Childcare pioneer to receive honorary degree

Dame Gillian Pugh, a pioneer in childcare services and former Chief Executive of England's oldest children's charity, will receive an honorary degree from the University of Sheffield this week (Thursday 10 January-Friday 11 January 2013). Dame Gillian, who will receive a Doctor of Letters, is among four recipients who will be honoured for their outstanding contribution to their chosen fields and, or, significant personal achievements. For the last two decades she has been an important contributor to Government thinking on the education, social care and health services support for disadvantaged children and has a 30 year association with the University of Sheffield's School of Education. Whilst working for the charity The Coram Family, which supports the most vulnerable children, young people and families in the UK, Dame Gillian increased the number of children and young people benefitting from their services from 300 to 6,000 a year. Dame Gillian and the three fellow esteemed recipients will receive their accolades alongside hundreds of PhD and Masters graduates from the University's Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry and Health. Social Science and International Faculties. English playwright and novelist, Michael Frayn, is set to become an Honorary Graduand in recognition of his dedication to literature and will receive a degree of Doctor of Letters.