Alison Gowman, member of Hinde Street and Lay Canon at St. Paul’s Cathedral, was appointed a CBE on June 15th in the King’s Birthday Honours. She was honoured for Public and Voluntary Services and Sustainability in the Civil Division.
The CBE (Ordinary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) is an appointment awarded by the King within the British honours system. This system recognizes individuals for their distinguished service or accomplishments through Honours, Decorations, and Medals. His Majesty the King awards these honours twice a year – once at New Year and once on the monarch’s official birthday. The Honours Lists are announced in the Crown’s official newspaper, The Gazette.
Alison’s appointment follows her long and accomplished career in public service, property law, and climate action. Her career began as a trainee solicitor at DLA Piper, where she currently still works as a consultant. She also served as the Sheriff of the City of London, as well as a member of City of London Police Board. Currently, Alison stands as an Alderman for the Ward of Dowgate at the City of London Corporation, a role which she was first elected to enter in 2002. In 2014, she also took on the role of Director at both the Museum of London and the Museum of London Archaeology.
In addition to her commitment to public service, Alison has also demonstrated a passion for sustainability. For example, she founded Livery Climate Action Group and currently stands as the lead Member for Climate Action at the City of London Corporation.
Alison is also building cross-denominational bridges by serving as Lay Canon for St. Paul’s Cathedral, where she continues to prioritise sustainability and the response to climate change in the Cathedral’s mission.
In an article in The Methodist Recorder, Alison was quoted: “I have been fortunate to be able to commit to issues that resonate deeply with my Methodist upbringing and my future hopes for our planet!”
Many congratulations to Alison from us at Hinde Street.