University Midwifery Academic Awarded MBE

Benash Nazmeen recognised in King’s Birthday Honours 2026

Benash Nazmeen, Assistant Professor in Midwifery at the University of Bradford, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026. The award recognises her services to charity and healthcare.

Contributions to Midwifery and Healthcare Equality

Benash Nazmeen is noted for co-founding The Association of South Asian Midwives (ASAM), an organisation that supports marginalised midwives and raises awareness of the challenges faced by diverse communities within the healthcare system.

Reflecting on the honour, Benash highlighted the personal significance of the award, mentioning her family background in midwifery and the progress made across generations. She said the recognition symbolises not only her own journey but also those of many others in similar fields.

Role with the Care Quality Commission

In addition to her academic role, Benash serves as a specialist advisor to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), focusing on Midwifery, Leadership, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. She continues to work on initiatives aimed at improving equality in healthcare services.

Commitment to Inclusion and Leadership

Benash emphasised the importance of collaboration with communities, healthcare professionals, and partners to enhance equity and representation. She acknowledged the contributions of individuals who have shared their experiences and helped drive change.

She stated her hope that the honour will serve as a reminder that leadership can emerge from every community, and that fostering a sense of being seen, valued, and included can lead to positive developments in healthcare.

Future Focus

Despite receiving the MBE, Benash Nazmeen expressed her ongoing commitment to working alongside communities and colleagues to improve outcomes and opportunities for women, people accessing maternity services, and their families.