A CHIPPING Campden woman who has worked tirelessly to ensure mental health patients rights are protected has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Rachel Griffiths has received the accolade for services to vulnerable people.

Mrs Griffiths has been a social worker for a number of years, previously working as a Mental Capacity Act (MCA) leader for Oxfordshire County Council before moving on to take a similar role working for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England.

Her work at CQC involves fulfilling a key part in its strategy and policies, including inspections.

She also works with other national bodies to help drive improvements in health and social care, as well as being part of the leadership group of the National Mental Capacity Forum.

Mrs Griffiths, who still lives in the village and has two sons, said: "It was such a surprise when I heard - I was totally in shock.

"I feel very honoured but a lot of the credit goes to other people who have worked with me.

"The focus of my work to embed the MCA in health and social care has been to ensure the rights of people who might lack mental capacity are protected, and that they receive the best possible care and treatment.

"I see this award as recognition of the importance of that work."