Alison Morton awarded OBE by HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle

Our CEO, Alison Morton, was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle yesterday.

Alison received the honour in recognition of her contributions to health visiting over a career spanning more than three decades. The ceremony, attended by family and close friends, took place in the historic surroundings of Windsor Castle, where Prince William personally presented the insignia.

Alison Morton OBE at Windsor Castle

Speaking after the ceremony, Alison said:

“I feel incredibly honoured to receive this award and very fortunate to do work I genuinely care about. In my view, there can be no greater investment than investing in our babies, young children and their families who represent our nation’s future and are navigating an ever-changing world. Throughout my career, my greatest teachers have been the dedicated professionals and tens of thousands of families who’ve taught me that high-quality, compassionate and personalised care in the earliest years really matters, inequalities are not inevitable, and all children deserve an equal chance to achieve their full potential.

“It has also been a privilege to work within a growing global movement highlighting the importance of ensuring that every child has the chance to lead a happy, healthy life – regardless of where they live, their abilities or background – and to see this gaining a much higher profile across government, policy and businesses across the world.”

Alison Morton OBE at Windsor Castle

Alison went on to say:

“This recognition shines a light on the crucial role of health visiting in strengthening family health and wellbeing. So much of what they do happens quietly, often out of the public eye, and does not get the recognition it deserves. I’m proud to share this with health visitors and colleagues across the UK who are all committed to helping children get the very best start in life – and through the Institute, we will continue to champion the profession and strive to ensure that every family has access to the support they need in the early years.”

During the investiture, Prince William spent time speaking with recipients about their contributions. The OBE is awarded to individuals who have played a significant role at national or regional level, making distinguished contributions in their field. Yesterday’s recipients came from a wide range of backgrounds, including education, healthcare, the arts, and public service.

Alison Morton, iHV CEO, awarded OBE in King’s New Year Honours List

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.”