Lincolnshire’s Executive Director of Children’s Services Awarded CBE in New Year Honours 2026.
Heather Sandy, the council’s Executive Director of Children’s Services and recently-appointed Deputy Chief Executive, has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours list for her outstanding contribution to children’s services and education.
Heather has dedicated more than two decades to giving children and young people across Lincolnshire the best start in life.
Heather, who was an assistant director in Children’s Services for seven years before becoming executive director in 2020, has led transformative initiatives in safeguarding, education, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Under her leadership, Lincolnshire has maintained its Outstanding-rated children’s services, and pioneered inclusive education through the development of mainstream SEND Hubs, strengthened collaboration with health partners, and maintained high standards in children’s social care.
Heather’s career began in education in the county. She then served as Head Teacher at Tattershall Primary School and Lacey Gardens Junior School in Louth, before moving into leadership at Lincolnshire County Council. She now chairs the Education Policy Committee for the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS), influencing national policy on school improvement and admissions, and acts as an expert advisor to the Department for Education.
In December 2025, Heather was appointed Deputy Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council as part of the senior leadership changes brought about after the announcement by Debbie Barnes OBE of her retirement as Chief Executive at the end of March 2026.
Speaking about the honour, Heather said: “It was such a surprise to receive the letter from the Honours Secretariat, and I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition.
“For me, this honour is also a reflection of the incredible commitment of our teams and partners who work tirelessly to improve outcomes for each and every child in Lincolnshire. I am immensely proud that having been initially rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2019, our services have continued to go from strength to strength, and that we now use our expertise not only to improve the lives of children in Lincolnshire, but also to be support other teams around the country.”
Cllr Natalie Oliver, the executive councillor for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “I want to congratulate Heather on her well-earned CBE. Lincolnshire has a reputation as a fantastic place to raise a family, and that is thanks in no small part to the hard work of Heather and her teams.”
Heather Sandy is due to attend an investiture ceremony later in 2026 to receive her honour from King Charles III or another senior member of the Royal Family.