The Hon. Dame Linda Dobbs DBE
Dame Linda Dobbs was appointed a high court judge in October 2004 becoming Queen’s Counsel, making her the first person from an ethnic minority background to be appointed to the high court. She is Director of International Training at the Judicial College and Senior Liaison Judge for Diversity. She is on the Court of Governors of the London School of Economics and chairs its Ethics Policy Committee and holds five honorary doctorates. “There are many people in the community who do significant voluntary and unpaid work without official recognition. It is important that their efforts are recognised, not only in order that the volunteers themselves know that their valuable contributions are noted, but also, in order that others can appreciate their work and, hopefully, feel encouraged to volunteer.
James Roe MBE
James Roe started rowing when he joined his local club at the age of 12. He competes in the legs, trunks and arms adaptive mixed coxed four event and won a gold medal at the 2009 World Rowing Championships. At the 2010 World Rowing Championships Roe won a silver medal. In 2011 he competed at the Championships and won a gold medal. Roe was selected along with his team to compete for Great Britain in the Summer Paralympics where the team took gold. “During my career I have had the good fortune to be surrounded by strong role models who have helped me achieve my goals. In society, there are literally thousands of people inspiring others and helping them achieve their aims. It is great to see that those doing good work in the community are now able to have their efforts recognised by The British Citizen Awards. I am proud to support this initiative and wish all the nominees success in all they do”
Charlie is a Welsh actress, best known for playing ‘Janine Butcher’ in the BBC’s EastEnders. Her most recent appearance on Channel4’s Suspects reinforced her acting credentials and showcased her versatility. Brooks released a highly popular and bestseller fitness DVD, “Before And After Workout”,before winning the 2011 version of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special and the twelfth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. “There are so many people doing great work in the community and their efforts, although greatly appreciated, are often not being recognised as they should be. The British Citizen Awards is a great initiative to shine a spotlight of recognition and appreciation on those doing such wonderful things for all of us.”Lord Digby Jones
Lord Digby Jones joined the CBI in 2000 as Director General where he quickly became known in the public arena, especially for his candid, forthright attitude in his many media appearances. In 2005 he was knighted for his services to business and became Sir Digby Jones in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. In July 2007 he was appointed Minister of State for UK Trade & Investment and became a life peer taking the title, Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham Kt. Forthright and, as ever, loyal to British business he spent the next 15 months “doing it in a different way”. He did not join the party of government and without the ambition to progress in politics he concentrated on the business of promoting Britain across the world, travelling to 31 countries in 45 overseas visits. “These awards will set the standard. Businesses large and small need to work closely with local communities and promote good citizenship. That’s good for business, education and training, personal security, self-esteem and the well-being of our Country.”
Angus Munro – Founder of AM Casting
Angus is renowned as one of the top five casting directors in the world with offices in New York, Los Angeles and London. He has managed some of the biggest names in the game, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington amongst others. He has featured in editorial in Vogue and W magazines, has a client list to die for including Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld and Hugo Boss. His top tip for models is to have a sense of humour. Angus has never forgotten his roots and believes that every good turn deserves another. “There are many people in our community undertaking voluntary and unpaid work without any formal recognition – and often without thanks. There are others who just make a difference by caring for others. Each day great people do great things for others. Their efforts and endeavours should be widely recognised so that they know the useful contribution they are making is not taken for granted. Others in the community should be able to recognise them as role models. The British Citizen Awards is a great accolade shining the spotlight on such great people in our community.”
Having represented Great Britain for fourteen years at the highest level in athletics, Roger won fifteen major Championship Medals including European, Commonwealth and World Championship Gold Medals. Roger‘s greatest achievements were winning the Olympic 400 metres Silver Medal in 1996 and being part of the Gold Medal winning 4 x 400 metres relay team at the 1991 World Championships. “In 1992 I received an MBE- I remember thinking not only that it was an honour for me but also what a shame that more people who are doing exceptional things could not be recognised. Now the British Citizen Awards admirably fills that gap. It is accessible to all and recognises the endeavours of people from all walks of life whose actions are making life better for others. “
“I am very pleased to endorse and support this most excellent initiative to recognise unsung heroes through the tremendously inspiring British Citizens Awards. To be recognised without expectation for outstanding efforts resulting in life-changing benefit and change for others – often those disadvantaged or suffering misfortune, will inspire and encourage worthy and ordinary human beings amongst us who give so generously of time, skill, care and attention – as willing volunteers. So much is being done without desire or aim for recognition or even thanks, and much of it makes a huge difference to otherwise unremarkable lives. These awards will focus attention on values and mindsets which exhibit concern for others and selflessness on the grand but often unnoticed scale. Social Responsibility is often talked about – The British Citizens Awards could make a big difference to communities, society and the way the next generation think and behave.”