Stuart Etherington, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations since 1994 has received a knighthood in recognition of his work on behalf of the voluntary and community sector.

With a background in social work Etherington has worked in the sector since 1987, he has sat on various governmental bodies and been a trustee of the Charities Aid Foundation, GuideStar UK and Business in the Community among other organisations. In 2008 a tongue-in-cheek online Civil Society poll revealed that Etherington was considered by many in the voluntary sector to be its leader.

Etherington said: “It is an honour and a privilege to work with voluntary and community organisations. Our sector makes an immense contribution to the lives of individuals and communities, making a positive difference to society. For me, this knighthood is recognition for all those whose hard work, dedication and commitment we sometimes hear too little about.”