A STOW woman has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Maxine Hannah Pritchard has been awarded an MBE for services to vulnerable people.

Mrs Pritchard is the head of financial inclusion and vulnerability at HSBC UK.

She said: “I’m delighted to be recognised for the work that I’ve led at HSBC UK to support our customers and members of society in vulnerable circumstances. I believe that everyone should have fair access to banking services, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

In her role with HSBC she has lead the firm’s financial inclusion and vulnerability strategy.

She has also helped to deliver a number of initiatives including the provision of bank accounts for those without a fixed address and survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking, the Independence Service to help keep those with reduced mental capacity financially independent for longer and the Sign Relay Service enabling customers to communicate with HSBC UK colleagues via sign language interpreters in branch or over the phone.

She also delivered a number of initiatives to support those experiencing abuse to include the introduction of Safe Spaces into the entire branch network.