Former Chairman recognised in Honours List

We are thrilled that Dianne Jeffrey, Age International’s founding Chairman of the Board, has been recognised with a Damehood (DBE) in the prestigious UK Honours List, an award given to those who go above and beyond, in this case for services to older people abroad.

This acknowledgement is a testament to Dianne’s commitment to our cause. Dianne has played a pivotal role in steering Age International towards success since its inception, establishing a reputation among staff as both warm and strategic. Dianne was always driven by ensuring older people were treated with respect and dignity. As a dedicated advocate for our mission, Dianne’s efforts have not only shaped our organisational trajectory but have also left a remarkable positive impact on millions of older people.

“I have always passionately believed that people in later life all over the world deserve our support,” Dianne told us on the announcement of her Damehood. “This is why, in 2012, Age UK set up a new charity, Age International, which has since helped people in more than 40 developing countries around the world. My aim was to ensure that Age International cemented its place as an integral part of the mission of Age UK, and committed to protecting and promoting the dignity and rights of people in later life in some of the poorest parts of the world. We have now established the charity’s position as a leading member of the global HelpAge network of age-focussed organisations.”

Alison Marshall, Age International’s CEO, reflected on the news of Dianne’s award. “Dianne was a driving force in establishing our organisation, and it’s these foundations that have enabled Age International to support millions of older people since 2012. We exist to inspire and channel UK support so older people in challenging situations can improve their lives. We do this so older people across the world are included and valued as equals, with their voices being heard, their needs met and their rights realised. We can do this effectively because of the tremendous tenacity, ambition and determination of Dianne in contributing to the founding of Age International. On behalf of the team at Age International, we would like to say huge congratulations to Dianne on her DBE.”

Also reflecting on the DBE announcement, Paul Farmer, CEO of Age UK told us “I am sure I speak for everyone at Age UK in saying we are also absolutely delighted that Dianne has been honoured in this way. Our Charity would not be where it is today without her dedication and hard work as Chair of Trustees in establishing Age UK, following the merger of Help the Aged and Age Concern, and then in leading us through our early years. In helping to establish Age International from within Age UK in 2012, Dianne has contributed to older people in low and middle-income countries having their rights recognised, accessing vital income and better healthcare, and receiving age-friendly support in humanitarian emergencies. We owe Dianne a huge debt of gratitude and, of course, we're also pleased that she continues to chair the Malnutrition Task Force, which we are proud to host at Age UK.”

This Damehood not only acknowledges Dianne's individual accomplishments, but also highlights the collective achievements of Age International, Age UK and the HelpAge Global Network in making a truly meaningful difference to the lives of the older people we collectively serve. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dianne and express our gratitude for her unwavering dedication to our mission.