Greater Manchester public servants recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

Three public servants working in local government in Greater Manchester have been named in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2026 in recognition of their work supporting their communities.

Beena Puri from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has been awarded an MBE in recognition of her work leading one of the country’s most ambitious programmes to tackle digital and social exclusion.

Michael Phipps has received an MBE for services to young people, in appreciation for his work in the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit to engage communities in violence prevention and for inspiring young people to achieve their potential.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Duty Manager Dave Green has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to diversity and inclusion in Manchester, awarded for his work to support vulnerable people and break down barriers to employment. Working closely with Stockport-based charity Pure Innovations, Dave has helped create opportunities for young people with special educational needs to gain real-world work experience at TfGM.

Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of GMCA, said:

“These honours are well-deserved recognition for three inspiring public servants, whose hard work and leadership is helping to improve the lives of people in Greater Manchester every day.

“Beena has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in tackling digital exclusion in our communities. Michael’s work in supporting young people to achieve their potential has had such a positive impact. And Dave’s efforts to give young people new experiences through the Bee Network has been life-changing.

“Together, they represent the brilliant work being done across our public services to ensure everyone in Greater Manchester can live a good life. A massive congratulations to them, and the many others across the city region and beyond, who’ve been recognised for their achievements.”

The King’s Birthday Honours List champions individuals who have contributed significantly to their communities, going above and beyond in delivering positive change to benefit others.