Michael Murray Awarded MBE for Veterans Support Havering 2026

Key Points

• Michael Murray, a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee from Havering, received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025
• The honour recognises his dedicated service as an Armed Forces Champion helping veterans access benefits, pensions, and employment support
• Murray regularly attends veteran drop-ins, DWP job fairs, and supports the Barking, Dagenham and Havering Mind veterans programme
• He has built strong links with local authorities, military charities, and pro-veteran organisations across the UK and overseas
• Murray is one of 14 DWP staff members recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours
• Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden praised DWP staff contributions to local communities
• The award acknowledges Murray’s commitment to public service and impact on veterans transitioning to civilian life
• The Armed Forces Champion role was introduced in 2010 as part of the Armed Forces Covenant and augmented in 2021
• There are currently approximately 46-50 Armed Forces Champions stationed across the UK Jobcentre Plus network
• For Havering, Murray’s MBE represents a proud moment recognising his dedication, compassion, and commitment over many years

Havering (East London Times) June 18, 2026 – A Department for Work and Pensions employee from Havering has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his outstanding work supporting the Armed Forces community. Michael Murray received the honour for his dedicated service as an Armed Forces Champion, helping veterans access benefits, pensions and employment support while breaking down barriers to work for those leaving military service.

Why Did Michael Murray Receive This MBE Honour?

Over the years, Michael has worked tirelessly to support veterans and their families, building strong links with local authorities, military charities and pro-veteran organisations across the country.

His work sees him regularly attending veteran drop-ins and DWP jobs fairs, as well as supporting the Barking, Dagenham and Havering Mind veterans programme with specialist DWP guidance and support.

As reported by The Havering Daily, Michael has helped countless veterans both across the UK and overseas and says he takes great pride in being able to make a difference to those who have served their country.

The award recognises not only Michael’s commitment to public service but also the significant impact he has had on the lives of veterans seeking support, guidance and opportunities as they transition into civilian life.

How Did Michael Murray React to receiving the MBE?

Reacting to the honour, Michael said:

“I’m truly shocked and incredibly honoured to receive an MBE. It’s a privilege to be recognised in this way, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me”.

As reported by The Havering Daily, he continued:

“I have always been passionate about helping others, and to receive such recognition is both humbling and unexpected. I accept this honour with gratitude and will continue to do my best to make a positive difference where I can”.

What Did Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden Say About the Honour?

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden praised the achievements of DWP staff recognised in this year’s honours list. He said:

“I’m delighted to see the contributions of our DWP staff to their local communities recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List; it’s a real testament to their hard work and dedication to public service”.

As reported by The Havering Daily, McFadden added:

“I would like to express my gratitude to Michael and all of those honoured for this outstanding achievement”.

How Many DWP Staff Were Recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025?

Michael is one of 14 members of staff from across the Department for Work and Pensions to be recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, which celebrate the achievements and service of extraordinary people throughout the United Kingdom.

Over 1,200 recipients are recognised across the UK in HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025, with a particular focus on those who have given their time to public service.

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What Is the Armed Forces Champion Role and How Does It Support Veterans?

The Armed Forces Champion role was introduced in 2010, as part of its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced the role of dedicated Armed Forces Champion, an initiative that was augmented in 2021.

Up to £6 million of investment will mean the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can fund more than 100 ‘Armed Forces Champion’ posts, dedicated to supporting former service personnel and their spouses readjust to civilian life.

As reported by GOV.UK in 2019, there are currently 46 Armed Forces Champions in the UK, stationed across the country.

A dedicated armed forces role has now been introduced at middle management level in each of the 11 Jobcentre Plus Groups, with these Armed Forces Champion Leads overseeing the 50 Armed Forces Champions who are stationed across the Jobcentre Plus network, and there will be at least one Champion in each Jobcentre Plus District.

Armed Forces Champions deliver employment support and benefits advice to former servicemen and women, and raise awareness of particular issues faced by veterans and their families.

Every Jobcentre Plus district in the country now has an Armed Forces Champion providing direct support to former services personnel as well as their families to help them make new benefit claims, and will sign-post them to other organisations where appropriate.

What Specific Activities Does Michael Murray Conduct to Support Veterans?

His work sees him regularly attending veteran drop-ins and DWP jobs fairs, as well as supporting the Barking, Dagenham and Havering Mind veterans programme with specialist DWP guidance and support. Michael has helped countless veterans both across the UK and overseas.

Over the years, Michael has worked tirelessly to support veterans and their families, building strong links with local authorities, military charities and pro-veteran organisations across the country.

The new network of local Champions, and group leads, stationed in Jobcentres in England, Scotland and Wales will also support veterans to retrain and apply for work. People can ask their Work Coach to signpost them to their local Armed Forces Champion.

What Does This Award Mean for Havering?

For Havering, Michael’s award is a proud moment and a fitting recognition of the dedication, compassion and commitment he has shown in supporting the Armed Forces community over many years.

