Global Chamber president and sports trailblazer receives honorary doctorate

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce president and sporting trailblazer Janie Frampton has received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University.

The honour recognises the former football referee’s career, from making history as a sporting pioneer to her lifelong dedication to fostering fairness, gender equality, and emerging talent in sports and business.

She was recognised by BCU in a ceremony at the Symphony Hall yesterday.

“To be recognised by a university in the city that has played such an important role in my professional life makes the honour especially meaningful,” Janie said.

“What means the most to me is the opportunity to inspire others. If my journey encourages even one student to believe in themselves, embrace challenges and pursue opportunities they never thought possible, then receiving this honorary doctorate will have an impact far beyond today.”

Janie has made huge strides for gender equality in football, as the second woman referee to officiate in England’s men’s professional football and one of only eight FIFA Women Instructors in the world.

She believes that her experience in men’s football has helped her to develop the resilience and skills necessary to stay at the top of her game.

“It wasn’t simply about football,” said Janie. “It was about having the courage to step into spaces where there was no blueprint.”

“Those experiences gave me the confidence to lead change internationally, advise governing bodies, develop leaders and champion opportunities for others.

“They reinforced my belief that leadership is not about breaking barriers for yourself, it’s about ensuring the barriers are lower for the people who follow.”

Awarded an OBE in 2024 for her services to women in sport, Janie continues to inspire young women as a founding member of the Birmingham City Young Women into Leadership Team.

She has collaborated with Birmingham City Council and the US Embassy to foster cultural change and business development among young leaders.

Janie is also founder of Team You Development Ltd, championing sustainable development strategies for organisations across the West Midlands and beyond, and serves as patron of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, a Birmingham-based organisation supporting the physical and mental health of Asian women.

“I believe our role is to recognise potential that others may overlook and help people realise what they can achieve,” said Janie.

“Inclusive organisations make better decisions, build stronger communities and unlock talent that might otherwise be lost.

“Creating opportunities for others is not simply the right thing to do, it’s one of the most powerful investments we can make in our future.”

Pictured: Janie (right) with Anita Bhalla, chair of BCU’s board of governors