Cumberland Council is proud to celebrate Jane Wheeler, Assistant Director for Family Help, Partnerships and Youth Justice, who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for her outstanding services to children and families.
Jane has dedicated her career to strengthening early help services and improving outcomes for children and young people. Before joining Cumberland two years ago, she played a pivotal role at Sunderland City Council as Early Help Service Manager, where she helped build a Family Help model recognised by Ofsted in 2022 as a highly successful initiative that supported families earlier and prevented escalation into crisis.
Since joining Cumberland, Jane has been instrumental in transforming the way children’s services support local families. Under her leadership, the council has opened seven new Family Hubs, creating welcoming, accessible spaces where families can receive joined up support from pregnancy through to adulthood. These hubs are already improving access to early help, strengthening community partnerships and ensuring that children, young people and families receive the right support at the right time.
Her commitment extends far beyond her professional responsibilities. Jane has provided long term personal support to a care experienced young person, demonstrating the compassion, integrity and dedication that underpin her approach to public service.
Speaking about the honour, Jane said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive an MBE for services to children and families. Throughout my career, my focus has always been on strengthening early help, improving outcomes and ensuring that every child, young person and family can access the right support at the right time.
“This recognition reflects the hard work, passion and commitment of the teams I have been privileged to work alongside, who give so much every day. Above all, this honour belongs to the children, young people and families whose strength and resilience continue to inspire me.
“Receiving an MBE is both humbling and motivating. It reinforces my commitment to continue driving change, supporting families and building services that genuinely improve lives.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer said:
“Jane has dedicated her career to helping to improve outcomes for children and theis national recognition is thoroughly deserved. We have welcomed the impact of her leadership within Cumberland over the last two years, her drive to improve outcomes and commitment to working alongside families have helped us build stronger, more responsive services. Jane is dedicated to prevention, partnership and doing what’s right for our communities. She has been instrumental in strengthening our family help offer, making it easier for children, young people and families in Cumberland to access support close to home. We are proud of her achievement and grateful for the difference Jane and her team continue to make for families across Cumberland.”