsley Council, Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, said: “On behalf of Barnsley Council and our borough, I congratulate Sarah on this richly deserved honour. Her leadership and focus on people and place have strengthened Barnsley Council’s services and our communities. Sarah’s contribution exemplifies public service at its best, and we are proud to see it recognised nationally.