King's Honours for Isle of Wight ex police chief and hospice boss

Nigel Hartley has been awarded an MBE by King Charles III for his services to hospice and end-of-life care over the past 35 years.

He joined Mountbatten Isle of Wight as CEO eight years ago, and in 2019 also took charge of Mountbatten Hampshire in Southampton following a new partnership between the organisations.

“I am delighted and humbled to receive this award and it is a testament to everything my Mountbatten colleagues and myself continue to achieve together, developing and delivering relevant and sustainable 24/7 services for the communities we are here to serve", Nigel said.

Previously, Nigel worked at St Christopher’s Hospice in London alongside Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement.

He also worked early in his career at London Lighthouse, a centre for people living with HIV/AIDS, and following that at Sir Michael Sobell House Hospice in Oxford.

Nigel has published three books about his work and has an international reputation as a writer and lecturer in the field.

“The award is the result of the work of many hands and I accept it on behalf of all Mountbatten staff, volunteers and supporters who continue to be an inspiration to me”, Nigel said.

Sir Ian Cheshire, chair of trustees at Mountbatten, paid tribute to Nigel, saying: “The Board of Trustees is delighted to hear of Nigel’s MBE, which is richly deserved for his long and outstanding record of service as our Chief Executive.

“It is also recognition for the broader Mountbatten team and a reminder of the wonderful job they have all done.”

Meanwhile, Michelin star Chef Robert Thompson, from Newport, has been awarded an MBE for services to hospitality, tourism and charity.

In December 2022, he announced he was bringing his restaurant back to the town.

Read more: Michelin star chef announces return of Isle of Wight restaurant

Dr Sarah Knight, from the Isle of Wight  has received an OBE for services to the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She is a behavioural scientist, working in the defence science and technology laboratory at the Ministry of Defence.

Former director of adult social services at Isle of Wight Council, Dr Carol Tozer, has also been awarded an OBE for services to social care.

She is now based in Bodmin, Cornwall, having retired from the role.

Read more: Director of adult social care and housing needs set to retire

Winning a BEM for services to the community is Ron Groves, the former chairman of Chale Parsh Council.

Angela Hewitt (Image: Naturezones)

Also on the BEM list is Islander Angela Hewitt, who is the founder of the Naturezones Wildlife Education Trust. She's been awarded for nature conservation and education.

Jacqueline Wilson, from Save Our Hedgehogs, is another to receive a BEM for services to wildlife rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, former chief constable Olivia Pinkney has also been recognised, awarded a CBE for services to policing.

She was Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s first female chief constable when she took up the position in April 2016.

She also held national positions as the lead for Local Policing and the Policing of Children and Young People, was Chair of the UK Women Chief Officers’ Network and the national chaplaincy lead for the police service.

Prior to leaving her role, Olivia lead the national strategic command course for three months, developing the next generation of aspiring chief officers and wider executives.

• Read more: Hampshire Constabulary Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney to leave police

In 2016, Olivia was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year Honours list.

Olivia said: “I am extremely honoured to receive this award for services to policing. I am delighted to accept it, and I do so on behalf of the fine profession that I was proud to serve for 31 years.  Proud of the service delivered by the most brilliant, compassionate, humble, and capable people who genuinely make a difference every day.

“I have been fortunate to hold so many varied positions throughout my career, which allowed me to witness the depth and breadth of what policing has to offer.

“I strongly believe that a career in policing is one of the most rewarding you can have. The day I was appointed chief constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will always be one of the proudest days of my life. I got to witness the brilliance of those I have been lucky enough to serve with, and I also had opportunities to influence and shape policing more widely in the national positions that I held.

“It is a vocation like no other, where even on the darkest days, people step up and bring light. They do the right thing, go the extra mile, stick to their values and put the public first. It is a real team effort, and I feel truly privileged to have been recognised for the part I have played.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, said she was thrilled to hear the news and praised Ms Pinkney's exemplary service.