Sidney alumni recognised in the King's Birthday Honours 2026

Malcolm Burr (1989, Law) has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for Public Service, while Paul Rawlinson (1979, History) has received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for Services to Health Sector Charities.

Malcolm Burr OBE 

Malcolm Burr has been recognised for his distinguished career in public service, particularly his work as Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and as Convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland.

Malcolm served as Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar from November 2005 until stepping down earlier this year after two decades in the role. Before joining the Comhairle, he held senior positions with the former Strathclyde Regional Council and Orkney Islands Council. Since July 2018, he has also served as Convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland, helping to oversee the effective delivery of elections across the country.

Reflecting on the award, Malcolm said:

"I would like to thank those who took the time to nominate me for this honour. For me, it acknowledges the hard work and dedication of Members and officers, past and present, in Local Government in the Comhairle and elsewhere, and the voluntary service of members of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland since its establishment in 2011. Many thanks also for all the kind messages received; these are very much appreciated."

Paul Rawlinson MBE

Paul Rawlinson has been awarded an MBE for Services to Health Sector Charities, recognising his leadership of Barts Charity and his longstanding commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

Paul served as Chair of Barts Charity from 2016 to 2022, having previously been a Trustee for five years. Working in partnership with Barts Health NHS Trust and the Medical School at Queen Mary University of London, the charity supports pioneering healthcare, medical research and improvements to patient care across East London. During Paul's tenure as Chair, the charity awarded approximately £150 million in grants.
Before taking on the role, Paul concluded a distinguished career of more than 30 years at PwC, including two decades as a partner specialising in mergers and acquisitions and serving on the firm's Board Executive.

Speaking about the honour, Paul said:

"It was an honour to work with the team at Barts Charity, and incredibly rewarding to put my years of experience to such a worthwhile challenge."

Paul is married to fellow Sidney alumna and Honorary Fellow Professor Joanne Martin CBE, and they have two adult sons.

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The College extends its warmest congratulations to Malcolm and Paul on this well-deserved recognition of their exceptional service and lasting contributions to public life.