Portland Charity CEO receives MBE

Dr Mark Dale and Portland Charity celebrate a day to remember

Portland Charity is celebrating as its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mark Dale, was presented with his MBE at an investiture ceremony, in recognition of his services to Further Education.

Dr Mark Dale, Principal and CEO of Portland College, Nottinghamshire, is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. | Jonathan Brady/Press Association

placeholder image — Dr Mark Dale, Principal and CEO of Portland College, Nottinghamshire, is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. | Jonathan Brady/Press Association

Dr Dale received his medal from Princess Anne, The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle on 27 October, joined by his wife Elaine and his sisters Rosemary and Helen.

The honour was announced in the King’s Birthday Honours earlier this year, recognising nearly 40 years spent providing accessible education and opportunities for disabled people.

Since joining Portland College as Principal in 2006, he has led the organisation from a ‘Satisfactory’ graded provider with dated facilities into a nationally renowned charity and Ofsted Outstanding College, transforming the lives of hundreds of people with disabilities each year.

Under his leadership, Portland has also expanded its education, care, employment, sustainability and mental health programmes, and developed a modern, innovative campus with multiple hubs around Nottinghamshire.

Before joining Portland, Mark spent 18 years at the University of Nottingham, where he created the first Disability Support Centre in a Russell Group university and pioneered open access courses for adult students; achievements recognised by the prestigious Lord Dearing Award.