Simon Baugh, the former chief executive of the Government Communication Service, has been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours list with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his work in government communications and in wider industry. Baugh’s recognition follows a career that saw him lead the Government Communication Service, a role in which he succeeded to the highest professional post within government communications before leaving in 2025 to return to the private sector. Baugh’s career in public sector communications included roles across multiple departments, including leadership positions at the Home Office, the Department for Exiting the European Union, and the Department for Transport. He was the first chief executive of the Government Communication Service, a central body for communications professionals across UK government. The Government Communication Service is responsible for supporting communication professionals across more than 300 departments and agen...