Kirstie Baughan – who is studying for her PhD exploring the integration experiences of unaccompanied children leaving care with the University’s Institute of Applied Social Research – was recognised for her work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and refugees.

Back in 2022, Kirstie celebrated winning two accolades at the Social Worker of the Year Awards – being named the joint winner of ‘Overall Social Worker of the Year’ and awarded the top prize of Gold in the ‘Social Justice Advocate’ category.

Currently working as a practitioner with Central Bedfordshire Council, Kirstie also dedicates her time to volunteering with charity Care4Calais which works with refugees in the UK, Belgium and France.

Alongside all of these important roles, Kirstie has dedicated her time to working locally to support older people, children in care, and domestic abuse survivors.

Speaking about receiving her honour in the annual list, Kirstie said: “When I received a letter with ‘His Majesty’s Service’ stamped on the front, I was racking my brain wondering what it could be. You can imagine my surprise when I started reading and realised I was going to be listed in the New Year’s Honours for services to social work. It was a huge shock, especially as I’ve been lucky enough to know so many social workers whose work deserves to be celebrated. 

“The University of Bedfordshire have played a big part in my career since qualifying as a social worker. I would like to say a very special thank you to my three supervisors who have taught me so much, and to the young people that I have met during my research, who have trusted me with their life histories.”