GLD colleagues recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021

We are delighted that 6 GLD colleagues have been awarded in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list​, they are:

• Wendy Hardaker, nominated as Director, Commercial Law Group, now interim Director General, who has been awarded a C.B. for services to the law

• Gareth Evans C.B.E., Deputy Legal Director, BEIS Legal Team, who has been awarded a C.B for services to the law

• Michael Des Tombe, Deputy Legal Director, Cabinet Office, Europe Legal Group, who has been awarded a C.B.E for public service

• Samantha Ede, Deputy Legal Director, Home Office Legal Team, who has been awarded a C.B.E for services to the law

• Lee John-Charles, Deputy Legal Director, Litigation, who has been awarded a C.B.E for services to the law

• Ashok Taylor, HEO Operations, who has been awarded an M.B.E for services to Government, especially during COVID-19

Following the announcement on Friday 11 June, the Communications and Engagement Team have caught up with Lee John-Charles who had this to say on his accolade:

“To be told that I would be receiving an honour was unbelievably humbling, overwhelming and exciting. However, I consider it an even greater honour to have worked with GLD colleagues who have been incredibly supportive and celebrated my achievements through the years, by nominating me for this award. I hope that this honour provides inspiration to those of a similar background and who have faced similar challenges to me, that anything is possible. The smile on my face as I say this right now is evidence of that. Thank you everyone!”

We will be sharing reflections from others awarded throughout the week.