A staff member from City, University of London has been honoured in the Queen’s New Year Honours list 2018.

Social Media Officer, Sabrina Francis, receives the British Empire Award Medal (BEM) for services to strengthening the community at City, University of London and for her work as a local Councillor.

The Queen’s New Year Honours lists recognise the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom.

The British Empire Award Medal (BEM) is intended to recognise those candidates who are actively engaging in work to build a bigger, stronger society. It is awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community that has made a significant difference in a relatively short duration.

Strengthening City’s community

Sabrina joined City, University of London as Social Media Officer in 2011, the first person to be appointed to the newly established role.  While at City, she has successfully built strong online communities for students, staff and alumni. She has led the transformation of City’s on-line presentation of its graduation ceremonies, allowing them to have an impact far beyond those who attend in person. Sabrina devised and launched The City Scoop, an online magazine which provides information, guidance and advice for current and prospective students.

Sabrina has also strengthened the staff community at City through her role in setting up the CityUniWomen Network of which she is co-Chair.  It now has more than 150 people on its mailing list and a wide-ranging programme of events enabling members to share their experiences, learn from and empower each other

Building a stronger society

In 2014, Sabrina was elected as a Councillor within Camden for the Bloomsbury Ward.  As well as representing her constituents and ensuring younger voices are heard in the political process, she brings the perspective of ‘generation rent’ to bear through her work on the Housing Scrutiny Committee.

For the last five years Sabrina has also volunteered for Crisis at Christmas, working as both a general volunteer and as a part of one of the kitchen teams who make hundreds of meals a day for the guests.

British honours are awarded on merit, for exceptional achievement or service.

The honours are published in the official Crown newspaper, the London Gazette, twice a year – at New Year, and in mid-June on the date of the Queen’s official birthday.