Carly Jones, an advocate for the rights of autistic women and girls, believes that disabled individuals deserve more recognition in the honours system to ensure a wider range of people receive awards, as part of the government’s efforts. In an interview with BBC News, Carly shared her personal experience of the need for a shift in attitudes, particularly after being appointed MBE in 2018. Carly recalled an incident where her MBE title was mistaken for a surname, highlighting the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding awards and disabilities.
As someone who works to support women with autism in various sectors such as education, employment, and health services, Carly’s appointment as MBE and her role in honours committees signify her commitment to ensuring that the contributions of individuals with disabilities are not overlooked. Carly emphasizes the importance of encouraging more nominations to recognize the charity and community work of people with disabilities, challenging the notion that the honours system is exclusive or elitist.
Carly emphasizes the need for a diverse range of nominations to be considered by the honours committee, pointing out that the committee can only evaluate the nominations it receives. She also cautions against awarding honors solely based on disability status, as it may diminish the value of the system. Carly’s personal journey, which includes experiences of homelessness and residing in a hostel, underscores her belief that honours should reflect the efforts of individuals who have overcome challenges to make a positive impact on others.
The government has acknowledged the under-representation of various groups in the honours system, including individuals from different geographic regions and socioeconomic backgrounds. To address these issues, an independent chair will be recruited to enhance diversity and outreach within the honours process, ensuring thorough assessment of awards across all levels. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed the desire for a more inclusive and reflective honours system, echoing the need for diversity and representation in recognizing individuals for their remarkable achievements
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