Arlene Kee, Director of Youth Services at the Education Authority (EA), has been awarded an OBE in recognition of her service to children and young people in Northern Ireland. The honour reflects a career spanning more than 40 years in the youth sector.

In her current role, Kee is responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of youth services across Northern Ireland. The EA's Youth Service is a statutory provision that supports the personal and social development of over 105,846 children and young people aged 4 to 25, with a particular focus on those who are most marginalised.

Kee said that it has been a privilege to support young people and see the positive impact of youth provision. She noted that even after four decades, it remains a joy to watch young people flourish and find their place outside the traditional education system.

EA Chairperson Mervyn Storey congratulated Kee, saying her commitment and leadership have strengthened youth services across the region. He described her as a tireless advocate for young people and those who work with them, and he praised her role in building collaboration and innovation within the sector.

Kee's career includes various roles across the youth sector, with the past 25 years spent in youth-focused positions within the EA and its predecessor, the South Eastern Education and Library Board.