Two from BTP awarded MBEs in King’s Birthday Honours

A British Transport Police (BTP) officer and staff member have been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026. 

Child exploitation expert Amanda Radley and Sergeant Kyle Gordon have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs).

As a lead member of BTP’s County Lines Taskforce, Amanda has pioneered improving the safeguarding response to vulnerable children and adults at risk of exploitation, working within the force and across varying agencies to develop a preventative, responsive, and collaborative model.

This trauma informed proactive safeguarding approach has directly supported the protection of over 1,200 children across Britain’s rail network.

She’s helped shape key policy reforms ensuring children’s voices are central to legislative change, and has taken her expertise across the country to strengthen knowledge within law enforcement agencies on best practice safeguarding principles.

Kyle joined BTP in 2015 and has led transformative improvements in the safety, effectiveness, and professionalism of the police medic operations within the force, particularly in the treatment and rescue of casualties on the rail tracks.  

The high-performing London Underground disruption team he leads has deployed to major events across the capital, including Notting Hill Carnival, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the London Marathon.

He has also expanded the team’s remit to include all first aid at work and police medic training nationally across the force, and also developed a bespoke risk assessment, operating procedures, and procured specialised PPE tailored to improve officer and casualty safety.

Amanda Radley MBE said: “I’m extremely honoured and proud to receive this recognition and genuinely appreciate that colleagues took the time to make this nomination. With over 30 years in public service, it definitely reflects the collective efforts of all my colleagues and teams along the way, as well as the children, families and adults I have worked with who have strived to make the changes necessary and improve their lives, often in difficult circumstances.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have experienced a number of roles and organisations throughout my career and am very grateful that my position in BTP over the last six years has given me an opportunity to bring all that knowledge and insight to fruition. I have been so impressed by the force’s approach to safeguarding, it’s openness to accepting different opinions and allowing me into many conversations across the organisation to influence how we do things, hopefully improving outcomes for children and vulnerable adults as a result.

“For those on the County Lines Taskforce and the partners we’ve worked with over the last few years, I’m blown away by the passion and commitment, and I’m so proud of the results we’ve achieved together, the collaborative safeguarding approach we’ve developed and the improvements across the country in recognising children as potential victims and prosecuting those exploiting them.

“After a long career which inevitably has not always been easy, it’s amazing to get this recognition, and whilst extremely proud of the achievements made, I know we have more to do, and I fully recognise we don’t always get it right. I look forward to continuing to focus on improving outcomes and hopefully making a difference.”

Sergeant Kyle Gordon MBE said: “I came home and found the letter on the doormat and initially thought it was something from court. When I noticed it was from the Cabinet Office and marked ‘On His Majesty’s Service’, I didn’t know what to think. When I opened it, I had to read it a couple of times before it fully sank in.

“I remember turning to my partner and saying, ‘I think I’m being awarded an MBE’, which didn’t feel real at the time.

“While I’m incredibly honoured, I do feel this recognition reflects not just my work, but the dedication of my team, who put themselves at risk every day to try and save the lives of others.

“The work I’ve been recognised for has focused on improving training, safety, and welfare for our specialised team who work in extremely challenging and hazardous environments, often dealing with individuals who have suffered serve injuries.” 

A former BTP officer of 20 years has also been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours list. Stephen O’Callaghan was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for outstanding contributions to policing, safeguarding and public safety. Stephen now works for TransPennine Express as its Safeguarding and Crime Prevention Lead.

Chris Henley, a voluntary railway chaplain, was also awarded a BEM. For over a decade Chris has offered compassionate support to rail staff and BTP officers facing trauma, grief and emotional distress.  

Reflecting on the achievements of all four Honours recipients, BTP Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi said: “The contributions Amanda, Kyle, Stephen and Chris have made to BTP, policing and the railway are outstanding and I’m extremely proud to see their achievements recognised in His Majesty’s Birthday Honours.

“They embody everything we stand for as a police force – showing unwavering commitment to protecting the public and keeping Britain’s rail network safe. A massive congratulations to all of them from everyone in BTP on this richly deserved recognition.”

(L: Amanda Radley. R: Sgt Kyle Gordon)