Lloyd has spent 38 years as Chief Executive of the Stoke-on-Trent-based charity and throughout his leadership it has become a trusted source of practical help, bringing together organisations across the public, private, voluntary and faith sectors to create lasting social impact.
Today, Lloyd became an Honorary Doctor of Letters at a graduation ceremony held at the University of Staffordshire’s Stoke-on-Trent campus. Delivering an inspiring address to the graduating class of 2026, Lloyd advised them to face their fears head on.
“Thank you for this extraordinary honour. I accept this award with a sense of deep pride,” Lloyd said.
“Don’t be afraid to shine, don’t be afraid to live your best life, don’t be afraid to aim high, don’t be afraid to work hard.”
Under Lloyd's leadership, Saltbox has developed a range of community services that support people at every stage of life. Restart helps people experiencing homelessness and ex-offenders rebuild their lives, while CareLink provides a free support service for people aged 65 and over. Through Money Matters, residents facing financial hardship can access advice and guidance at foodbank locations across North Staffordshire.
Among Lloyd's most significant achievements is the creation of the Stoke-on-Trent Civic Prayer Breakfast. Since launching in 2010, the annual event has become recognised nationally as a pioneering model of civic engagement, bringing together more than 300 leaders from business, politics, education, healthcare and faith communities to encourage collaboration and tackle shared challenges facing the city.
Lloyd played a leading role in the national rollout of Faith Action Audits, an initiative first piloted by Saltbox, which showcase the breadth of community work carried out by faith-based organisations and have helped demonstrate the significant contribution they make to local communities across the country.
Beyond Saltbox, Lloyd serves as Chair of Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent and the Stoke-on-Trent Voluntary Sector Leaders' Forum, as well as being a non-executive member of the Lichfield Cathedral Chapter.
Lloyd's impact is also inspiring the next generation. After hearing him speak about CareLink, one University of Staffordshire student was inspired to volunteer with the service, putting the University's values of civic engagement and social responsibility into action.
University Chancellor Major Levison Wood, said: “Lloyd’s dedication to helping the most marginalised members of our society is unwavering, and his lifelong commitment to championing positive social change speaks for itself. What really stands out is his ability to bring people, organisations and communities together around a shared purpose - that takes a rare kind of compassion and vision.
"Lloyd is a superb role model for our Class of 2026 and I've no doubt he'll inspire many of them as they set out on their own paths after graduating."