Director of Housing and Community Care awarded OBE

Brent Council Director of Housing and Community Care, Martin Cheeseman, has been awarded an OBE (Order of British Empire) in the Queen's birthday honours list announced on Saturday 13 June 2009.

Martin - who has worked at Brent Council for 37 years - has been flooded with messages of congratulations from across the council, the voluntary sector, housing associations and other partners since receiving notification of his award.
 
Martin will collect his award - for services to local government - from the Queen at Buckingham Palace at some time during the next six months.
 
Honours are given to people from all walks of life and all sections of society who have made a difference to their community. There are several different types of award, each one recognising a different type of contribution.
 
Martin came straight to Brent from university and has remained committed to the borough taking up a variety of roles in housing and adult social services. One of his first jobs was as a trainee housing officer where he collected rent door-to-door from council tenants.  
 
Brent Council Chief Executive, Gareth Daniel, said: "This award is richly deserved and reflects Martin's passionate commitment to the people of Brent over many years. Martin is a highly respected figure in national housing circles and has also made a massive personal contribution for improving the lives of Brent residents. He is an outstanding ambassador for Brent Council and everyone here is delighted that his hard work and professional skills have been recognised in this way."
 
During his career at Brent Martin has had many roles including welfare officer, district housing manager and strategic director for older people's service. Four years ago - while working as the Director of Housing - Martin was invited to head up the newly merged Housing and Community Care department incorporating adult social services. Martin said: "My roles have always been varied giving me a greater understanding of the borough's needs and a huge loyalty for Brent.
 
"I'm particularly pleased to be recognised for services to local government and not just housing. It shows a broader approach and I'm keen to push that integration."