Matthew Jason Brown has been awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of his remarkable commitment to public service and his local community. Matthew first graduated with a BA (Hons) Business and Management from our Scarborough campus in 2008, before completing an MA in Globalization and Governance on our main campus in 2011, and the former councillor for Cleethorpes is very clear about how Hull played an important role in his development and his desire to make a difference.

Matthew said “Receiving the BEM is an immense honour, and it reflects a journey that was fundamentally shaped by the University of Hull. Through its unwavering commitment to widening participation, the university gave me a second chance to rebuild my academic profile after I left school without GCSEs at grades A–C, due to significant health challenges and undiagnosed Dyslexia and Autism. Hull saw potential where others had not — identifying my Dyslexia and responding with rigorous, tailored support that enabled me not only to succeed academically, but to truly thrive.”

Growing up in Cleethorpes, Matthew faced serious health challenges from an early age. Alongside this, he navigated undiagnosed dyslexia and autism, which made school especially challenging. Leaving secondary education without strong GCSE results, his path forward was far from clear but with support from his family, especially his Nana Barbara, and community, Matthew was able to rebuild and applied to the University of Hull after securing his A-Levels.

During his time at Hull, Matthew became deeply involved in student leadership. As Vice President for Scarborough at Hull University Union, he gained attention for his unconventional campaigning style and ability to connect with students across campuses. He played a leading role in student campaigns, including protests against tuition fee increases, and was part of a team recognised nationally when the union achieved Gold in the NUS Student Union Evaluation Initiative, making it one of the top Student Unions in the UK, and was later named NUS Student Union of the Year.

“Nothing I have achieved has ever been accomplished in isolation,” Matthew said about his approach to community service. ‘Every success throughout my life has been built on strong teamwork, shared vision, and collective endeavour.”

Matthew’s commitment to this idea of service continued beyond graduation. At just 24, he was elected as a councillor in Cleethorpes, where he quickly built a reputation for tireless community advocacy. Known locally as “Mr Croft Baker,” he delivered visible impact—from tackling anti-social behaviour to preserving local heritage and championing improved autism services. His work reflected a blend of practical action, creativity and long-term vision for the town.

It was the work and the contributions that he made after his time as a councillor, though, that attracted National recognition. Matthew has built a career in the Civil Service with the Department for Work and Pensions. He is also an active trade union voice, advocating for workplace wellbeing and improved support for neurodivergent colleagues. This work was recognised in 2026 when the FDA Union awarded him an FDA Individual Impact Award, which is the equivalent of a ‘Trade Unionist of the Year’ award.

This month Matthew received his British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to the community in Cleethorpes, recognising years of dedication to his local community.

A pivotal part of this chapter in his life was his role in transforming a disused youth centre on Trinity Road into Cleethorpes Community Sports & Education (CCSE). As founding chairman, he helped lead a £3 million redevelopment of what is now a thriving hub supporting young people and families and a testament to his enduring commitment to his community.

“Being awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in Cleethorpes is especially meaningful to me,’ said Matthew. ‘I am a proud Meggie, and this town, its people, and its spirit have shaped who I am. This honour is therefore not simply recognition of my own efforts, but a reflection of the extraordinary community of Cleethorpes that has supported, challenged, and inspired me throughout my life.”

Matthew also had words of encouragement for students and alumni of the University of Hull who also wanted to make an impact in their communities:

“To current and future students, my message is simple: resilience in the face of adversity can be your greatest strength, not your barrier. My journey was far from straightforward, but the University of Hull showed me that potential isn’t defined by where you start — it’s shaped by the opportunities you embrace and the determination you bring. A degree from Hull is more than an academic qualification; it’s a platform for growth, confidence and lifelong impact.”