Children’s Services officer recognised in the King's Birthday Honours

Children’s Services officer recognised in the King's Birthday Honours

We are delighted to announce that Claire Gilmore has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. This prestigious recognition highlights Claire's exceptional contributions and dedication to children, young people, and the community in Barnsley.

Claire is a long-serving employee within Barnsley Council's children's services, with over 20 years of service, always championing the early years and childcare sector. Claire's involvement in Barnsley’s early years sector has contributed to the development and implementation of services, policies, and standards that enhance the quality and consistency of early years provision and early childhood services. Some of her work and successes include:

• Driving forward early help and intervention to make sure that Barnsley families have access to the right help and support at the earliest opportunity.
• Leading the support offer to the early years sector, contributing to Barnsley having a consistently high percentage of early years providers graded good or outstanding, currently 98%
• Developing the local Sure Start Children's Centre offer, which has in recent years developed into family centres and now family hubs.
• Leading youth services and youth justice services, achieving a good grade in the His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons inspection.
• Spearheading local innovation in developing a multiagency contextual safeguarding response to ensure children and young people remain safe, including the launch of a dedicated Youth Hub at Commerce House.

Claire, who has recently moved roles within the Council from Head of Early Start, Prevention and Sufficiency to Head of Service for Reforms, expressed her gratitude: “I’m deeply honoured to be recognised in the King’s birthday honours. I’ve dedicated my career to supporting the children, young people and families of Barnsley, and we’ve seen some great progress and successes. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and the community, who have supported me throughout my career."

Cllr Trevor Cave, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: “This is a great achievement for Claire. She is an ambassador and champion for Barnsley’s youngest residents, and I’m very grateful for everything she has done in our borough.”

Carly Speechley, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Barnsley Council, said: “Claire's commitment and achievements are truly inspiring. This award is well-deserved, and I am proud to have such a remarkable person in my team, and we’re incredibly lucky to have her supporting the transformation of services for children, young people and families in Barnsley."