Laurence Newman awarded MBE

We are delighted that Commonweal Housing’s very good friend Laurence Newman has been awarded an MBE  in the New Year Honours List, in recognition of his outstanding charitable service.

Laurence currently serves as the Chairman of Grove End Housing and the Grove End Housing Charitable Trust, the newly established grant-giving arm of the organisation.

From 2010 to 2018, Laurence was a member of Commonweal's Board of Trustees, where he provided invaluable expertise and guidance that helped to shape Commonweal into the housing solution-driven charity it is today. Grove End Housing remains Commonweal's principal benefactor, and as such, Commonweal continues to maintain a close relationship with Laurence.

He is currently also the Chair of Creativity, Culture and Education (CCE), an international charity dedicated to improving educational outcomes through creative learning. Between 1997 and 2010, he served as a Trustee of the UK-based and global anti-poverty charity, Comic Relief, and sat on its Investment Advisory Committee until 2022.

The honours system recognises the extraordinary contributions and services of individuals across the UK. We are incredibly proud that Laurence's efforts across the charitable sector have been acknowledged in this well-deserved award.