Head of Keele's Language Centre receives British Empire Medal in Staffordshire ceremony

The Head of Keele’s Language Centre has received his British Empire Medal (BEM) at an investiture ceremony held in Staffordshire this week. 

Russell Clark was made a BEM in the 2026 New Year’s Honours for services to higher education, in recognition of his commitment to supporting refugees and asylum seekers across Staffordshire and Cheshire. 

His investiture was held at Staffordshire County Buildings in Stafford, where he was presented with the commendation by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Prof Elizabeth Barnes CBE. 

Russell and his wife also attended a celebratory garden party at Buckingham Palace recently, where he and other Honours recipients were celebrated for their work and contributions to their respective sectors. 

Russell said: “I was delighted to receive the British Empire Medal (BEM) at the investiture ceremony and it was a wonderful occasion to share with my family, who attended the ceremony with me. 

“One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was meeting the other Staffordshire recipients. It was fascinating to hear about the amazing contributions they have made in their communities, and I was struck by the incredible work they do at grassroots level. I was delighted to meet Pritpal Sigh Nagi, one of Keele's College of Fellows who was in attendance in his role as the High Sherrif of Staffordshire. I also met the Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme and we had a great time talking about Port Vale! 

“A few weeks earlier, my wife and I attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, which was another memorable experience. It was a pleasure to meet people from across the country who had been invited in recognition of their work and service. 

“Both events were very special occasions and ones that I will remember forever. Even now, it still feels surreal to think that I have had the opportunity to take part in them.” 

The honour recognises Russell’s tireless work over many years to help some of the most vulnerable members of society develop vital English language skills, integrate into their communities, and build confidence and aspiration to progress into employment, further education and higher education. 

For two decades, Keele University's Language Centre staff and students have delivered free weekly English language classes to refugees and asylum seekers, supporting hundreds of learners to integrate, gain work and access higher education. Under Russell’s leadership, this work has continued to grow and deepen in impact. 

One of the key community partners is Asha North Staffordshire, a charity promoting social inclusion for asylum seekers and refugees. Russell has coordinated Keele students to deliver English lessons at the centre, with outstanding results. In recent years, one learner progressed to study for an MA at Keele University, while higher-level students received support with CV writing, application forms and interview skills – with all those eligible to work successfully gaining employment. 

In the past year, Russell has overseen the expansion of these free English classes into Crewe, extending Keele’s reach to support refugees and asylum seekers on a weekly basis. 

Russell’s impact also extends well beyond the classroom. In 2022, he played a central role in establishing the Keele Refugee Football World Cup, bringing refugees from across the region together on Keele’s campus for a football tournament that fostered community, hope and belonging. The inaugural event featured eight teams and returned in June 2023 with 16 teams from Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire. 

Russell’s involvement went far beyond coordination – from sourcing football kits and trophies, to driving a minibus to collect players, and even stepping in to referee matches when officials were unavailable. Alongside the tournament, he organised a programme of sessions with university staff to showcase pathways into apprenticeships, foundation years and higher education. The event attracted media coverage and has already become a much-anticipated annual fixture for many participants. 

In 2022, Russell was also approached by Staffordshire County Council to support Afghan evacuees housed in local accommodation. Language Centre staff travelled twice weekly to deliver English as a Second Language classes, purchasing whiteboards and audio equipment to teach in a hotel function room with no facilities. As a result of this support, two young Afghan learners progressed onto Access to Higher Education programmes. Russell then arranged a visit to Keele for 25 young Afghan evacuees, working with the Students’ Union to deliver a campus tour, sample lecture and opportunities to meet current students and learn about studying at university.