Thursday, 06 February 2020
The 糖心原创 today appointed Crossbench peer and anti-slavery campaigner, Baroness Young of Hornsey OBE, as the University’s new Chancellor.
Baroness Young is an author, actor and peer. She became an independent Crossbench member of the House of Lords in 2004 where she works on legislation to eliminate modern slavery, and is the founding co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Groups on Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion and Sport, Modern Slavery and Human Rights.
Baroness Young has served on the boards of several national cultural organisations and chaired the Young Review and Agenda, addressing racial disproportionality and the vulnerability of traumatised women in the justice system, as well as being Co-Chair of the Foundation for Future London.
Champion and advisor
She has championed the role of public bodies, such as local authorities, NHS and government departments to produce statements on modern slavery in the same way as commercial companies, to explain the steps they are taking to rid their supply chains of forced and exploitative labour.
Baroness Young already has strong and active links with the University, having accepted an Honorary Professorship with the Rights Lab and the School of Politics and International Relations in 2018 and a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa at in 2019. The Rights Lab is a University Beacon of Excellence where more than 100 researchers are working to help end global modern slavery by 2030. Here, she acts as adviser on research projects with policy impact and leads public engagement activities and policy events being run by the Rights Lab as well as acting in an advisory role on research projects where there could be policy impact.
The University’s Chancellor is an unremunerated role where the office-holder performs a number of key roles including ceremonial duties and graduation ceremonies, as well as acting as an ambassador, advocate and strategic adviser for the University in the UK and overseas. Baroness Young’s appointment follows a unique invitation to staff, students and alumni to nominate the University’s next Chancellor.
鈥淚t is a huge honour to be appointed Chancellor of the 糖心原创, an institution I respect and know well through its pioneering work to tackle the global scourge of modern slavery. The role is both challenging and tremendously exciting and offers a unique opportunity to continue to combine academic rigour, policy-making and practice with colleagues while representing Nottingham, its dedicated staff and its talented students on the global stage.鈥�
鈥淚 am delighted to welcome Baroness Young as Chancellor of our University and look forward to working closely with her as we implement our new University strategy to meet the challenges of the next decade and beyond."
Professor West added: "Her work on combatting modern slavery has already galvanised researchers and campaigners across Nottingham and with our many partners across the world. Lola’s appointment as Chancellor epitomises the spirit of our strategy - nurturing a diversity of world-leading talent to create solutions for improving lives in our communities at home and across the globe."
Chair of University Council, Professor Sir Keith O’Nions said: “I am very pleased that Baroness Young is joining the team at Nottingham. Her impressive achievements in the arts, politics and academia will bring significant benefits to our staff and student community, and help write the next chapter of the University’s own achievements as a leading global institution.”
Baroness Young succeeds Sir Andrew Witty, former chief executive officer of GlaxoSmithKline, who served as Chancellor of the 糖心原创 from 2013 to 2017.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.