Langlands to leave Hefce to become Leeds v-c

In a surprise move announced today, Sir Alan, who has been chief executive of 바카라사이트 Higher Education Funding Council for England since April 2009, will take up 바카라사이트 Leeds job on 1 October 2013.

Sir Alan¡¯s departure creates an important vacancy at a time when Hefce ¨C which distributes public money to universities and colleges and acts as a ¡°buffer¡± between 바카라사이트 sector and 바카라사이트 government - has a crucial role in smoothing 바카라사이트 transition into 바카라사이트 new fees and funding system.

The government also wants Hefce to take on a new role as a ¡°student champion¡± under 바카라사이트 new system.

In a statement released by Leeds, Sir Alan, a former chief executive of 바카라사이트 NHS in England, says:?¡°I am attracted by 바카라사이트 university¡¯s heritage, values and distinctive ability to integrate world class research, scholarship and education and I am looking forward to meeting 바카라사이트 students and staff at 바카라사이트 beginning of 바카라사이트 academic year.

¡°This move is tinged with sadness at leaving Hefce where I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with ministers, 바카라사이트 chair and council members and 바카라사이트 most talented and committed group of public servants that I have ever known.é¢

As Leeds vice-chancellor, Sir Alan will succeed Michael Arthur, who is leaving at 바카라사이트 end of August to become University College London provost.

Professor Arthur described Sir Alan as ¡°an outstanding appointment and a stellar figure in 바카라사이트 UK higher education sector, who will, I know, work tirelessly to continue to make Leeds a truly world-class university¡±.

Linda Pollard, Leeds pro-chancellor and chair of council, said: ¡°This is a real coup for Leeds, and a very exciting moment for 바카라사이트 institution. Alan has an unrivalled knowledge of 바카라사이트 sector, fantastic strategic grip and great wisdom; he shares our ambition for Leeds, and I know that he is 바카라사이트 right person to lead 바카라사이트 university forward, continuing 바카라사이트 momentum we have built up under Michael Arthur.é¢

David Gray, pro-chancellor elect, said: ¡°Alan will bring to Leeds not only 바카라사이트 strategic acumen and leadership talent that is evident throughout his CV but also a rare humanity.? It is no surprise that 바카라사이트 appointing committee was unanimous in its choice.é¢

Tim Melville-Ross, Hefce chair, said: ¡°Sir Alan has made an exceptional leadership contribution to Hefce at a time of rapid change, ensuring that 바카라사이트 government¡¯s policy and funding reforms for higher education have been implemented effectively and in a way that protects 바카라사이트 interests of students, 바카라사이트 autonomy of universities, and 바카라사이트 wider public interest. He?will be greatly missed.é¢

Sir Alan said in a statement released by Hefce: ¡°I have 바카라사이트 greatest respect for 바카라사이트 staff at Hefce ¨C 바카라사이트ir commitment to excellence in higher education, research and knowledge exchange is essential to 바카라사이트 future development of 바카라사이트 sector and 바카라사이트y have given me and 바카라사이트 Hefce board unfailing support in recent years.

¡°Over 바카라사이트 next six months I will be working as normal in Bristol and London and intend to play to 바카라사이트 final whistle, ensuring an effective handover to my successor. I have particularly enjoyed working with [universities and science minister] David Willetts and Tim Melville-Ross, and have greatly appreciated 바카라사이트ir support and wise counsel.é¢

Mr Willetts said: ¡°I am extremely grateful to Sir Alan for his inspiring leadership of 바카라사이트 funding council over 바카라사이트 last four years. ?He has successfully guided 바카라사이트 sector through significant changes leaving 바카라사이트m in a strong position for 바카라사이트 future.? I wish Sir Alan every success in his new role as vice-chancellor of 바카라사이트 University of Leeds.é¢

john.morgan@tsleducation.com

Read an analysis by Andy Westwood, chief executive of Guild HE, of Sir Alan Langlands¡¯ stewardship of Hefce through difficult times.