His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List 2025

The individuals below exemplify the leadership and inspiration that defines Durham worldwide.

We are proud to honour their connection with Durham University.

Amongst the recipients are alumna and Olympian Tessa Howard, for her contribution to the world of sport, alumna Rebecca Thomson, the journalist that first broke the Post Office story, and alumna and Chief Executive Officer of the Newcastle-Gateshead Initiative, Sarah Green.

2025 Honours List (Alphabetical by surname)

• Nicholas Fulton (Biology, St Cuthbert’s Society, 2006-09)

         MBE For services to British Foreign Policy.

• Nicolas John Gibb (Law, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1987-91)

         Knight Bachelor For Services to Education.

• Sarah Jane Green (Management Studies, St Chad’s College, 2017)

         OBE For services to Tourism.

• Judith Barbara Hartley (MBA, 2000-02)

         MBE For services to Business.

• Clare Louise Mary Harvey – Chief Executive, The Ogden Trust

         MBE For services to Education.

• Andrew Headley (Chemistry, Grey College, 1990-93)

         OBE For services to Educational Philanthropy and to Charity.

• Tessa Gillian Howard (Geography, University College, 2017-22)

         MBE For services to Inclusive Sportswear for Women and Girls.

• Calvin Kipling (Education, 2006-10)

         MBE For services to Education.

• Zoe Osmond (History, St Mary’s College, 1981-84)

         OBE For services to Tackling Gambling Harms.

• Victoria Jane Robertshaw (Economics, Trevelyan College, 1988-91)

         OBE For services to the Retail Sector.

• Joanne Smith (Enterprise Management, Graduate Society / Ustinov College, 2002-05)

         MBE For services to People Affected by Cancer in the North East of England.

• Toni Spoors (Education, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1991-92)

         MBE For services to Education.

• Debbie Ann Swales (Financial Management, 1999-2000)

         MBE For services to the Prevention of Loneliness and Isolation in Older People in North Yorkshire.

• Rebecca Margaret Mary Thomson (Economics, St Mary’s College, 2001-04)

         OBE For services to Justice.

We also offer congratulations to: 

• Professor Sir Leszek Krzysztof Borysiewicz – Former Chair, Cancer Research UK

         GBE For services to Cancer Research, to Clinical Research, to Medicine and to Charities.

• Professor Geoffrey Joel Crossick – Former Vice-Chancellor of University of London

         MBE For services to Arts and Education.

Find out more

• Read about The King’s New Year Honours List 2025 and view full details.

• Discover the nomination and submission process on the submission process from UK Government.