OBE for Norfolk and Suffolk non-profit group expert

Dr Michael Field has been associated with voluntary organisations for most of his career

A specialist in managing not-for profit organisations has been appointed OBE in the New Year Honours list for services to the voluntary sector.

Dr Michael Field, from Oulton Broad in Suffolk, is a non-executive board member of the James Paget University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

As chair of Great Yarmouth College in Norfolk he is said to be England's only chartered director to hold such a post.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to receive this honour," he said.

"I've been associated with voluntary organisations for most of my career and I get a great deal of pleasure in witnessing the amazing work they undertake for our communities.

"Great Yarmouth's Community Connections is a really good example of a grass roots organisation that's carrying out highly successful development work throughout the borough.

"I'm proud to be a member of its board," he said.

"I'm equally proud of my roles at the James Paget Hospital and Great Yarmouth College."

"The college has been through difficult times just recently and I'm confident it will emerge stronger to offer students an even more vibrant and stimulating environment."

Financial turn around

Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Dr Field has a long and distinguished career in education.

He is a former director of the Learning from Experience Trust, which was based at Goldsmiths College University of London, where he is currently a research fellow.

For four years from 2001 Dr Field was national chair of the Royal Society for Wildlife Trusts.

The society was in financial difficulty and losing the support of its membership when he took over and he led it through a period of successful restructuring.

He is still active in both the Norfolk and Suffolk Wildlife Trusts.