New Chancellor installed at the University of Sheffield

30th November 2015

The University of Sheffield has officially installed its new Chancellor Rt Hon Lady Justice Rafferty DBE a graduate of the University and a Lord Justice of Appeal since 2011.

Lady Justice Rafferty became the University's eighth Chancellor when she was installed at a ceremony on Thursday 26 November 2015 at Firth Court. She takes over the position from Sir Peter Middleton who retired in the summer after 16 years in the role. The new Chancellor read Law at the University of Sheffield, graduating with an LLB in 1971, and began her pupillage in 1974. She was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1990 and a Recorder of the Crown Court in 1991. As Chancellor Dame Anne is the senior lay Officer of the University, she will carry out a number of important duties, including representing the institution at special occasions and conferring degrees and other academic awards. Dame Anne said her appointment was an opportunity to repay the University of Sheffield for what it had done for her. -This University shaped my career by shaping me I was well taught here, she said. -I believe with every fibre in me that education is the transformer. The Chancellor has the opportunity to say; 'I represent one of the best universities in the world and I'm bringing you its values: hard work, devotion to education and an awful lot of humility but an inner determination to turn what you have given me outward to the public good. You can do it too. Dame Anne has served in a number of senior positions including Chairmanship of the Criminal Bar Association and of the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee. In August 2014 she became Chairman of the Judicial College. She suggested and wrote the 1989 Pigot Committee recommendation (how the young or vulnerable give evidence in court), acknowledged as a major contribution to the administration of justice and replicated internationally. She is also a Trustee of the Kalisher Trust, which supports those who aspire to become criminal barristers. In 2005, Dame Anne was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University for her substantial contribution to the judicial system of this country. Chairman of the University Council Tony Pedder, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Dame Anne as the eighth Chancellor of the University of Sheffield. -A graduate of our University and a Lord Justice of Appeal, Dame Anne's individual qualities and professional achievements fit her for this unique ambassadorial role. She will be an excellent role model for our students. "We would also like to pay tribute to Sir Peter Middleton who has been a truly distinguished Chancellor since 1999. We are extremely grateful for all his hard work. Dame Anne is married to His Honour Brian Barker CBE QC, formerly the Recorder of London (most senior Circuit Judge in the UK and senior judge at the Old Bailey) , and has three daughters one a graduate of the University of Sheffield.