05 January 2001
Andrew Foster, controller at the Audit Commission since 1992, has received a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List.
Foster, who celebrated his 56th birthday the day before the official announcement, received his award for 'services to local government and the NHS'. Before joining the commission, Foster had an extensive career in social services.
His knighthood is also a reflection of the rise in prominence of the local government and health watchdog whose remit has grown massively under New Labour's drive to improve public services.
Others in the public sector rewarded for their work included Barry Quirk, chief executive at the London Borough of Lewisham, who received a CBE, as did John Davies, director of social services at Somerset County Council, and Susan Page, chief executive of the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust.
Sally Powell, deputy executive mayor at Hammersmith and Fulham, received a DBE. There was a CBE for Adrian Montague, deputy chairman of Partnerships UK, for 'services to the Private Finance Initiative'.
Foster was one of three CIPFA members decorated. John Pope, chief executive at North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, was awarded the CBE. Katherine Henderson, principal auditor at the National Audit Office, got an OBE. Cabinet Secretary Sir Richard Wilson, the man responsible for driving through the modernisation of Whitehall, received a GCB (Order of the Bath).
PFjan2001
