top stories

Awards recognise service to the UK accountancy profession

17 Jun 2009

ACCA members Olive Gardiner, Professor Robert Gray and Deane Morrice have been awarded MBEs in the 2009 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Gardiner, based in Fife, Scotland, spent 15 years as a lecturer at the Adam Smith College, Fife, and is now an independent tuition provider who often hosts tutorials at her own home. She also serves as a member on the ACCA Scotland committee 2008-09.

Speaking of her achievement, which is in recognition of her services to the accountancy profession, she said: 'I'm absolutely thrilled with my MBE, and feel this is due to the many high-calibre individuals I've had the privilege of encouraging and introducing to the accountancy profession over the years.'

Professor Gray is director of the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research at St Andrew's University in Scotland, where he lectures on introductory accounting, research methods, social and environmental accounting, social responsibility and sustainable development. He has written more than 250 books and articles on social and environmental accounting, sustainability, social responsibility and education.

'I am delighted and astonished in equal measure,' said Gray, whose award is in recognition of his contribution to the accountancy profession. 'It has been my immense privilege to work with so many excellent colleagues over the years in practice, the profession and academe in the development of social and environmental accounting.'

Morrice, based in Northern Ireland, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to local government.

He joined the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC) as deputy secretary in 1982. Following his promotion to the post of chief executive and fund secretary in 1999, the NILGOSC further developed into a highly efficient and well respected organisation, with £2.7bn in assets and an increase of more than 50,000 members.

'I am honoured and privileged to be recognised in this way,' said Morrice of his MBE. 'I am however very conscious that this would not have happened without the considerable support I have received from my staff and the committee members, past and present. This award is an endorsement of the work of NILGOSC and I have been fortunate to lead a very professional team of highly motivated staff whose commitment and hard work has enabled me to accept this honour on their behalf. Thanks are also due to ACCA whose accountancy qualification trained me so effectively to carry out my duties and responsibilities in NILGOSC.'