Claire Swift, Director of Social Responsibility at London College of Fashion (LCF), has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year’s Honours List for Services to the Rehabilitation of Prisoners.

Claire and her team have pioneered Making for Change, established in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice in 2014. This project brought a fully equipped fashion training and manufacturing unit to a women’s prison, aiming to enhance well-being and reduce reoffending rates by providing participants with professional skills and qualifications in a supportive environment.

Making for Change was also recently recognised through the Queen’s Anniversary Prize. Making for Change is part of LCF’s Portal Centre for Social Impact and is supported by the Portal Trust.

Making for Change now works across Poplar Works in east London and HMP Downview in Surrey, creating spaces for women to learn, gain industry recognised qualifications and meaningful employment.

At both studios, Making for Change offers high quality manufacturing to emerging and established brands with sustainability and social responsibility at their core. Products range from garments to homeware, with a particular specialism in upcycling and repurposing. The units offer CMT production, design development, pattern development and sampling.

Congratulations to Claire from the UKFT team!

Others recognised in this year’s honours list include:

• Retail expert Mary Portas, who was awarded an OBE for Services to Business, Broadcasting and Charity
• Oscar Pinto-Hervia, founder of Hervia boutique, who was awarded an OBE for Services to Fashion and Charity
• Jane Boardman, founding chair of the British Beauty Council and adviser to the British Fashion Council, who was OBE for Voluntary Services to Beauty and Fashion
• Former John Lewis COO Andrew Murphy, who was awarded an OBE for Services to the British Retail Industry
• Lady Sorrell, designer and co-founder of the Sorrell Foundation and co-founder and trustee of the Saturday Club Trust, who was awarded a CBE for Services to Design and the Creative Industries
• Dr Samuel Ross, founder and creative director of A-COLD-WALL*, who was awarded an MBE for Services to Fashion