diff --git a/source/java/org/alfresco/repo/site/SiteInfoImpl.java b/source/java/org/alfresco/repo/site/SiteInfoImpl.java
index 2c36cc6d09..10594e381d 100644
--- a/source/java/org/alfresco/repo/site/SiteInfoImpl.java
+++ b/source/java/org/alfresco/repo/site/SiteInfoImpl.java
@@ -122,7 +122,8 @@ public class SiteInfoImpl implements SiteInfo
      */
     public String getTitle()
     {
-        return title;
+        // title can be used for sorting, so ensure it's not null
+        return (title != null ? title : "");
     }
     
     /**