The honour will make it a rare trio of accolades for Craig Russo
Humber NHS manager Craig Russo is to receive a prestigious British Citizen Award(Image: Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust)
An NHS manager has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to society with the news he is to receive a prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA). Craig Russo is the operation manager for the Children’s Neurodevelopment Service at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust.
This service manages referrals for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) in children, reviewing the best possible support package for every child. For Craig, it will be the third ceremony he has attended in recent years, having received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in Mental Health Nursing in 2024 and the Parliamentary People’s Award Champion of the Year, also in 2024.
Following these up with the awarding of the BCA, at the Palace of Westminster, on January 22, this triple-header of accolades makes Craig’s story particularly rare and the recognition all the more impressive. Craig is among only 26 exceptional individuals to be honoured with the highly-esteemed BCA this month. At the presentation he will receive the BCA Medal of Honour for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving.
Craig said: “I’m honoured to have received the British Empire Medal, the Parliamentary People’s Award, and most recently the British Citizen Award. This recognition reflects a journey grounded in compassion, resilience and public service.
“It has undoubtedly strengthened my commitment to values-led leadership, professionalism, advocacy and using lived experience to improve outcomes for the people and communities our NHS serves.” Outside of his work within the Trust, Craig is a survivor of church-related abuse and has been instrumental in establishing Safe Spaces England and Wales (SSEW) as a survivor-led, independent charity.
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While the initial concept came from the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England and the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Craig’s advocacy and leadership ensured that survivor voices shaped its development, governance and ongoing operations. He consistently pushes for transparency, accountability and meaningful change within both institutions, striving to create a culture that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all survivors nationally.
Through his tireless advocacy and dedication, Craig is not only making a difference in the lives of survivors, but also driving systemic change within the Church. Craig also developed the Primary Care Mental Health service in York, earning him the BEM for his work.
He worked to design new police custody and NHS pathways to improve safety for vulnerable individuals. He also founded a non-registered charity supporting perpetrators of abuse, focusing on reducing reoffending, teaching coping skills and managing emotions.
Stephanie Wood, from BCA partner, One Stop, said: “This year’s medallists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times. We’re honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals.”
Following the ceremony, medallists have been invited to enjoy an open top lap of honour tour taking in some of Westminster’s iconic sights in celebration of their positive impact on communities the length and breadth of the UK.