A Scottish diversity and inclusion champion has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).

Dr Ollie Folayan, chair of Aberdeen-based social enterprise AFBE-UK Scotland, was recognised in the New Year Honours list for his services to diversity and inclusion in engineering.

Ollie said: 
“I feel incredibly honoured to have been given this recognition. When my sister, Nike, and I set out in 2007 to set up the AFBE-UK, we never imagined that so many people would join us on the journey and that so many would benefit. This recognition is for everyone in the AFBE-UK family who works day in day out to make a difference in our community. 

“I want to thank our partners, allies and enablers. I especially want to thank my wife Elizabeth who was there from day one. I wouldn't have been able to do this without her support.”

Dr Folayan is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and co-founder of the award-winning non-profit Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK), and chair of its Scottish arm. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Dundee’s School of Science & Engineering and a member of Royal Academy of Engineering D&I Steering Committee. 

AFBE-UK supports all young people, particularly those from black minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds by giving them a platform and the tools to development career aspirations. The organisation works closely with companies to support their diversity and inclusion approach with a particular focus on its recruitment strategy and progression of ethnic minority staff into leadership positions.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: AFBE UK