A Board Member of the Co-op Academies Trust, has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Jane Cowell, who works for the Education Funding Agency (EFA) alongside her voluntary role with the Academies Trust, has been awarded an OBE.

The award is recognition for Jane’s services to education – for which she has dedicated her working life.

Russell Gill, Chair of the Co-op Academies Trust Board, said “Congratulations to Jane, everyone involved with the Co-op Academies knows how hard Jane works alongside her already important role with the EFA. This is a wonderful honour for Jane and it proves just how valuable she is to our board.”

Jane has served on the board of the Co-op Academies Trust since 2014 and has supported during a time of significant growth.

Throughout her career Jane has held a number of senior leadership roles in education spanning higher-education, local authorities and the voluntary sector.

Jane has been invited to Buckingham Palace to receive the award later in the year.