St Andrews community recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Helen Mackie, Assistant Director of Facilities Management in Estates, has been awarded an MBE for her outstanding contribution to apprenticeships and facilities management, while Alison Johns, a member of the University Court, has been awarded an OBE for her services to higher education leadership and governance.

Helen, one of the University’s longest-serving members of staff, has dedicated more than four decades to St Andrews, joining in May 1983 as a Junior Secretary in the Establishments Office (now Human Resources). She moved to Estates in 1992, initially working as a Support Services Officer with responsibility for janitorial, cleaning, waste and mail services, before becoming Support Services Manager in 2001. Later that year she was appointed Assistant Director (Support Services), now Facilities Management, a role in which she continues to play a leading role across the University’s estate.

A central part of Helen’s legacy has been her leadership in developing apprenticeship opportunities. The Estates Apprenticeship Programme, established in 2007 in response to an ageing workforce and recognised skills shortages, has gone on to become a cornerstone of workforce development within the University.

Recruiting between eight and nine apprentices every two years, the programme has strengthened key trade and grounds teams while bringing fresh ideas, energy and diversity of thought into Estates. It has created opportunities to support enthusiastic and adaptable individuals, enabling them to contribute to innovation, continuous improvement and the long-term development of Estates.

Alongside external recruitment, the programme has played an important role in nurturing local talent, supporting internal development and progression. Strong partnerships with contractors provide apprentices with invaluable on-site experience, allowing them to build practical skills alongside their formal training.

The programme’s success is reflected in the high proportion of apprentices who complete their training and move into relevant careers, as well as the recognition many have received through awards and commendations from colleges and professional bodies. Its impact has also extended beyond Estates, acting as a catalyst for the development of apprenticeship initiatives across other Schools and Units within the University.

Speaking of the Honour, Helen said: “Receiving notification of this award came as a great surprise. I am deeply honoured that the apprenticeship programme has been recognised at this level. This achievement is very much a collective effort, and its success is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our managers, team leaders, trades and grounds staff, training partners, and colleagues in Staff Development and Human Resources. Their ongoing support and hard work are fundamental to the continued success of this important initiative.”

Also recognised in this year’s Honours is Alison Johns, who serves on the University Court as the Chancellor’s Assessor.

Alison has been awarded an OBE in recognition of her significant contribution to higher education. An experienced chief executive and board member, she is the former Chief Executive of Advance HE, where she led major national and international initiatives supporting teaching excellence, leadership development, and equality, diversity and inclusion across the sector.

With a career spanning universities, government and the private sector, Alison has advised ministers and institutions around the world on higher education policy, leadership and system reform. She brings extensive expertise and insight to her role on the University Court, contributing to the governance and strategic direction of St Andrews.

The recognition of both Helen and Alison highlights the breadth of talent and impact across the St Andrews community, from long-serving staff shaping the University’s future workforce to sector leaders influencing higher education on a global scale.