4 | FOREVER Keele
New Chancellor installed at Keele University
James Timpson OBE has been officially installed as the new Chancellor of Keele University .
The chief executive of Timpson , one of the UK ’ s most socially responsible retailers , received the Chancellor ’ s ceremonial robes and mortarboard and took the oath of office at a ceremony in the Keele University Chapel in June .
He is the University ’ s fifth Chancellor , taking on the role from prominent environmentalist , Sir Jonathon Porritt , who has held the post since 2012 .
After the ceremony , James gave his inaugural lecture in the University ’ s Westminster Theatre , where he spoke about his innovative approach to recruitment and empowerment in the workplace , including the employment of ex-offenders , for which his company has been widely lauded .
James said he was looking forward to embedding himself within the University and being an ambassador for the institution .
He said : “ It ’ s a massive privilege for me and my family to be associated with this University and I ’ m really looking forward to getting stuck in . There were many things that attracted me to Keele , one being I like the fact it ’ s not conventional , like myself and my business . I like the culture of the University and how it ’ s very outward looking and is prepared to be brave , and to me that ’ s important .
“ I see this as a wonderful opportunity to help people , make change and question things , and I ’ m looking forward to supporting the team , being there as an ambassador for the University , and also maybe a shoulder to cry on at some point . I see everything I do as being for the longterm and that ’ s what really appeals to me . It ’ s not about just coming in for a couple of years , but being part of an organisation and becoming embedded within it .”