A FORMER MP and Hagley school teacher is set to be honoured by Birmingham City University for her achievements.

Jacqui Smith, a former teacher at Haybridge High School, is the current chair of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) - a position she took up in October last year.

Previously she chaired the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust for eight years.

Jacqui is set to receive an honorary doctorate for “exceptional service to the NHS”.

She was elected as the MP for Redditch in 1997, a constituency she served for 13 years.

During this time, she was one of the longest-serving ministers in the Labour government, holding several positions, including Minister of State for Health Services, before becoming the UK’s first female Home Secretary in 2007.

Jacqui said: “I’m very proud to be honoured by Birmingham City University, a leading education provider for nurses, midwives, paramedics, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.

“Our NHS depends on a continuing pipeline of talent, and I look forward to celebrating my award with the next generation of health workers graduating on the day.”

Jacqui is also a campaigner for women and girls’ health, wellbeing, and safety.

She is chair of Sandwell Children's Trust, chair of the Jo Cox Foundation and chair of the Precious Trust – a Birmingham-based charity that supports girls at risk of violence and exploitation.

Professor Ian Blair, pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean of the faculty of health, education and life sciences at Birmingham City University said: “We are pleased to honour the Rt Hon Jacqui Smith, who has demonstrated her commitment to promoting and strengthening our health service through a combination of leadership, education and advocacy.”

Jacqui will receive her awards at a graduation ceremony at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Monday, July 11 – the first ceremony in a series of graduations taking place throughout July and August.