Caroline Shaw MBE
Caroline Shaw, Imago Community's CEO, awarded MBE in New Year Honours List
The New Year Honours List 2026 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people who have committed themselves to serving and helping the UK.
We are delighted to announce that our Chief Executive, Caroline Shaw, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to community development in the South East.
Following a career in HR and management consultancy, Caroline established Voluntary Action West Kent in Tunbridge Wells, recognising the need for VCO sector support. In 2015, the organisation was rebranded as Imago to reflect the breadth and diversity of services. Over the years under Caroline’s leadership, Imago has grown and evolved, joining forces with several like-minded organisations to strengthen its reach and impact and moving into direct delivery of support services for individuals and communities.
Today, Imago supports over 39,000 people of all ages, including young carers, adult unpaid carers, older adults, disabled children and their families. Imago offers a wide range of support services in Kent, East Sussex, Medway and six London Boroughs and in 2024, celebrated 60 years of supporting people and communities across the South East.
Imago’s vision is creating change together – empowering, supporting and enabling people to improve their health and wellbeing, to reach their full potential and thrive.
Caroline Shaw said, “Over the past 25 years I have had the pleasure and privilege of leading Imago Community where we’ve offered support to tens of thousands of vulnerable adults and children across the South East and London.
I am honoured and grateful to personally receive this recognition and to the people who took the time to nominate me.
But I really accept it on behalf of all the amazing colleagues and volunteers who have worked with me over the years, giving their time and commitment to making such a difference. I dedicate this award to them.”