Nicola Butler received MBE for services to the Play Sector

Play England are delighted to announce that their previous chair Nicola Butler has been awarded an MBE for services to the Play Sector in the Birthday 2023 Honours List.

Nicola has worked in a voluntary role to support and advocate for children’s play, as a founding trustee of PlayEngland - the national charity for children’s play - serving as Treasurer and Chair of Trustees. In addition to her current role as CEO of Young K&C, Nicola volunteers as Chair of the UK Children's Play Policy Forum – A collective voice for children’s play, bringing together national organisations that support children’s play.

Here's what Nicola had to say about her award:

It’s been my privilege to work with so many fantastic organisations across the voluntary, public and private sectors, to support children’s play. Whether it is play in parks, playgrounds, public spaces, adventure playgrounds, housing estates, schools or street play, it is a joy to work in a sector that enables children and young people to experience fun, friends and freedom.

I am very touched to have been nominated for this award by my lovely friends and colleagues at Play England.

There is still so much more to be done. I am passionate about ensuring that children of all backgrounds and abilities including disabled children, girls, Global Majority children and children growing up in poverty can access high quality play opportunities in their local area.

Many small voluntary organisations work on a shoestring to organise play and support for children and families, reaching and helping the most disadvantaged families. Through my work at Young K&C I hope to be able to support more of those organisations. What is needed now is government investment in vital play services.