We are delighted to announce that our chief executive, Maurice Wren, has today been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Edinburgh in recognition of his outstanding commitment, leadership and contribution to humanitarian support for refugees and people seeking asylum.

For more than thirty years Maurice has dedicated his professional life to supporting vulnerable people. Prior to joining the Refugee Council in March 2013, Maurice worked as a Director in the homelessness and refugee protection fields at charities Shelter and Asylum Aid. Maurice co-founded the ground-breaking Independent Asylum Commission in 2007, Detention Forum in 2009 and is presently Co-Chair of the National Asylum Stakeholder Forum at the Home Office. Maurice also chairs UK Refugee Week.

Throughout his time as Chief Executive at the Refugee Council, Maurice has been admired for his strongly person-centred approach to supporting refugees. Andrew Halper, Chair of the Refugee Council, said: “I am delighted that Maurice has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Edinburgh, a honour that is thoroughly deserved.  For years, Maurice has worked creatively and tirelessly on behalf of the interests of refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK, and this dedication has been reflected by his many achievements. Maurice has never let go of his determination that the needs of refugees must always be kept at the very heart of everything we do. His leadership sets an inspiring example for those working to improve life for refugees.”

Reacting to the news, Maurice Wren said: “I am thrilled and delighted to be honoured by the University of Edinburgh with this prestigious award. My good fortune is to have had the privilege of working both alongside and for so many dedicated, committed and courageous people, to whom I am indebted for their support and inspiration.’

Maurice is a Trustee of Migrant Voice; the European Network on Statelessness; Every Casualty Worldwide and was made a Patron of Action Foundation in 2016.