Richard Quallington, the former Executive Director of ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours list for services to rural communities.

Richard has dedicated his career to speaking up for and supporting rural communities, stepping down as Executive Director of ACRE in June 2024.  He joined ACRE in 2015 and over the next nine years reshaped its role and deepened its relationship with the ACRE Network, 38 organisations providing advice and support and enabling local action in rural communities across England.  Richard also developed ACRE’s relationship with Government, and many other organisations that share its vision of thriving, inclusive and sustainable rural communities.

Before joining ACRE, Richard was Chief Executive of Community First in Herefordshire & Worcestershire, a member of the ACRE Network. During his time there he strengthened the organisation’s position and role across the two counties, grew its work and established one of the first Rural Housing Enabling projects in the country.  Richard, a former Vice Chair of ACRE, was also Deputy Chair of Hastoe Housing Association, a leading provider of affordable homes in rural communities across England.  Richard is now Chair of YSS, a charity which helps children and adults through significant life challenges.

Commenting on the news, Richard said:

“I feel very humbled to have been nominated for such an honour.  Whatever it is that my peers thought worthy of recognition, I know that I could have done none of it without the dedicated team at ACRE and my colleagues across the ACRE Network.  It is their understated work that does so much to support rural communities on the ground and I share this recognition with each of them.”

James Blake, Chair of ACRE, welcomed the announcement and said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Richard’s lifelong advocacy and support for rural communities, and particularly the people who live there in greatest need, has been recognised in this way.  On behalf of everyone in the ACRE family, I send him our warmest congratulations on his achievement.”