30th December 2025
The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) is delighted to announce that its Chief Executive, Alison Morton, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours List. This prestigious award recognises Alison’s exceptional contribution to health visiting and her leadership in supporting families across the UK.
Alison Morton, Chief Executive, Institute of Health Visiting
Alison has dedicated her career, which spans more than 35 years, to improving outcomes for babies, children, families and communities, championing evidence-based practice and advocating for equity in health care across the UK.
After qualifying as a Registered General Nurse at Guy’s Hospital in London, Alison quickly transitioned into health visiting, beginning her journey as a student health visitor in 1990 at King’s College, London. Starting with her first practice placement in Peckham, London, Alison spent many years as a frontline health visitor before progressing into more senior clinical, academic, leadership, and policy roles within both the NHS and national government.
Alison joined the Institute of Health Visiting in 2019 as its Director of Policy and Quality and became Chief Executive in 2021. Under her leadership, the iHV has strengthened its position as a leading voice for early years public health, influencing policy and practice at national level.
Health visiting is a cornerstone of early years public health, providing a vital infrastructure of support to families during pregnancy and the formative earliest years of a child’s life – preventing, identifying, and working with families and others to treat problems before they reach crisis point.
On hearing of her award, Alison said:
“I am truly humbled to receive this honour and privileged to work in a role that I love – supporting families through both their happiest and most challenging times, alongside dedicated practitioners who have taught me so much about the value of high-quality, person-centred care. I am mindful that my contribution is just one part of a growing movement calling for greater recognition of the importance of investing in the earliest years of life, so that every child can reach their full potential and live happy, healthy lives.
“This award reflects the incredible work of health visitors and the difference they make every day to families – often behind the scenes, in a role that is largely invisible to the public. I share this recognition with all my colleagues who are committed to giving every child the best start in life.”
