CIWM has confirmed that Terry March has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List for services to education in waste and resource management, recognising an impressive career spanning over five decades.
His journey began in the steel industry, where he completed an apprenticeship before moving into management services, quality control and operations. After relocating, he joined Bristol City Council’s management services department as part of its waste services, progressing to become a manager of operations, a role he held for 20 years. It was the foundation of a career that would ultimately span five decades and five continents.
March’s relationship with CIWM began in the late 1980s. He became deeply involved with the South West Region, serving as Regional Secretary for around 30 years and widely regarded as the organisational backbone of the Centre throughout that time. He also served as a General Councillor for CIWM, sitting on the Membership, Education and Training committee, which aligned closely with his personal passion.
Over the years, he took on greater responsibilities across the organisation, serving as a trustee, chairing committees, and serving as CIWM President from 2009 to 2010. Today, he continues to support the professional community, most recently serving as a regional treasurer and as an observer on the Regional Council, with a focus on membership, education and training.
Alongside his institutional roles, March spent 20 years as an External Quality Assurer for CIWM WAMITAB, work that he describes as central to his mission of making professional qualifications accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
March said, “This honour means a great deal to me. Throughout my career, my passion has always been educating, training, and helping people progress on their career path. There is no greater reward than seeing those I have supported go on to achieve incredible things, both here in the UK and globally. I am grateful to everyone at CIWM, the South West region, and the wider sector who has been part of this journey.”
Sarah Poulter, CEO, CIWM, added, “On behalf of everyone at CIWM, I extend a huge congratulations to Terry. Having worked alongside him for decades, I’ve seen firsthand the difference he makes to our sector. As a former CIWM President, educator, and mentor, Terry has played a major role in transforming the resources and waste industry. This MBE is a well-deserved tribute of a career defined by his commitment to lifelong learning, progression and nurturing talent. I am thrilled for Terry and incredibly proud of this well-deserved honour.”
