Reward brightest and best people

FURTHER to C Jackson’s letter (Feedback, January 1) on some of the local individuals who received honours recently. I find it of great concern that a large number of the local government politicians, NHS and public service senior managers who have received these awards are white and middle-aged.

In the last year I have had many opportunities to meet a wide range of young and older people from a variety of backgrounds who are trying to improve lives and health across the North East.

They spend considerable time working to gain knowledge and share experiences for the benefit of others. Many are not paid and do not seek any payment or other rewards for what they do.

I’ve also attended numerous local public meetings and events organised by the local authority, NHS and various

other public bodies. The senior people who take part in these meetings and events are remunerated well, many have been honoured and they all seem to know each other.

The purpose of many of these occasions seems to revolve more around ‘networking’ than actually resolving the issues of real concern under discussion. The more public events I attend, the more the same well-paid, professional leaders turn up!

Bearing in mind the diverse range of people who live in this area, I do not believe that some of the individuals honoured represent the best or brightest in our region.

I think that if we wish to honour those in the region and beyond doing exceptional acts which are above and beyond the call of duty, we need a better process in place to identify and reward such individuals. Failure to do so will just ensure more perceived cronyism and devalues the whole honours system.

DAVID BLACK, Newcastle