His MBE highlights the difference one person can make through determination, service and a genuine desire to help others.

The 2025 Birthday Honours list was published in a supplement of The Gazette on Friday 13 June 2025. Over 1,200 recipients are recognised across the UK.

Background: The Armed Forces Champion Programme and DWP Veterans Support

The Armed Forces Champion role was established in 2010 as part of the UK government’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, a national pledge ensuring fair treatment for those who serve in the British Armed Forces and their families.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced this dedicated role to ensure veterans, service leavers, serving personnel within their resettlement period, spouses and civil partners of serving and ex-service personnel receive tailored support accessing Jobcentre Plus services.

The initiative was significantly augmented in 2021 with enhanced funding and expanded responsibilities. In 2019, the government announced up to £6 million of investment to fund more than 100 Armed Forces Champion posts across the UK, though the actual number at that time was 46 Champions stationed countrywide.

The programme has since evolved to include approximately 50 Armed Forces Champions overseen by Armed Forces Champion Leads at middle management level in each of the 11 Jobcentre Plus Groups.

Armed Forces Champions maintain close contact with Jobcentre Plus staff, raise awareness of armed forces issues among DWP employees, and provide frontline support helping veterans navigate benefit claims, employment services, and financial assistance.

The new model introduced in 2021 means Champions work directly with veterans, personally handling some claims and helping to resolve complex cases where necessary.

Alongside the Champions network expansion, DWP introduced an Armed Forces question into the Universal Credit (UC) system, allowing serving personnel and veterans to identify themselves during the online application process to receive additional help and support.

Each Jobcentre Plus district now has at least one Armed Forces Champion providing direct support to help former service personnel and their families make new benefit claims and signpost them to other organisations where appropriate.

The Champions network operates across England, Scotland and Wales, with dedicated email contacts for different regional areas including North and East Midlands, Wales, South East, and other regions.

This structured approach ensures veterans can access specialist support locally while maintaining national coordination through the Champion Leads system.

Prediction: How This MBE Honour Will Affect Veterans and the Armed Forces Community in Havering and Beyond

Michael Murray’s MBE recognition is likely to have several positive effects on veterans and the Armed Forces community in Havering and across the UK.

The award brings significant visibility to the Armed Forces Champion role, which may encourage more veterans to seek out local Champions for support with benefits, pensions, and employment assistance.

Increased Awareness and Trust Among Veterans

The honour will likely increase awareness of DWP veterans support services within Havering and neighbouring areas like Barking and Dagenham.

As reported by The Havering Daily, Murray’s MBE highlights the difference one person can make through determination, service and a genuine desire to help others.

This public recognition may help build greater trust between veterans and DWP services, making those who are hesitant to access support more likely to attend veteran drop-ins and job fairs where Murray regularly provides specialist guidance.

Potential for Enhanced Resource Allocation

Pat McFadden’s praise for DWP staff contributions to local communities recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List may signal continued government commitment to veterans support programmes.

The award could strengthen arguments for maintaining or expanding the £6 million investment in Armed Forces Champion posts that was announced in 2019.

With 14 DWP staff members recognised in this year’s honours, the department’s commitment to public service is being visibly celebrated at national level.

Inspiration for Other Champions and DWP Staff

Murray’s recognition as one of 14 DWP staff members honoured in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours may inspire other Armed Forces Champions across the UK’s 50-Champion network to continue their dedicated work.

The Havering Daily reported that for Havering, Michael’s award is a proud moment and a fitting recognition of the dedication, compassion and commitment he has shown in supporting the Armed Forces community over many years.

This local pride could strengthen community-veteran links and encourage greater volunteer participation in veterans programmes.

Expansion of Support Services in East London

Murray’s work supporting the Barking, Dagenham and Havering Mind veterans programme with specialist DWP guidance may lead to expanded services in East London.

With Murray having helped countless veterans both across the UK and overseas, his elevated status could attract additional partnerships with military charities and pro-veteran organisations.

The new model where Champions work directly with veterans, personally handling claims and resolving complex cases, may receive increased attention and support following this recognition.

Longer-Term Impact on Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life

The award acknowledges Michael’s commitment to public service and the significant impact he has had on veterans seeking support, guidance and opportunities as they transition into civilian life.

This recognition reinforces the importance of the Armed Forces Champion role in helping service leavers access employment support and break down barriers to work.

With every Jobcentre Plus district now having an Armed Forces Champion, Murray’s honour validates the national programme’s effectiveness in supporting former service personnel and their families.

The MBE will likely encourage more veterans to ask their Work Coach to signpost them to their local Armed Forces Champion, potentially increasing uptake of available services across the 50-Champion network spanning England, Scotland and Wales.

As Murray stated he will continue to do his best to make a positive difference where he can, veterans in Havering and beyond can expect sustained or potentially enhanced support from his recognised Champion role.