NHS chief presented with CBE at Windsor Castle

Michael has been awarded the highest ranking British Empire Order from HRH the Princess Royal for his work, particularly during the pandemic.

He not only carried out the role of chief executive at NHSBSA but also and stepped in to become Interim Chief Executive at the former Public Health England (PHE), following the announcement of its closure in August 2020.

Both organisations played crucial roles during the pandemic. The NHSBSA stood up around 50 new services to support the national effort whilst PHE led on health protection and many aspects of the national response.

Michael undertook these dual roles until October 2021 as he oversaw the successful transition of PHE into the UK Health Security Agency and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

Michael, who is from Ashington in Northumberland, attended the ceremony with his wife Katherine, son Jack and mam Joan. He said: “It was such a proud and emotional day for me. Not only to receive this incredible accolade from HRH the Princess Royal, but also to have been included in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s final Birthday Honours.

“I am so honoured to have worked with not one but two incredible organisations that have performed such vital roles during the most challenging and difficult time for public health in current times.

“I would like to thank my NHSBSA and former PHE colleagues who used their specialised skills and capabilities to support the frontline as they combatted the pandemic. The NHS is our greatest institution and I am so very proud to be a part of it.”

As well as his position at the NHSBSA, Michael is a co-opted member of the Council for the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and a Trustee of the Community Foundation, based in the North East, the largest philanthropic organisation in Europe.