The honours system in the United Kingdom is undergoing significant changes to enhance inclusivity and representation. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the limitations present in the traditional awarding system, which has often been criticized for its geographic and socio-economic biases. At the forefront of this change is Moni Mannings, a distinguished business leader, who has been appointed as the independent chair of a newly formed “diversity and outreach committee” established by the Cabinet Office.
With Ms. Mannings at the helm, the committee is set to operate over a five-year period, aiming to broaden the horizons of the honours system to include a more varied representation from communities across the country. Recent analyses by the BBC revealed concerning statistics, highlighting that merely 6% of higher awards had gone to individuals from the northern regions of England, while only 4% were awarded to those from working-class backgrounds. These figures underscore the need for reform within the honours framework.
“The honours system is one of our nation’s most visible mechanisms, not only for celebrating individual contributions but also for endorsing our society’s values,” Ms. Mannings stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in recognition processes. Her sentiment reflects a deep understanding of the societal narratives that can be shaped by who receives formal accolades.
In her role, Mannings acknowledges that fostering recognition from diverse walks of life is not only an act of symbolism but an essential component of shaping the national story. She expressed her willingness and privilege to be part of an initiative that represents the full richness of British society.
Ms. Mannings brings a wealth of experience to this new role; she is an independent director for prominent organizations such as the Co-operative Group and the Land Securities Group and was co-founder of the Empowering People of Colour business network. Throughout her career, she has openly discussed the challenges faced by women and individuals from minority communities in senior professional roles. “There were very few women, and there were certainly no women of color,” she reflected on the barriers that existed in her profession. Furthermore, she noted that individuals hailing from working-class backgrounds often faced even steeper challenges.
The newly established committee will actively work to elevate the number of nominations received from underrepresented regions and societal segments. Moreover, it is tasked with advising other honours committees within the government. A concerning trend emerged from an analysis of the New Year honours list, which indicated that over 60% of recipients of significant awards like Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), knighthoods, and damehoods were concentrated in London and the southeast, despite these areas accounting for less than a third of the UK’s population.
In addition to geographical representation, there have been loud calls to address specific disparities within the honours system. For instance, there was much debate regarding the absence of knighthoods for rugby league players compared to their rugby union counterparts. This situation was rectified this year when Billy Boston became the first rugby league knight, finally recognizing the accomplishments of a sport intrinsic to many northern communities.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to making the honours system reflective of the broader UK landscape is evident through these reforms, which aim to ensure that accolades are awarded based on merit rather than background. Ms. Mannings’ appointment is a critical step in this strategic push toward reforming a system that many believe has more to offer than what historical biases have dictated.
Overall, these developments within the honours system signify a broader, more inclusive dialogue about recognition and representation in the UK, aiming to change outdated narratives while highlighting the diverse contributions that define British society today. This initiative stands as an opportunity to reshape the honours system into one that honors achievement from all segments of society, ensuring that recognition is not an exclusive privilege but a celebration of diverse excellence.
