The former executive director of adults, childrens and public health services at Ealing Council, Judith Finlay has been awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to children and families.
Ms Finlay worked at Ealing Council for 24 years and left in November 2022. In May 2023, she joined the City of London as executive director of community and children’s services.
Ms Finlay said of her honour: “I am delighted to receive this wonderful honour. I take it as recognition of the important work that I was fortunate enough to lead alongside so many talented frontline and senior colleagues and partners in other agencies across Ealing.
“But above all, I really value it as a testament of our shared commitment to improving the life chances for children and young people in our community.”
In a letter to her professional colleagues announcing her departure from Ealing in September 2022, Ms Finlay said: “After 24 years in Ealing and 34 years in local government, I have decided to make a change and therefore will be leaving Ealing on 30 November. I have spent majority of my career in Ealing and I have stayed because I have been fortunate to work with so many talented and dedicated people, within the council in schools and across our strong partnerships.”
Ms Finlay added: “I have been fortunate to work with so many great headteachers and school leaders over the years and I will miss your determination to do the best for your pupils. Ealing children benefit from great collaboration across schools and through Ealing Learning Partnership. The passion and commitment from you all is amazing and has continued to inspire me. My priority has always been to make a positive difference to those who face the greatest challenges and I have been proud to work with fantastic teams and partners who share that commitment. I know that because of you all, children and schools will flourish in Ealing.”
