Chief Guide from Peterborough "humbled" to receive OBE in King's New Year's Honours List 2026

As reported earlier today, Chief Guide Tracy Foster is to be awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for her services to Girlguiding.

A part of Girlguiding since joining the Brownies aged seven, Tracy later went on to become a Brownie leader, and a Guide leader in Peterborough, before taking on the chief role in 2023.

Speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph, Tracy, who has been named a ‘Dame’, said: “I am deeply honoured to receive an OBE for my service to Girlguiding, and humbled by the recognition, it fills me with immense joy and pride.

"Supporting girls and young women has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and their energy, resilience, and spirit have inspired me every step of the way both, at Girlguiding and in my professional career.

"This recognition shines on the entire Girlguiding community, who make the movement extraordinary. I’m thrilled to accept this award and excited to continue championing the next generation.”

Commenting on Tracy’s honour, Sally Kettle, Deputy Chief Guide for Girlguiding said: “Tracy Foster’s OBE is richly deserved. For over 40 years she has given her time, energy and heart to Girlguiding, living its values every single day.

"From her own journey as a Brownie to Chief Guide, Tracy understands the power of guiding from the inside out.

"As our most senior volunteer, she leads and inspires 80,000 volunteers with humility, warmth and unwavering commitment. Alongside this, her work as a social worker and National Domestic Abuse Lead reflects a lifelong dedication to supporting the most vulnerable. Tracy’s leadership empowers others to make a difference and that impact is profound.”