A new Chair of University of Bath Council has been appointed following a competitive recruitment process.

Pamela Chesters CBE will take up the position at the head of the University’s governing body from 8 April 2019 for an initial term of three years.

Her appointment was confirmed by University Council at its meeting on Thursday 21 February 2019.

She brings considerable experience of strengthening governance in the Higher Education, public and third sectors, as well as a background of senior management positions in the commercial sector.

She said: “I look forward to playing my part in helping the University achieve its stated ambition of being at the forefront of governance practice in the sector. Working alongside my fellow members of Council, our new Vice-Chancellor - Professor Ian White - and the wider University community, I am confident that Bath’s reputation as a centre of excellence for research, teaching and the wider student experience will continue to grow.”

Ruth Foreman, acting Chair of Council and chair of the nominations committee, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pam as our new Chair of Council. Colleagues were impressed by her strong personal commitment to the role education can play in opening opportunities for young people and her understanding of the wider contribution universities make to research and society as a whole. As a Non-Executive Director in the public sector, a governing body member in H.E. and as a former leader in the commercial sector, she brings a compelling mix of relevant experience to the role of Chair.”

Professor Ian White, who will join the University of Bath as Vice-Chancellor in April, said: “I look forward to working closely with Pam. I have no doubt that her counsel, advice and guidance will make an important contribution to the University’s future success.”

Mrs Chesters is currently a non-executive director and audit and risk chair at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and a member and audit risk chair of Court at the University of St Andrews. She is stepping down from University of St Andrews’ governing body to take up the role at Bath.

She previously chaired a number of bodies including the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, Anchor Trust and Action for Children, as well as serving as an advisor for Health and Families to the London Mayor from 2009-2012, and held a series of senior management positions at British Petroleum between 1979 and 1998. She was awarded a CBE in 2013 for services to vulnerable children.