Service Appointed New Chair of Governors

14th October 2016

Sheffield Hallam University has appointed the former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake, as its new Chair of the Board of Governors.

It was announced on Wednesday 12 October that Robert (Bob) Kerslake, who also served as Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council between 1997 and 2008, would take up the role with immediate effect. He will succeed Geoff Dawson, who announced his intention to retire earlier this year after six years of highly successful service as Chair. Lord Kerslake is also Chair of London's King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chair of the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS), Chair of London Collective Investment Vehicle, Chair of Peabody Housing Association in London, and President of the Local Government Association. He received a knighthood for his services to local government in 2005 after spending eight years serving the London Borough of Hounslow and then a further 11 years leading Sheffield Council. In early 2015, he was made a life peer, taking the title Baron Kerslake, of Endcliffe in the City of Sheffield. As well as being Head of the Civil Service between 2012 and 2014, Lord Kerslake led the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) from November 2010 to February 2015. Prior to his DCLG role, he was the first Chief Executive of the Homes and Communities Agency. Speaking about his appointment, Lord Kerslake said: "Sheffield Hallam is a modern university at the heart of the city, making a big impact on the lives of those in the city region and beyond. "This is an exciting time to take over as Chair, as the University moves towards implementing its new strategy to 2030 in the New Year. "I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair by my fellow Governors and look forward to working with the Board, staff and students." Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, Professor Chris Husbands, said: "In a time of forward ambition and transformation for the University, Bob's breadth of knowledge and experience will be invaluable to us. "My Leadership Team and I warmly welcome his appointment as Chair and look forward to working together." The Board of Governors sets the educational character, mission and strategic vision of the University, and oversees its activities and performance. As Chair, Lord Kerslake plays an important role in the governance of the University while working independently of its regular executive management. The Board of Governors comprises 18 members in total, including student representatives; former Sheffield Heeley MP, Meg Munn; and former Master Cutler, Neil MacDonald.