Professor of Counselling Psychology appointed MBE in New Year Honours list 2026

Professor Divine Charura has expressed his heartfelt thanks to colleagues and collaborators after being appointed MBE in HM The King’s New Year Honours list 2026. The list recognises community champions who have made outstanding contributions to their communities across the UK.

Professor Charura is Professor of Counselling Psychology at York St John University. He receives his award in recognition of services to inclusion and the advancement of counselling and psychotherapy research and practice. It acknowledges his significant work in advancing research and education with a strong emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion.

His research focuses on mental health and trauma across the lifespan, working nationally and internationally with individuals experiencing psychological distress and trauma. He supports multidisciplinary teams, including frontline professionals in emergency services, health, social care, and policing. His work also explores evidence-based interventions for humanitarian aid workers and vulnerable populations such as refugees and asylum seekers. In addition, his research addresses the decolonisation of therapeutic practices and psychological research.

Through his research, Divine has influenced training curricula and practices, embedding inclusion and equality at the heart of therapeutic services and education. He has presented his work at national and international events, including the 2024 UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) conference and as keynote speaker at the inaugural Critical Social Justice in Psychology Conference at the University of British Columbia.

His projects have attracted funding from the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. During the pandemic, he designed training for over 300 NHS psychotherapists focused on diversity and trauma, enabling better treatment for those affected by COVID-19. He has also advocated for asylum seekers in York, securing funding from the Hey Smile Foundation and Natural England to support green social prescribing initiatives.

Divine’s expertise on diversity and trauma is sought worldwide, including in South-East Asia, the USA, Africa and Europe. He was recently invited to take part in the UNHCR Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, the second high-level officials meeting, held at the Geneva International Conference Centre in December 2025. Co-hosted by Switzerland, the event brought together senior government officials and key stakeholders to review progress towards the goals of the Global Compact on Refugees and to reinforce collective commitment to maintaining momentum.

His academic work builds on a career as a clinician supporting refugees and asylum seekers, police and military personnel who have experienced unimaginable trauma. His professional standing is recognised through his role as the North of England representative for professionals registered with the UKCP and as an editorial board member for the European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy. In 2024, he was named Senior Researcher of the Year by the UKCP, acknowledging his contribution to driving progress in the field.

Professor Divine Charura said: “I’m honoured to be named in His Majesty The King’s 2026 New Year Honours list as an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire.)

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues at York St John University, including our York St John Communities Centre, Institute for Social Justice and Institute for Health and Care Improvement. I’d also like to thank those across the UK and internationally who collaborate with me in advancing trauma informed teaching, research, counselling and psychotherapy practice, and inclusion.

“This award also underscores our shared commitment to breaking down and dismantling systemic barriers. My hope is that we continue to work together, challenging stigma, and advocating for mental health and social justice for all, especially the most marginalized in our communities.”

Professor Karen Bryan, OBE, Vice Chancellor of York St John University said: “We are delighted to see Divine’s extensive contributions recognised by the award of an MBE. His work to champion inclusion and equality in his professional field has been nothing short of transformative, ensuring that countless individuals, many of whom have experienced unimaginable trauma, receive the highest quality support.

“This honour is a well-deserved acknowledgment of the lasting impact Divine has made and his ongoing commitment to advancing social justice through his research and practice.”