Dame Karlene honoured

Dame Karlene Davis was one of four distinguished figures to be awarded honorary degrees and fellowships by London South Bank University.

Dame Karlene said: ‘My work has been driven by personal ideals, passion and commitment.

‘I am deeply honoured that London South Bank University has given me this exceptional honour.’

The awards ceremony, held at Southwark Cathedral, was attended by about 300 people, including university staff, students, local dignitaries, and family and friends of the honoraries.

Dame Karlene trained as a nurse, and then as a midwife, before studying nursing education at London South Bank University.

In a career spanning more than four decades, she rose through the ranks of the health service and was appointed general secretary of the RCM in 1997 – making her Britain’s first black female trade union leader.

In 2001, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in recognition of her services to midwifery and the NHS.

Professor Martin Earwicker, university vice chancellor, said: ‘We are delighted to present this year’s honorary awards to an exceptional group of individuals whose service to the fields of architecture, art, human rights and midwifery in London and far beyond, has enhanced the work, role and aims of our university.’

The others to be honoured at the ceremony were architect David Adjaye OBE, artist Maggi Hambling CBE and human rights campaigner and journalist Peter Tatchell.

The university selected well-known figures who have made exceptional contributions to society, particularly through their work and actions in London and the surrounding area.