Houston to receive UWS honour for contribution to children’s services
The former Chief Executive of CHILDREN 1ST, Anne Houston OBE will receive an Honorary Doctorate from University of the West of Scotland (UWS) at its graduation ceremony today, at Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church in Paisley.
Anne Houston retired as the Chief Executive of CHILDREN 1ST in June 2014, following a 39 year career dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.
Anne qualified as a social worker in 1980, obtaining her Diploma in Social Work from Jordanhill College. Her early career saw her work as a generic social worker in the south of England, where she gradually specialised in work with children, young people and their families. She returned to Glasgow in 1986 and worked as a Project Manager and Tutor for the Richmond Fellowship, managing a residential therapeutic Community.
Following the launch of ChildLine in 1990, Anne became ChildLine Scotland’s first Counselling Manager; this was the start of her 17 year career with the organisation. She left as Director of ChildLine UK to become Chief Executive of CHILDREN 1ST in 2007.
During her career Anne has devoted herself to championing children’s rights and campaigning for their well-being and protection, contributing to a variety of boards, groups and taskforces including the Scottish Government’s National Taskforce on Early Years and Chairing the Justice for Children Alliance. Even in her retirement she continues to play a key role in the sector, including chairing the Scottish Child Protection Committee Chairs’ Forum and sitting on the Board of the Care Inspectorate.
Anne Houston, who was awarded an OBE for services to children and young people in the 2015 New Year’s Honours list, said: “It has been such a surprise to me that I should be honoured for doing something that I really enjoy and am passionate about. Over the years I have been privileged to work with and for some amazing children and young people, willing to share their often-painful experiences and their thoughts about what could make others lives better.
“I have always believed my responsibility is then to ensure their voices are heard where they can make a real and positive difference. To have this acknowledged is very special.”
Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “During her career Anne has been a hugely important advocate of children’s rights in Scotland and the UK and is an enormously deserving recipient of this Honorary Doctorate.”
