Mark Gifford receives OBE from The King

Many congratulations to our chief executive, Mark Gifford who received his OBE from The King last week at an investiture in Windsor Castle.

Mr Gifford was given the honour for his contribution to public service and travelled to Berkshire on Tuesday 9 December with his wife Jane and grown-up children Anna and Joseph to receive his medal from His Majesty.

Mr Gifford, who lives in Middleton, has been in charge of FCHO for a year and was previously chief executive of the National Citizen Service Trust (NCS).

He is also a non-executive director at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and a foundation director at The Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust.

“It was an amazing experience meeting The King and receiving this wonderful honour but the day was made truly special because my wife and children were with me,” Mr Gifford said.

“Not too many people from Greater Manchester receive these awards and the whole thing felt quite unreal – a Mancunian standing there talking with His Majesty as he thanked me for my work with NCS and the young volunteers who contributed to The Coronation.

“As I have said before, public service is important to me whether it is at FCHO, the NCS or through my work in the NHS and education. My dad was a policeman, my mum a social worker and my wife is a deputy head teacher, so I believe public service can make a difference and I am proud to have spent much of my personal and professional life supporting communities.”

He added: “I had a great day but I am conscious this award is not all about the recipient. No-one can achieve this alone. It needs the help and support of many people both professionally and personally. I thank them all because this honour is as much for them as it is for me.”

Mr Gifford reiterated he would use the OBE to raise the profile of FCHO to benefit its customers and colleagues.

Previously to the NCS, Mr Gifford led all Waitrose supermarkets and held various senior roles with the John Lewis Partnership. He has also spent nearly 20 years as a school governor at primary schools in the Oldham and Rochdale areas.