Meet the Prestatyn woman who has been awarded an MBE
Vicky Poole was named in the King's Birthday Honours list and has been appointed an MBE for Public Service to Social Care.
Ms Poole, who retired last year, had been deputy chief inspector for Care Inspectorate Wales and had worked for the care body and Welsh Government since 2014.
Vicky Poole (Image: Vicky Poole) She said being nominated was a 'real surprise' but wished to dedicate the award to social care having worked 'all her life' in the sector.
"It's a real honour, I kind of feel it's about social care and I'm glad to celebrate social care as opposed to me personally,' Vicky told the Journal.
'That was the reason I accepted it really – I made sure the award said social care in it because I've worked all my life in social care.'
Vicky began her career as a live-in volunteer with palliative and bereavement support charity Sue Ryder in South Yorkshire.
She went on to complete mental health nurse training before moving into social care.
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A resident of North Wales since 1990, Vicky held local, regional and national roles in social care before retiring as deputy chief inspector for Care Inspectorate Wales in October.
Ms Poole was nominated by her old boss and hadn't known about his recommendation until a letter came through to tell her she had received an MBE.
She said: 'When the letter came, it was a real surprise.
'It was my boss who nominated me although I didn't know he had.
'It's good to be recognised.
'I was pleased to accept the honour of an MBE in the hope of contributing in a small way to raising the profile of social care, and of Care Inspectorate Wales - who work so hard to promote high quality social care and childcare.'
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