King's Birthday Honours List 2025 - congratulations to Fiona and Diane

Two of our Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) colleagues Dr Fiona Sandom and Diane Powles have received honours in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025.

Fiona has held multiple roles within the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), including serving as both President and Chair, and has been vital in advancing the role and recognition of dental therapists across the UK. Her dedication to education, policy development, and clinical excellence has left a lasting impact on the dental profession. 

Fiona is also a Dental Professional Support Unit Lead (DPSU) and North Wales Regional Lead at HEIW and receives an MBE for her outstanding services to dental therapy and the NHS in Wales.

Kirstie Moons, Postgraduate Dental Dean said “We are delighted that Fiona has been given this well deserved award, her work has and will continue to impact the dental profession in Wales positively for many years to come.”

Diane's, Strategic Education Advisor - Nursing at HEIW receives a BEM for services to Nursing and to Education. 

Spanning 44 years in healthcare, Diane has led many initiatives including the development of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Prince of Wales Nursing Cadets, now called the RCN Kings Nursing Cadets. Her background as a nurse and educationalist has seen her work in clinical and leadership roles in the NHS, Higher Education, and the Royal College of Nursing. She has worked nationally within the UK and internationally. Her current role includes leading the pilot project for the introduction of international students to undertake the pre-registration Adult Nursing programme and to work in Wales.

Martin Riley, Deputy Director of Education Commissioning & Quality said, “Diane has had a fantastic career across service, academia and the RCN.  We are very pleased to have Diane working in HEIW and she's making a massive impact as a strategic education advisor and also in leading the International Student Nurse initiative.  This is a well deserved award for her services to nursing and education."

Congratulations to Fiona and Diane!