Two Bedfordians have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025, alongside three others from elsewhere in the county, for their exceptional service to their communities and professions.
The annual honours list celebrates the achievements of individuals across the UK, and this year’s Bedfordshire recipients have been praised for their work in health, education, community cohesion, anti-knife crime campaigning, and support for people with disabilities.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada, praised all five recipients for their contributions to public life. “It brings me a huge amount of pleasure to see that we have people within Bedfordshire being recognised by His Majesty for their outstanding work,” she said.
“These medals are only given to a small proportion of people that have either achieved something exceptional in public life or selflessly made life better for others. I congratulate them all for their incredible efforts.”
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Professor Jagtar Singh
For services to the NHS
Professor Jagtar Singh has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his outstanding contributions to public service, particularly within the NHS and fire service.
A Bedford resident, Professor Singh served as Chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust from 2014 to 2024, where he championed equality, diversity, and culturally competent care. His leadership helped reduce health inequalities and improve workforce outcomes across the Trust.
Prior to this, he was the UK’s first BAME Chief Fire Officer, rising to Deputy Chief Fire Officer at West Midlands Fire Service before retiring in 2005. He was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his pioneering work in diversity within the fire service.
Recognised as one of the 50 most influential BAME health leaders by the Health Service Journal, Professor Singh has also been a trustee of the Healing Foundation and Bedford Race Equality. His lifetime of public service was honoured with a lifetime achievement award in 2023.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mr Sat Paul
For services to the community in Bedford
Sat Paul has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his long-standing dedication to the Bedford community.
As a respected community leader, Mr Paul has helped organise events celebrating Bedford’s cultural diversity and has supported various charitable initiatives tackling food insecurity, homelessness, and access to education.
His work has fostered inclusivity, built stronger community ties, and earned him several commendations from local authorities. His MBE recognises a lifetime of service aimed at improving lives across Bedford.
Other Bedfordshire recipients
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mr Peter Cohen (Central Bedfordshire), lately headteacher, Oak Bank School
Peter Cohen receives an OBE for services to education. He led Oak Bank School to two Outstanding Ofsted ratings and helped transform the Academy of Central Bedfordshire, improving outcomes for pupils with SEMH needs.
Mr Drew Murray (Central Bedfordshire), co-founder, Team UnLimbited
Drew Murray receives an MBE for services to people with disabilities and charitable fundraising. Through Team UnLimbited, he has helped develop low-cost, 3D-printed prosthetics, improving access and affordability for users worldwide.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Miss Pooja Kanda (Central Bedfordshire), anti-knife crime campaigner, Justice for Ronan
Pooja Kanda is awarded an OBE for her work preventing knife crime through the Justice for Ronan campaign. She has delivered school workshops, collaborated with police, and campaigned for policy change.
The honours system celebrates the people who go above and beyond to change the world around them for the better.
It recognises those who have volunteered their time and efforts, gained the respect of their peers, and displayed moral and physical courage or showed real innovation and entrepreneurship.
Anyone can receive an award, and anyone can nominate someone, as long as they demonstrate the exceptional contribution the person has made. For further information on how to nominate someone for a UK honour, head to the honours pages of Gov.UK.
