Lisa Capper, former chair of the National Deaf Children’s Society, has received an MBE for services to young people.
She received the honour from HRH The Prince of Wales on Tuesday, February 8th. On the day, she was accompanied by her son Harrison, 14, who is deaf and wears a bone conducting hearing aid.
She first contacted the charity for help and advice after Harrison was born with right-sided microtia. She then went on to volunteer for 11 years as a trustee and then chair, stepping down in 2020.
During her career, she has worked for Nacro Education to benefit disadvantaged learners and give them a voice on key issues, such as the Learn Without Limits campaign. Before that, she was Vice Principal of Hinckley College, Nuneaton, and Executive Director of Midland Academies Trust.
Lisa also spent more than a decade working as a senior civil servant in Further Education for both the Department for Education and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, leading on projects like the adult literacy and numeracy Skills for Life initiative.
She has recently been appointed as Principal and CEO at Stoke-on-Trent Further Education College and is also an Independent Governor of De Montfort University.
Ms Capper said:
“Receiving this honour is an amazing feeling and it’s also a great way to promote some really important issues. I initially got involved with the National Deaf Children’s Society to help my son, but then I joined the Board and used my skills to help others. I was glad I could give back.
“So many young people are struggling after Covid, particularly with issues related to their mental health. For deaf young people in particular, Covid restrictions have been really difficult and they’ve heightened some already existing feelings of isolation and disconnection.
“As we try to get back to normal, schools and colleges need to communicate with all their young people and help them establish good patterns in their studies and personal lives.
“Many of the organisations I’ve worked for, including the National Deaf Children’s Society, are there to help young people when they need it. Wherever they decide to turn, it’s important that they all get the support they need to recover and progress with their ambitions.”
Susan Daniels, Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:
“I’m delighted to see Lisa receive the recognition she deserves for a career dedicated to young people. Her work here was invaluable in helping to advance the cause of deaf children and we’re very grateful for her time, hard work and dedication.
“Volunteers like Lisa bring a unique set of skills and experience to our sector. As we emerge from the pandemic, they will have a vital role to play in the challenges that lie ahead.”
