An exceptional contribution to the nuclear industry and to education in Cumbria has been recognised with a British Empire Medal for Dumfries-born David Davidson.
The 54-years-old, who is married to Vanessa with two sons, Campbell, aged 22, and 18-year-old Oliver, is delighted with the gong in the King’s New Year Honours List but modestly said he is “just a small cog in a large machine”.
He will officially receive his honour later this year, along with an invitation to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in the summer. And it has delighted his family and many friends in Dumfries and Galloway.
David, who was educated at Georgetown Primary School and Dumfries High School, said a previous “honour” was being a page boy for the Queen of the South at Guid Nychburris.
His dad, also called David, still lives in the town, while his mum, Nettie Rogerson – whom he jointly owns the business, Alternative, in Dumfries with – stays in Moffat.
David has been a member of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority since its formation in 2005, and is NDA reporting manager within the finance function.
He is also the current chairman of Prospect Union’s NDA branch and a member of Prospect Energy Sector Committee.
He has also dedicated more than 20 years to school governance – supporting schools, staff and students across Cumbria, where he lives – and in 2003 was appointed the chairman of trustees for the not-for-profit charity, Changing Lives Learning which is “dedicated to transforming education”.
Tributes to his work have stated that his “leadership and dedication over the years have positively transformed the lives of countless students, families, and communities”.
David said: “It has always been a great privilege to undertake the work I do at NDA, within the education sector and on behalf of Prospect Union.
“I work with so many truly amazing individuals and to think that someone who knows me and the work I do has taken time to nominate me for this is beyond words.
“I would like to thank NDA for their support and flexibility which allows me to support the education sector and undertake my duties on behalf of Prospect.
“My thanks also go to all those who give up their time to support the organisations that I am involved with. I’m just a small cog in a large machine that only functions because of the support and dedication of many.
“I also really do need to acknowledge the role my wife and sons play in the work I do, as without their support and understanding none of what I do could be possible.
“For as long as I continue in these roles, I will always try to make a difference.”
The Changing Lives Learning Trust encompasses nine schools (three secondary and six primary) as well as a teaching school hub and its CEO, Judith Schafer, praised David’s contribution: “David’s dedication to education and his unwavering commitment to our schools and communities are truly inspiring. Being recognised with a BEM is a well-deserved honour, reflecting his remarkable contributions, and we are immensely proud to celebrate this achievement with him.”
Since 2018, David has also served as chairman of governors at Cumbria Futures Federation, which oversees two local authority maintained schools. He has also had a decade-long involvement as a business advisor for the YE Company Programme .