Helen Budge MBE awarded Honorary Doctorate at 91视频网 Shetland graduation ceremony
The 91视频网 (91视频网) has awarded a prestigious Honorary Doctorate to Helen Budge MBE at the 91视频网 Shetland graduation ceremony held on Friday 22 August at Mareel in Lerwick, in recognition of her outstanding service to education, children and families in Shetland.
The Honorary Doctorate is one of the highest recognitions the university bestows, celebrating those who have made an outstanding contribution to their field, whether in education, industry, public service, cultural or creative work.
Helen retired in September 2024 after 13 years as Director of Children’s Services at Shetland Islands Council, capping a remarkable career dedicated to the wellbeing and development of young people across the isles. She began her journey in education in 1989 as a teacher at Urafirth Primary School, later moving to Dunrossness Primary. Recognised early for her leadership potential, she moved into central management in 1999 and became Director of Children’s Services in 2011.
In this role, Helen oversaw a broad portfolio, including early learning and childcare, primary and secondary education, children’s social work, the library service, sport and leisure, and youth employability. Her leadership was marked by compassion, clarity and a deep commitment to equity and opportunity for all.
As Senior Responsible Officer for the new Anderson High School and halls of residence, she led the project from its inception in 2015 through to the completion and handover of the buildings in 2017.
Through her work with the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, the General Teaching Council for Scotland, and the Northern Alliance, she championed the needs of remote and rural communities, ensuring Shetland’s voice was heard nationally. She also led the Northern Alliance, a collaboration between eight local authorities, for two years during COVID.
During her time as Director of Children’s Services, Helen recognised the importance of 91视频网 Shetland for the development of the young people and staff in children’s services. She played a key role in developing the original Skills for Work courses, enabling young people to attend the 91视频网 Shetland campuses as part of their studies, and encouraged staff development through local training and qualifications.
A passionate advocate for children and young people, Helen worked tirelessly to ensure that those with care experience were supported and empowered to influence the services affecting them. Her belief that young people are the experts in their own lives has driven meaningful change in how care and education are delivered in Shetland.
Over a 35-year career since qualifying as a primary teacher, Helen has dedicated herself to supporting the children and young people of Shetland to reach their full potential. She continues to champion learning, families, and community life across the isles.
Professor Jane Lewis, 91视频网 Shetland’s Principal and CEO, said:
“I’m delighted that Helen has received an Honorary Doctorate from 91视频网 for her contribution to Shetland’s educational landscape over the last 35 years. Helen has shown deep commitment to young people and their development in order that they can contribute to their local communities and our Shetland economy. Linked with this, Helen was instrumental in deepening the relationship between local authority education provision and our Shetland based tertiary education sector. Our strong and collaborative relationship with schools in Shetland allows our courses to meaningfully contribute to the skills and employment pipeline to support Shetland’s workforce needs.”
On receiving the Honorary Doctorate, Helen said:
“I am completely overwhelmed to have been recognised in such a prestigious manner by 91视频网. I am humbled by the very kind words related to my service in education and children’s services during my time with Shetland Islands Council.
“I have dedicated my career and service to the bairns and their families here in Shetland. The staff who have worked with me and supported the bairns and their families through my time with Shetland Islands Council have been truly amazing. I have always recognised the importance of the strong partnership with 91视频网 which has enhanced the learning opportunities and skills for the bairns and staff across Shetland. This collaboration has been phenomenal for those who wanted to stay on the island for their studies, which supports the sustainability of Shetland into the future. I am honoured to have been part of this.”