Vision Redbridge is thrilled to announce that our Chief Executive, Iain Varah, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List for his outstanding services to Public Libraries, Culture and Leisure.
This is a double honour for Vision, earlier this year, Martin Solder, Chair of Vision Trustees was also awarded an MBE in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List, recognising their dedication and commitment to serving local communities and young people.
This prestigious recognition is fantastic news for Vision Redbridge and reflects not only Iain’s personal achievements but also the impact that Vision has made across the borough through strong partnerships, innovation and community-focused services.
Iain has been at the heart of Vision’s development and success since its inception. Through his leadership, extensive professional networks, collaborative approach and wealth of experience, he has spearheaded the organisation’s growth from a leisure trust into one of the country’s most diverse charitable culture and leisure organisations.
His journey in Redbridge began in 2004 when he joined Redbridge Council as Chief Culture, Sport and Community Learning Officer, with responsibility for parks, libraries, arts, culture and leisure services. Recognising the opportunities that a charitable trust model could bring, Iain led the creation of Vision in 2007, establishing the first phase of the organisation as a charitable trust to manage the borough’s leisure facilities.
Under his leadership, Vision continued to evolve and expand. Services relating to culture, sport and community learning transferred into the Trust, followed by the Redbridge Music and Drama Service and the Kenneth More Theatre. Throughout this growth, Iain has successfully brought together partners, stakeholders, trustees, local communities and national organisations to create a unique and sustainable model that continues to benefit residents today.
Vision’s distinctive cross-subsidy approach enables surpluses generated through its services to be reinvested directly into the local community, helping the organisation achieve its mission of supporting people to live healthier, happier lives. As a charitable trust governed by local people, Vision remains firmly rooted in the Redbridge community.
Beyond Redbridge, Iain has played an influential role in shaping the culture and leisure sector nationally. He currently serves as Vice Chair of Community Leisure UK, the representative body for more than 100 charitable leisure and culture trusts across England, Scotland and Wales. Together, these organisations manage over 3,700 public facilities, including swimming pools, gyms, libraries, parks and cultural venues, generating an estimated £1.9 billion of social value during 2025/26.
Iain is also a former Chair and Honorary Member of CLOA and continues to serve on its Executive Committee as Honary secretary . It was CLOA who nominated Iain for the honour now awarded.
In addition, his previous involvement with The Libraries Network means he maintains close relationships with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Libraries and Arts teams, ensuring Vision remains connected to national developments and best practice across the sector.
Commenting on the award, Vision Chair of Trustees Martin Solder said:
“This honour is richly deserved and recognises Iain’s exceptional contribution to sport, leisure, culture and community services over many years. Through his vision, leadership, partnerships and unwavering commitment to improving lives, he has transformed Vision into an organisation that delivers real social impact for thousands of residents every year. We are incredibly proud to see his work recognised in this way.”
Everyone at Vision Redbridge extends their warmest congratulations to Iain on this remarkable and well-deserved achievement.
