Kay Brock (née Stewart Sandeman), who came to Somerville in 1972 to read Italian, has been appointed CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the Church of England.

Brock, who retired earlier this year, was the former chief of staff and strategy at Lambeth palace. She was appointed by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Williams, in 2012. Previously, she was chief of staff to six Lord Mayors of London and assistant private secretary to the Queen. After graduating from Somerville, she attained an MBA from the London Business School.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list recognises the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people across the UK. This year, 1,140 people have been recognised with gongs for their services to the country.

Further reading?

Somerville JRF Sheds Light on the Cellular Origins of Sleep

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Somerville JRF Sheds Light on the Cellular Origins of Sleep

Marking 100 years since the birth of Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013)

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13 October 2025
Marking 100 years since the birth of Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013)

Meet Francesca Arduini, Somerville’s New Tutorial Fellow in Economics

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10 October 2025
Meet Francesca Arduini, Somerville’s New Tutorial Fellow in Economics