A TRUSTEE of a Buckfastleigh charity has received the MBE, it has just been revealed.

Gerri Clement, who has been a trustee of Go Beyond since 2020, was awarded Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE); an honour given for her work and dedication to social mobility within the civil service.

Gerri is an accomplished change management and HR Senior Civil Servant, currently leading a locations programme within Civil Service HR. With both private and public sector experience, Gerri specialises in strategic business planning, target operating model creation and multi-portfolio programme management.

A Go Beyond spokesman said: ‘We are a charity giving children and young people facing serious challenges in their lives the chance for a break. Her expertise has supported the growth of the culture at Go Beyond, which fosters a friendly environment where staff, volunteers, children, and young people can be curious, brave, bold, and look out for one another.

‘Gerri’s dedication to social mobility spans both her personal life, professional career, and community interests. Gerri is the Co-founder and Sponsor of the Cross-Government Social Mobility Network, created in 2014 with the desire and drive to broaden understating of social mobility within departments, to influence policy, and to make the civil service one of the most inclusive employers.’

Gerri Clement MBE said: ‘It’s the culture at Go Beyond that attracted me to the charity. A team of individuals putting children and young people, who have been bereaved, abused or bullied, who are living in poverty or caring for loved ones, at the heart of everything they do.

‘Creating an environment that allows children to experience more than an escape from their worries and pressures, but an environment that transforms their lives through new experiences, challenges, and adventures. This is the organisation that I want to use my expertise to support and grow.”

Stephen Brearley, chairman of the Board of Trustees, Go Beyond, added: ‘Gerri Clement’s award compliments the crucial work of the charity in providing children with life changing opportunities regardless of demographics or socioeconomics. Investing in our people and culture is one of the many ways we aim to work with Gerri moving forwards.’