Chief of Care Commission recognised for work

A Dundee woman has been made an OBE in recognition of her work to support the most vulnerable people in society.

Jacquie Roberts, 61, chief executive of the Care Commission described her gong as a “great personal honour” and an award for everyone involved in the social care sector.

Ms Roberts, who has held her post at the care home regulatory body since 2001, is a former social work director at Dundee City Council.

During the course of her career as a social worker, which began in 1971, she set up Polepark Family Counselling Centre in the city and won a European prize known as the Fidelio for her research and practice in child protection.

Ms Roberts of Camphill Road, Broughty Ferry, used the prize money to establish the Fabiola Trust in Dundee for vulnerable children to access grants to support their sporting, musical and artistic interests.

She said: “I was shocked and surprised to be made an OBE but it sends out a good message to all people who work in social work and social care. It is a great personal honour and I hope that this is seen as an award for the very many conscientious and committed people who work in social care as much as it is for me.

“I strongly believe that everyone should receive very good care services that maximise their quality of life.”

Ms Roberts, whose husband Richard is a consultant neurologist at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, is a keen hill walker, film buff and a regular visitor to Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre in her spare time.

The couple have two grown-up children.