HAMPSHIRE County Council’s director of children’s services was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in The Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Welcoming the news of the gong for Steve Crocker, county council leader Roy Perry said: “Our congratulations go to Steve for this well-deserved honour.
“Equal to this is his leadership of children’s services on the Isle of Wight, as a strategic partner.
“He has made an enormous contribution to leading the consistent improvement of outcomes for children in the two authority areas. He is also highly respected nationally and is regularly consulted for his views by the Department for Education.”
A proud Mr Crocker said: “This was wholly unexpected and an amazing surprise and privilege.
“One thing I would like to make clear is I very much see this honour as recognition of all the fantastic work that my colleagues in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight do every day.”
The Queen’s Honours recognises people who have made achievements in public life and committed themselves to serving and helping Britain, making life better for other people.
The OBE awarded to Mr Crocker is in special recognition for services to children in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.
In addition to his wide range of responsibilities, which include education, and the safeguarding of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s most vulnerable children, Mr Crocker plays a leading role in the improvement of children’s services in other local authorities such as Torbay, Devon, and Buckinghamshire.
He is also a key influencer nationally, being called upon regularly to contribute to the shaping of policy on areas such as adoption, social work reform and innovation at national level.
Mr Crocker also chairs the standards, performance and inspection policy committee for the Association of Directors of Children’s Services.