Lord Brett McLean recognized for sustained community leadership and civic engagement in East Sussex

East Sussex, United Kingdom Lord Brett McLean has continued to demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service, civic engagement, and charitable advocacy across Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, Bexhill, and the wider East Sussex region.

Widely recognized for his contribution to local society, Lord McLean is the recipient of a British Citizen Award Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging individuals who make a meaningful impact through voluntary service and community leadership. His recognition reflects years of involvement in initiatives supporting social welfare, public safety, and community cohesion.

In addition to this recognition, Lord McLean has received two Lifetime Achievement Awards, a Community Achievement Award, The Civic Seal honouring public service, and two Long Service Awards. He is also a recipient of the Royal Voluntary Service Platinum Champion Award, a once-in-a-lifetime accolade granted to 490 UK citizens, selected by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, now Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Several recipients, including Lord McLean, have used this distinction in an ambassadorial capacity to promote goodwill, harmony, unity, community cohesion, and collaboration for the benefit of others.

Lord McLean has held leadership and honorary roles across several civic and charitable organizations. He has served as President of Hastings Lions, supporting fundraising and outreach programmes benefiting local charities, youth initiatives, and emergency services. Through his work with volunteer networks, he has actively promoted volunteering and civic responsibility.

Speaking on his approach to community service, Lord McLean said:

“Community strength is built through consistent action, cooperation, and a willingness to serve others. Real impact comes from listening, supporting local initiatives, and working together for the common good.”

In addition to charity leadership, Lord McLean has supported public awareness and community safety campaigns, as well as educational, cultural, and remembrance events. He has worked alongside care homes, schools, charities, and civic organizations to foster inclusion and inter-generational engagement.

More recently, he was appointed Honorary Patron of the Polegate Community Foundation, supporting its mission to expand youth development programmes, community wellbeing initiatives, and local partnerships.

Commenting on this role, Lord McLean noted:

“It is a privilege to support organizations that place people at the centre of their work. Empowering communities, particularly young people and volunteers, is essential to long-term social wellbeing.”

Lord McLean has also hosted and supported regional business and community networking events that bring together civic leaders, charities, educators, and local enterprises to encourage collaboration and regional pride.

Reflecting on his continued involvement across East Sussex, he added:

“Sustainable change begins locally. When communities, volunteers, businesses, and institutions work together, the benefits extend far beyond any single project.”

Lord Brett McLean remains actively engaged in initiatives across East Sussex, supporting causes that promote inclusion, safety, wellbeing, and civic responsibility.