UCLan announces new chair of its board

By Tim Aldred

12 Oct 2023

Dame Sue Ion

Dame Sue Ion has been promoted the chair of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) board, following the retirement of David Taylor after nearly ten years in the role. 

Dame Sue, who previously held the role of deputy chair, has enjoyed a distinguished career in the energy sector. She worked for British Nuclear Fuels from 1979 to 2006, rising to the roles of technology and operations director and chief technology officer.

Throughout her career, Dame Sue has been a trusted adviser and consultant to the government on energy matters, with a focus on nuclear energy. She served on the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology and on two of the UK’s Research Councils as well as chairing the Government’s Nuclear Innovation Research Advisory Board from 2014 to 2016. 

She was recognised in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours and awarded one of the higher orders of chivalry, a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE), for services to science and engineering especially for encouraging underrepresented groups to study science and engineering subjects and for the international impact she has achieved on energy strategy, both in the UK and internationally.

Dame Sue said: “I’m immensely proud to have the opportunity to lead an institution with such a long and successful history as it heads towards its 200th year in 2028. I’m inheriting an extremely ambitious and optimistic team at UCLan.

“Everyone connected with the university has an unwavering focus on transforming lives, innovating our approach to teaching, and increasing our reputation in research and its effect on wider society.

“Rest assured that during my tenure students will remain at the very heart of everything UCLan aims to achieve, and I’ll strive to build upon David’s outstanding legacy.”

David Taylor joined the board of governors in 2013 and became chair in 2014. He was the figurehead and mastermind for the initiation, development and delivery of the University’s £200m Campus Masterplan, which began in 2015, with a vision to create a state-of-the-art, sustainable campus that would enable all students to enjoy the best possible University experience.

David saw this vision to fruition when, in 2021, the final stage of the Masterplan was completed with the opening of the Student Centre and University Square, which has been transformational for the University and the wider city of Preston.

David inspired the university’s developing presence in East Lancashire, expanding the footprint and provision at the UCLan Burnley Campus. This included the acquisition and redevelopment of the Victoria Mill and Newtown Mill sites in the historic Weavers' Triangle area of Burnley in partnership with Burnley Borough Council. In Cumbria, David has been instrumental in the expansion of UCLan’s Westlakes Campus, including the acquisition of new student accommodation at Summergrove Hall.

In addition, David initiated the Strategic Regeneration Framework, which includes the three civic anchors of UCLan, Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council, which is the vehicle for inclusive and sustainable built environment regenerative projects in the city of Preston in the coming years.

He was awarded a CBE for services to the community of Lancashire in 2007 and is the current High Sheriff of Lancashire,

Prof Graham Baldwin, UCLan vice-chancellor, said: "On behalf of the University, I want to thank David for the fantastic contribution he has made in helping UCLan to be the best we can be and to ensure we continue to improve the student experience.

"David’s willingness and capability to take on additional responsibilities in an entirely voluntary capacity throughout his Chairmanship have contributed significantly towards the success of the University over the last decade, and its growing global presence."

David said: "I’m proud to have been Chair of the University Board for almost a decade and play a supportive role in helping UCLan to strengthen its reputation and grow into a truly international institution.”

“I wish my successor, Dame Sue Ion, every success in her new role.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

CBP goes into administration Community and Business Partners in Blackburn with doors shut

CBP goes into administration

23 Jan 2025

2

Plan moves forward for new £13.2m Innovation Hub Councillor Phillippa Williamson and Coun Aidy Riggott

Plan moves forward for new £13.2m Innovation Hub

22 Jan 2025

3

Record turnover as Napthens continues to grow Stephen Faulkner

Record turnover as Napthens continues to grow

22 Jan 2025

4

Ranvir Singh to host Convention of the North 2025 in Preston Ranvir Singh

Ranvir Singh to host Convention of the North 2025 in Preston

22 Jan 2025

5

Lancashire Business Board chairman takes centre stage at Festival of Business Mo Isap

Lancashire Business Board chairman takes centre stage at Festival of Business

21 Jan 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
The Lancashire Festival of Business
FOB 315
Exhibitions
30 Jan 2025

The Lancashire Festival of Business

Impact Conferencing, Burnley, BB12 6QP

09:30 - 16:00

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3
Blue-Modern-Land-Travel-Youtube-Thumbnail-2-1024x576.png.png
LBV Hub Awards
14 Jan 2025 - 18 Mar 2025

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3

Community & Business Partners CIC, Blackburn, BB2 3UA

09:30 - 13:00

North West Holiday Home Show
PLG - NWHHS - Social - Jan 2024.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
18 Jan 2025 - 26 Jan 2025

North West Holiday Home Show

South Lakeland House Showground, Yealand Redmayne, LA5 9RN

09:00 - 14:58

January Freelancer Meet-Up and Coworking Day
Freelancer Meet-Up Jan general.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Jan 2025 - 23 Jan 2025

January Freelancer Meet-Up and Coworking Day

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:00

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire
LBV Hub Event Image.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
30 Jan 2025 - 30 Jan 2025

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire

Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, Chorley, PR7 1PS

18:00 - 20:00

Police Apprenticeship event
Student Centre Autumn 2022.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Social
12 Feb 2025 - 12 Jan 2025

Police Apprenticeship event

University of Central Lancashire, Foster Social Space , Preston , PR1 2HE

16:00 - 19:00

February Preston Tech Connection Meet-Up: Tech & Our Planet
PRESTON TECH CONNECTION jan.ai.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
12 Feb 2025 - 12 Feb 2025

February Preston Tech Connection Meet-Up: Tech & Our Planet

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Feb 2025 - 13 Feb 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Sub36 Networking - Behind the beans
Sub36 Social1200Atkinsons New
Networking
14 Feb 2025

Sub36 Networking - Behind the beans

Atkinsons Speciality Coffee, Lancaster, LA1 1 EX

09:00 - 11:30

Red Rose Awards 2025
Red Rose Awards 2025
Awards
13 Mar 2025

Red Rose Awards 2025

Winter Gardens Blackpool

18:00 - 11:59

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

12:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV120 Online Graphic 1
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin