The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is celebrating the award of two MBEs to its senior staff members in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok has received an MBE for services to the allied health professions; RCSLT Northern Ireland Policy Officer Alison McCullough received an MBE for services to speech and language therapy in Northern Ireland.

Kamini Gadhok

Kamini Gadhok

Kamini has promoted the allied health professions' role as integrators of care across health, social care and education. She is a strong patient-focused campaigner, particularly around issues such as stroke and services for children with speech language and communication needs. She has forged strong relationships with ministers and civil servants through her involvement in a number of government initiatives and policy developments. The award of an MBE recognises in particular Kamini's ability to work beyond her responsibilities to the speech and language therapy profession, championing the work of all professions allied to health.

Kamini says, "I am absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award. The fact that two members of staff from the Royal College have received honours shows the importance of speech and language therapy and the allied health professions within modern health, education and social care services."

The allied health professions include physiotherapists, psychologists, podiatrists and many others, as well as speech and language therapists.

Alison McCullough

Alison McCullough

Alison's MBE recognises her tireless dedication to people in Northern Ireland who need support with their speech, language and communication. Alison chaired the NI Ministerial Task Force into Speech and Language Therapy Provision. Her determination helped to bring together professionals from health and education, developing a consensus and recommendations to support improvements in service provision.

Alison set up the 'Lets Communicate Network', a multi-professional/voluntary agency regional committee, which raised awareness of the needs of people with communication and learning disability. She was successful in gaining funding from the European Year of Disability for 'Safehands' - an award-winning project with Torbank special school and Safeway's supermarket.

Alison says, "I am thrilled to receive this reward in recognition of my services to speech and language therapy. I am passionate about raising awareness of the needs of those with communication difficulties in Northern Ireland and I hope that this award will enable me to raise the profile of our profession even further."

RCSLT Chair Mary Turnbull adds, "I am personally delighted that Kamini and Alison have received these awards. Kamini is a dynamic leader for the RCSLT and within the Allied Health Professions Federation. She is a strategic thinker and a great team player who delivers results for our organisations, our members and those who benefit from the services they provide.

"Alison is a dedicated professional who has worked conscientiously, as a clinician and a leader, for people with communication problems in Northern Ireland. Her MBE recognises her tremendous contribution to speech and language therapy."

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