SSAFA London South West Branch Secretary receives prestigious award

30 July 2024

Dame Sylvia Morris DBE has been awarded the Sir James Gildea Global Award by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

SSAFA’s Sir James Gildea Awards were created to recognise the staff – voluntary and paid – for their exceptional contributions and commitment to SSAFA’s activities and values. The awards were presented at SSAFA’s Annual Members’ Meeting in London at the Victory Services Club on 11 July, by His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, SSAFA’s President.

Sylvia was born in Manchester to a military family; her father served during and after the Second World War in the Royal Military Police. Sylvia would continue the family tradition of public service but in the field of education. She spent decades as a teacher, became a National Leader of Education in 2005, and was made a Dame Commander for education services in 2012.

Following her retirement in 2012 Sylvia reflected on what would come next in her life. She wanted to give back through volunteering, but she wanted an opportunity entirely different from her decades of experience in education. After spending some time traveling, Sylvia decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and look for opportunities in the military sphere.

In 2019 she joined the London South West Branch as a Divisional Secretary, and her positive impact was immediately felt. In 2022 Sylvia took on the role of Branch Secretary for the London South West Branch while maintaining her position as Divisional Secretary. She has managed both roles with ease, being described by clients and peers alike as calm, understanding, and brilliant.

Speaking about receiving the Sir James Gildea Global Award, Sylvia said: “This award means a great deal to me. I feel greatly humbled and encouraged to go even further to make a difference for our beneficiaries, our caseworkers, and the wider team of volunteers in the branch, the region, and nationally.”

All at SSAFA send Dame Sylvia Morris DBE their heartfelt congratulations on receiving the Sir James Gildea Global Award.