University appoints new Chair of Governors

The University of Wolverhampton has appointed a new Chair of Governors.

Dr Simon Walford is a retired Consultant Physician and former Medical Director at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals. He has been a Governor at the University since 2007.

He took over the role from Michael Elliott, who stood down in November due to changing work commitments. Michael was appointed as the next Chief Executive of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music last year and took up the new role in January. Michael will maintain close links with the University through his ambassadorial role as Pro-Chancellor.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Simon Walford as our new Chair of Governors. Simon has taken a particular interest in the University's links with schools and our efforts to encourage students to take up the chance of higher education. We look forward to working with Simon during this exciting time for the University.

“We are extremely grateful for Michael Elliott’s wholehearted support and enthusiasm for the University’s strategic plan and our commitment to both the community and the region during his time as a Governor.” 

Dr Simon Walford said: “The University of Wolverhampton makes a very important contribution to the academic and cultural life of the City and has a vital role providing the opportunity for skill development and business growth in the area. These are all things that I have been involved in locally for more than 30 years and it is a privilege and a challenge to take over as Chairman when we have such a busy and exciting future ahead of us.”

Appointed as Chair of the University of Wolverhampton’s Board of Governors in November 2014, Simon was a Consultant Physician and Medical Director at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals and then a senior medical adviser in the Department of Health in London.

Now retired from clinical practice, he is a non-executive director in the NHS.

Throughout his professional life, Simon has been involved in clinical research and medical education. He has had a long association with Compton Hospice and chaired its board for some time. He was Chair of Governors of Wolverhampton Grammar School for many years, and now chairs the local governing body of South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy, a secondary school sponsored by the University​.

ENDS

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