Civic honour nominations to be considered

Liverpool City Council is set to recommend several individuals and organisations for civic awards at their upcoming meeting on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. Among the honours to be bestowed is the Freedom Roll of Associations, also known as the Freedom of the City, which stands as the highest civic accolade the city can grant. This prestigious award is proposed for three distinguished organisations.

The first nominee is Liverpool Harriers and Athletics Club, established in 1882 and situated at the Wavertree Athletics Centre since 1990. The club has a notable record of national victories across cross-country, road relays, and track and field events. It has produced several international athletes, including Olympians Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Anyika Onuora. Also up for this esteemed recognition is Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), a collaborative venture between the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University in China, which has been operational since 2006. Lastly, The Open Awards, located in Speke and offering Ofqual regulated qualifications across various sectors including Higher Education Diplomas, traineeships, and apprenticeships, are also recommended for the Freedom of the City.

In addition to these organisational honours, Michael Eakin OBE, who led the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society as Chief Executive for 16 years, is proposed to be named a Citizen of Honour. This award, introduced in 2008, acknowledges individuals who have made exceptional and unique contributions that enhance the city’s reputation and positively impact its residents. Furthermore, the council plans to confer the titles of Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen on a group of former councillors in recognition of their distinguished past service. The list of nominees includes Warren Bradley, Jan Clein, Paul Clein, Tina Gould, Tim Moore, James Noakes, Richard Oglethorpe, Frank Prendergast MBE, Keith Turner, and Hazel Williams (posthumously).

Upon approval of the nominations, presentations of commemorative scrolls will take place at a later civic event hosted by the Lord Mayor. Councillor Barbara Murray, the Lord Mayor, expressed pride in the nominees, stating, “Liverpool is fortunate to have so many organisations and individuals who make a significant contribution to life in the city.” She added, “The civic honours provide us with an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their work and recognise the positive difference they make… It gives us a chance to acknowledge the dedication that people give to our city, and the talents and skills that make our communities better places.” Recipients of the awards also shared their gratitude. Kristina Van Steen, President of Liverpool Harriers & Athletics Club, highlighted the dedication of their volunteers and the lasting impact on both the local community and athletics worldwide. Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, praised XJTLU’s achievements and its benefits to the Liverpool City Region’s economy and culture. Youmin Xi, Executive President of XJTLU, reflected on the honour as a testament to the university’s innovative evolution and its future ambitions. Michael Eakin OBE described receiving the Citizen of Honour as a particularly special tribute to Liverpool’s vibrant cultural scene and its people

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