The former chair of London’s biggest independent charity funder is one of two elected members of the City of London Corporation recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.
Giles Shilson, who chaired City Bridge Foundation for three and a half years from 2021 to 2024, has been awarded an OBE for services to outreach and inclusion and to charity.
He led the 900-year-old charity, of which the City Corporation is sole trustee, through the aftermath of the pandemic and oversaw major changes to its governance which brought together its duties as a bridge owner and charity funder.
Dr Shilson also served for three years as chair of the Barbican Centre Board and as chair of governors of the City of London School. In all those roles, he championed a more inclusive approach, particularly with regard to neurodivergent people.
Giles Shilson said:
“I am delighted to receive this honour, and grateful to have had the opportunity to carry out public service in the City of London over the past two decades. This award reflects the tremendous impact of the City Bridge Foundation’s work, both as trusted owner of the City’s five bridges and as London’s largest independent funder.
“We now have a new governance model, a new brand and a renewed sense of purpose; and it has been a great privilege to work alongside so many talented colleagues leading an institution that has a huge impact on so many thousands of lives.”
Meanwhile, Peter Dunphy, currently chair of the City Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, has been awarded an MBE for services to amenity conservation and to volunteering.
Mr Dunphy contributed towards securing asset of community value status for City venues including The Tipperary, reputedly London’s oldest Irish pub, safeguarding its future as a Fleet Street hostelry.
He previously chaired the City Corporation’s licensing committee, where he oversaw the growth of the night time economy to a record size without a single licensing appeal. He also oversaw new safety policies and the development of the night time levy to pay for additional policing and cleaning.
More recently Mr Dunphy served as Chief Commoner – one of the City Corporation’s most historic roles dating back to 1444 – initiating a groundbreaking new member code of conduct.
He also spent over a decade as trustee and two years as deputy governor of The Honourable The Irish Society, a grant-giving charity connected to the City Corporation which supports cross-community initiatives in and around County Londonderry.
Peter Dunphy said:
“I was very pleased when I opened the envelope and I know my entire family will also be delighted I’ve been acknowledged in this way. I’m really thankful for all the support I’ve received over many years from colleagues at the City Corporation, as well as friends and family.
“I’m particularly proud that as chair of the licensing committee and deputy governor of The Honourable The Irish Society, I was able to support numerous businesses through Covid which, without that support, probably wouldn’t be here today.”
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