Humanists UK’s Chief Executive Andrew Copson has been awarded an OBE for ‘services to the non-religious’ in the UK national honours announced today. This is the first time an award has been made for services to the non-religious, who now represent a majority of the UK’s population.
Andrew Copson has worked for Humanists UK since 2005, and when he became Chief Executive in 2010 he was the youngest in our 130-year history. During his time at the helm, Humanists UK has seen transformative growth, with its membership and supporter base increasing tenfold. We have substantially expanded our work in providing education about humanism, offering non-religious pastoral care in hospitals and prisons, and being appointed as the endorsing body for non-religious pastoral care in the armed forces. All while continuing to deliver meaningful and increasingly popular humanist ceremonies for weddings, funerals, and namings, and campaigning effectively on a wide range of ethical issues and human rights, from same-sex marriage to the rights of children.
Andrew was the first humanist to represent the non-religious at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph – a significant step for inclusion. He was also asked as a humanist celebrant to lead NHS England’s national memorial ceremony for NHS workers who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Neil Hawkins, Chair of Humanists UK, said:
‘Congratulations to Andrew for a well-deserved award. The formal national acknowledgement that this award represents, with its novel citation for “services to the non-religious”, is an encouraging development for all of us. It recognises and validates the tireless work of Humanists UK, and the broader humanist movement in championing equality, human rights, and the perspectives of the millions of non-religious people in the UK for the last 130 years. It is an important milestone, highlighting humanism as a positive and ethical approach to life of national significance and value. We hope many more national awards for services to the non-religious will follow.’
Andrew Copson commented:
‘The responsibility of playing my part in leading Humanists UK has really been a great pleasure. It has allowed me to work alongside the most rational, caring, and dedicated colleagues around. Hundreds of humanist staff and volunteers, and tens of thousands of members are striving every day to create a more rational, compassionate, and fair world for everyone. Their collective efforts have seldom been officially recognised, but I hope that today’s award will further conversations about the positive contributions of humanists, encourage a greater understanding of our shared human values, and pave the way for continued acknowledgement of individuals dedicated to humanist principles and the wellbeing of all.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Media are free to use this image of Andrew Copson.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 130,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.