Simon Routh-Jones, from Burbage, received a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020, but due to Covid the investiture was delayed until November 23, 2021.

Princess Ann presented Simon with his award at Windsor Castle and a celebration lunch was held at the House of Lords the following day.

Mr Routh-Jones said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive a CBE in the Queen’s birthday honours. It’s a lovely accolade in recognition of the staff and personnel I worked with at HM Fire Service Inspectorate - Scotland and all those who have supported me – my friends, family and the Scottish government.”

Mr Routh-Jones served as a fire officer in Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for more than 37 years. His career began in 1979 as a probationary fire officer and he was eventually appointed chief executive at Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2011.

He held this post for five years and retired in April 2016 after working to merge Wiltshire and Dorset Fire and Rescue services.

In the the 2016 New Year’s Honours he was awarded the QFSM (Queen’s Fire Service Medal).

In September 2016, Simon became HM assistant inspector for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and in June 2018 he was promoted to HM chief inspector. Simon retired from this post on March 31, 2021.

Since his retirement, Simon has been appointed as an advisor to the secretary of state of Northern Ireland Rt. Hon Brandon Lewis MP working with the Castlereagh Foundation.

Simon is a trustee of the Fire Fighters Charity and a fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers, a fellow of Chartered Management Institute and a fellow of Institute of Leadership and Management.

Simon is married to Lesley and has two children and a stepdaughter.