Susie Schofield, the founder of the John Schofield Trust, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to journalism and to diversity in the journalism industry.

Susie Schofield MBE said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive this award. Setting up the John Schofield Trust to recognise young journalists in the aftermath of John’s tragic death was the most positive act I could do. John was such a welcoming force in any news setting and I’d like to dedicate this award to his memory.

This award is built on the shoulders of hundreds of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to mentor young journalists from diverse backgrounds who are under-represented in newsrooms to help them navigate their way into the news industry. It has been the privilege of my life to be part of that.

There is still much to be done to make newsrooms welcoming for all.”

Layla Wright, Presenter and Journalist, said: “I and so many other young journalists have had the privilege of being supported by the John Schofield Trust. The Trust helped me navigate what seemed like a daunting industry and helped me believe that my dreams were possible. Susie was the first person I met at the charity back when I was a local radio reporter and she became one of my biggest cheerleaders. It’s made such a difference having her and the charity’s support on every step of my journey since, and to be a small part of John’s legacy. I couldn’t think of anybody more deserving than Susie of this honour.”

David Stenhouse, the Chief Executive of the John Schofield Trust said:  “Susie Schofield is not a journalist, but she has changed journalism for the better. After John Schofield’s death Susie created an organisation which has brought hope, encouragement and support to hundreds of journalists at the beginnings of their careers, and made a massive contribution to increasing diversity in the news industry. In September this year the Trust will welcome applications from early career journalists working in broadcast, print and multimedia, in all four nations of the United Kingdom, and Ireland. As we look forward to our biggest year yet, we are delighted by this recognition for our founder, whose hard work, generosity of spirit and strength of character has transformed British journalism.”

For Editors:The John Schofield Trust was founded in 1996 by Susie Schofield after her husband John Schofield was killed whilst covering the civil war in Yugoslavia for the BBC, aged just 29. Today the Trust is the leading social mobility journalism charity in the UK, working hard to diversify the industry through acclaimed mentoring programmes. Hundreds of journalists in the UK and Republic of Ireland have been mentored by the Trust or have volunteered as mentors. Each year the National Council for the Training of Journalists report into diversity in journalism demonstrates how far the industry needs to change to become representative of the UK population. More on the Trust and how it works is available here. For more information please contact david@johnschofieldtrust.org.uk