Following an extensive recruitment process working with Perret Laver, a high quality and progressive appointment has been made that will drive forward BUCS’ new strategic vision to deliver exceptional student sporting experiences.
Amanda has a significant track record of harnessing the power of sport to drive positive change in many forms across the higher education sector. This experience will not only be invaluable to the BUCS office but also staff at our 160 member institutions and the 80,000+ students that compete across the sports that we offer.
She has over 15 years’ experience of Board-level executive and non-executive roles. Alongside being Vice-Chancellor and President of UEL, Amanda is also Chair of London Higher, HEA Principal Fellow and a Council Member for the Association of Commonwealth Universities. A Professor in International Business, she has an extensive record of forging successful collaborations within and between higher education and business, with a diverse senior leadership profile including at Newcastle University, University of Salford, and Durham University as Principal of St. Cuthbert’s Society, a college at the institution.
Amongst Amanda’s numerous notable achievements, she led the development of the University Academy 92, building the distinctive industry-facing ‘Target Talent Curriculum’, founded by Manchester United’s Class of ’92 and Lancaster University. At the University of East London, one of the most socially inclusive universities in the UK, with a community of over 40,000 students representing 160+ nationalities, she is leading considerable success in advancing the diversity of the talent pipeline, building health gain to drive learning gain and delivering a transformative contribution for a healthier, happier, greener and fairer world.
Commenting on her appointment, Amanda said: “It is an honour and privilege to assume the role of Chair of BUCS at a time when the organisation is taking a bold new strategic direction, which chimes closely with my long-held beliefs in and commitment to the transformative power of sport. Working with the Board and the Executive, this strategic vision, including taking higher education sport to the next level of national and global pre-eminence; advancing the role of inclusive campuses within the Active Wellbeing community. The opportunity to unlock health gain as a prerequisite of learning gain before, at and after university, will drive the increasing reach and significance of this important national governing body and in its value to membership.
With sport playing an integral role in university life and beyond, collaboration must be at the heart of BUCS and will be a key feature of my tenure as Chair. Strengthening ties between universities, colleges, sports organisations, business, government and local communities to create an ecosystem of benefit to all. Together we will advance a culture of excellence, innovation and inclusive practice, shaping the future impact of higher education sport.”
Commercial Director and Senior Independent Director, Russell James commented: “The appointment of Amanda as Chair spells the start of a new era for this organisation. BUCS offers so much to so many and with Amanda at the helm, I am confident she will be able to steer us in a direction that benefits all involved in UK higher education sport. Welcome to BUCS, Amanda.”
Amanda joins BUCS at an exciting time with both major sporting events and our largest member event right around the corner. The first event Amanda will attend as Chair is on 23 February for the start of BUCS Nationals in Sheffield.
