New Year Honours for Catz alumni

Two alumni of St Catharine’s College were among the 1,239 people recognised as part of the 2021 New Year Honours list for their extraordinary contributions to the United Kingdom.

Jonathan Allen (1993, History) has been appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in recognition of his services to British foreign policy. He is currently Acting Permanent Representative for the UK Mission to the United Nations.

Simon Shercliff OBE (1992, Earth Sciences) was also awarded the honour of a CMG for his services to British foreign policy and national security. He is Director for National Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Simon explained, “2020 was a tough year for everyone, including those working in central government trying to address the huge challenges thrown up by the pandemic as well as keep the normal business of government going. I played my part alongside countless others who performed relentlessly and selflessly over and above what could reasonably be asked of them, under the most difficult circumstances. I am extremely honoured to have been recognised amongst so many worthy recipients, including Jonathan.”

Jonathan added, "I feel very honoured to be recognised in this way. It comes after four years in New York, the last in charge of the UK's Mission to the United Nations here. We return to the UK in 2021 and I'm looking forward to picking up old friendships and returning to favourite places. Simon and I were at Catz for a couple of years together and it was great to see his name on the list as he's an outstanding and committed diplomat."

Professor Sir Mark Welland, Master of St Catharine’s, commented, “I am delighted that Jonathan and Simon have been recognised in the New Year Honours list, and it is gratifying to know that these two colleagues are also friends who share a connection to St Catharine’s. On behalf of our community, I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for their ongoing efforts to safeguard the UK’s security and tackle global challenges with our international partners.”