The King's Birthday Honours 2026: Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association co-founder awarded OBE
Charity chair hopes award will shine a light on the charity’s cause
The co-founder of the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in The King's Birthday Honours List.
Rachael Ross started the charity with her husband, Ken Ross OBE, when their son Max was born with Down syndrome and they realised there was a lack of specialist support on offer. What started as a response to a local need has grown into one of the UK’s leading specialist service providers for children and young people with Down syndrome.
The OBE, which has been awarded for services to Education, Policy and People with Down Syndrome, is further recognition of Rachael’s tireless work across the charity sector having already been awarded an MBE in 2019.
She also co-founded the National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG), which has played a pivotal role in advancing the rights of people with Down syndrome at a national level and serves as the secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Down Syndrome.
Rachael said: "I was incredibly moved when the letter arrived. To be recognised in this way is an incredible honour and one that I never expected.
"This award reflects the dedication of so many incredible individuals who have worked alongside me over the years including people with Down syndrome. I am immensely proud to be part of both the Portsmouth DSA and National Down Syndrome Policy Group teams, whose passion, expertise and commitment continue to drive positive change for people with Down syndrome and their families.”
In her role as parliamentary liaison, Rachael rafted the historic Down Syndrome Act which helped to establish landmark framework for improving access to services and support.
In addition to this well, she also spearheaded the successful campaign to include Down syndrome in the annual school census from 2024 onwards.
Rachael added: "While I am deeply grateful for this recognition, there is still much more to do. I hope this honour helps shine a light on the importance of ensuring that people with Down syndrome like my amazing son Max who has so much to offer, are valued, meaningfully included and given every opportunity to thrive, succeed, and be celebrated by their communities as they deserve.”
More details on Portsmouth DSA at www.portsmouthdsa.org.