Janice Bunting

Ms Bunting is among 1,157 recipients of New Year honours across the UK, around five per cent of whom are from Northern Ireland.

She joined Victim Support NI as deputy chief executive in 2017 before taking on the role of chief executive in September 2022.

Sinéad Lynch, chair of Victim Support NI, said: “The board and I are delighted that Janice is to receive an MBE in recognition of her dedication to supporting victims and witnesses of crime.

“She is a source of great inspiration, and this honour is a fitting acknowledgement of her longstanding commitment and significant impact.”

The UK’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, said: “This year’s honours list celebrates the very best of Britain — people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.

“Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you — and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”

Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone in Northern Ireland who is receiving a New Year Honour.

“Being recognised in this way is a profound achievement, and is a testament to the extraordinary dedication, resilience and positive impact those individuals have had on their local communities and wider society.

“They represent the very best of Northern Ireland, and are an inspiration to us all.”