Celebrating Excellence: Honorees from the Heart of the City in the New Year Awards

James Thomson, the former Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Police Authority Board, has been honored with a CBE in the New Year Honours for his contributions to law enforcement and inclusivity.

A past Special Constable, James became a member of the Police Authority Board in 2015 and was Chair from 2020 to 2024. He advocated for national reforms aimed at addressing fraud and cybercrime, in addition to promoting local safety projects, which included initiatives against violence directed at women and girls.

James has also been a member of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners board and is a Non-Executive Director at the Serious Fraud Office. A proponent of diversity and inclusiveness, he has played a key role in guiding the City Police on a clear trajectory towards being recognized as one of the most trusted and inclusive police forces in the nation.

James Thomson CBE stated:

“I am genuinely honored to receive a CBE. It is a privilege to collaborate with so many dedicated individuals at both local and national levels in addressing fraud and economic crime, which is vital to the economic stability of the UK.

“I also take pride in being acknowledged for my efforts in fostering a fairer, safer, more inclusive community, a journey that commenced for me three decades ago while working with the South African Government of National Unity and encompasses my interests in law enforcement, housing, education, and philanthropy.”

Liz Green, former Sheriff of the City of London, was awarded an OBE for her voluntary work and contributions to prisoner rehabilitation in London and Hertfordshire.

During her tenure as Sheriff of the City of London, she advocated for prisoner rehabilitation and raised substantial funds through charity endeavors to back that cause. As a volunteer for Shannon Trust, she has built a strong reputation for the charity, which mentors and educates prisoners with inadequate literacy and numeracy skills.

As High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, she used her position to gather support and promote the necessity to enhance literacy for individuals in prison, those with prior incarceration experiences, and members of local neighborhoods. She toured all forty-six libraries in Hertfordshire to emphasize the significance of literacy, simultaneously raising considerable funds for the Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

Liz Green OBE DL MStJ remarked:

“I am profoundly grateful to receive this honor, and to have had the chance to serve both in the City of London and Hertfordshire.

“While many people take reading for granted, engaging with HM Judges at the Old Bailey has enlightened me greatly about the authentic, everyday limitations faced by those with low literacy skills.

“Volunteers invest their time, gaining personal benefits both from those they assist and from fellow volunteers, and during prison visits, I witness firsthand the positive effects that personalized support can have for those struggling.”

Jackson Gibbons, Director of the Basketball Academy at the City of London Academy Southwark (CoLA Southwark), has received a BEM for his contributions to basketball, sports, and youth development.

CoLA Southwark is part of the City of London Academies Trust, which oversees the City of London Corporation’s ten high-achieving sponsored academies.

He established the CoLA Southwark Basketball Academy in 2013, which is now one of the UK’s leading youth basketball programs, significantly influencing basketball coaching in the UK at grassroots and elite levels.

At the academy, he has developed teams for age groups under-12, under-14, under-16, and sixth form, along with a community club. Jackson has led his pupils to remarkable achievements, including multiple national championship victories, such as U17 Girls National Champions, U19 Girls National Champions, and U19 Boys National Runners-Up just in the 2023-24 season. Over the last decade, the Academy has earned 33 national titles.

Through his coaching and mentorship, Jackson has supported over 90 students, many from underprivileged backgrounds, in obtaining full scholarships to universities in the US.

Jackson Gibbons, BEM, expressed:

“I am incredibly thankful to be recognized in this year’s honors list.

“It is indeed a tribute to being surrounded by a remarkable support network and immensely talented young individuals who make this journey worthwhile; without them, the program at CoLA Southwark would not exist.

“I am excited about the future direction of the program and the opportunities to impact many more lives through basketball.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing entity of the Square Mile, devoted to a vibrant and prosperous City, fostering a diverse and sustainable London within a globally thriving UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

More on James Thomson:

This honor represents the extensive efforts James has dedicated over the years to ensure the City remains one of the safest business zones in the world.

The Court of Common Council of the City of London Corporation serves as the Police Authority for the Square Mile. The Police Authority Board is tasked with overseeing the Commissioner of the City of London Police. Its goal is to ensure that the force operates an effective and efficient service, providing value for money, and establishing policing priorities while considering the perspectives of the local community.

More on Liz Green:

In response to the Covid lockdown in April 2020, through the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters, Liz initiated and led a ‘Knit for Community’ project, which has so far provided over 2,000 blankets to charitable organizations, while engaging isolated individuals to enhance their lives’ meaning.

She is a staunch supporter of a Hertfordshire hospice both as an ambassador and former meals on wheels volunteer, in addition to her long-standing roles as parish secretary, safeguarding officer, and fundraiser.

Her record of voluntary service extends notably into areas of prisoner aftercare and education.

More on Jackson Gibbons:

Jackson’s commitment to enhancing personal and academic growth has been acknowledged by parents as having a significant and empowering impact, particularly on female students. At least five Academy graduates are currently professional players in Europe. As a mentor in his spare time to other young coaches, his accomplishments have led to him being voted National Coach of the Year on 12 occasions across the National Basketball League and Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League.

His achievements with CoLA Southwark Basketball Academy have also allowed him to substantially contribute as the Men’s Assistant Coach for Great Britain’s national team, focusing on player development.

CoLA Southwark operates under the City of London Academies Trust, overseeing ten high-performing academies sponsored by the City of London Corporation across Hackney, Islington, Newham, and Southwark. The City Corporation is also the local education authority for one maintained primary school within the City of London, and the proprietor of four independent educational institutions. Five out of the ten City of London Academies Trust schools boast an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating, while three are categorized as ‘good’ with ‘outstanding’ features.