Healthcare leader honoured with prestigious Honorary Doctorate in Health and Wellbeing

The University of Wolverhampton is proud to announce that Mark Axcell, former CEO of the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Health and Wellbeing in recognition of his outstanding contribution to healthcare leadership and collaboration across the region.

Mark has dedicated over 30 years to the NHS, working across primary care, secondary care, community, and mental health services. His leadership has been instrumental in driving cultural change, improving staff engagement, and fostering collaboration between health and social care partners. As Chief Executive of Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership Trust and the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation, he led a transformation that resulted in nationally recognised improvements for patients and staff. In 2018, his achievements were acknowledged when he was shortlisted for the prestigious Health Service Journal Chief Executive of the Year award.

Since 2021, Mark has led the Black Country Integrated Care Board, spearheading a major reorganisation of health and care services to improve outcomes for local communities. Under his leadership, the ICB strengthened partnerships with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and the University of Wolverhampton, particularly through the development of the University’s Medical School and health education programmes.

Mark is a passionate advocate for reducing health inequalities and improving life chances for people in the Black Country. His commitment to collaboration and innovation continues to shape the future of healthcare in the region.

Mark Axcell said: "I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful to receive this honorary award and would like to thank the university for this recognition. The honour is especially meaningful because of my strong connections to Wolverhampton and the wider Black Country.  My family are from Wolverhampton, and I have had the privilege of being part of health and care in the Black Country for a large part of my career. I am delighted to receive this award in recognition of those amazing Health and Care colleagues across Wolverhampton and the Black Country who inspire me and continue to make a difference each day." 

The University looks forward to continuing the partnerships Mark was instrumental in founding, to advance healthcare education.

For more information on University of Wolverhampton’s health and social care courses please visit the School of Health and Wellbeing on our website.