Justine Greening and Lord Patel Justine studied at the University of Southampton and finished with very first class honours in 1990 with a degree in Company
Economics and Accounting. She was elected Conservative MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields in 2005 and stayed an MP till 2019, holding a number of Ministerial positions, including Secretary of State for Education. Since leaving Parliament, Justine has actually campaigned for social mobility and equality of chance. In July 2023 she was awarded an honorary doctorate at Southampton.
She said: “I am honoured to be offered the role of Chancellor for the university that has actually played such a vital part in my life and career. I have actually been tremendously proud of all that the university has actually attained and, in particular, I have discovered the work Southampton is doing on social mobility and widening participation to be genuinely motivating.
“While I have actually constantly maintained a valued relationship with Southampton as an alumna, I look forward to a deepening connection with the university neighborhood throughout my term in this function.”
Lord Patel began his career as a social worker, later on moving into academia and federal government functions connecting to health, education and social care. He was made an OBE in 1999 for services to ethnic minority health issues. In 2018, Lord Patel was selected Chair of Social Work England, the regulator for kid, family and adult social employees in England.
Lord Patel is Chair of the India Company Group and already has links to the university, as a valued patron for The India Centre for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. He was granted an honorary degree in 2018.
He stated: “I am delighted to take up this ambassadorial function at the University of Southampton and I will do my very best to add to the university’s continuing development, growth and success. I have constantly been extremely impressed with the world-class research study that takes place here and the effect it has globally. I look forward to engaging with staff, students and alumni to learn a lot more about this impressive organization.”
Sir Ian Diamond, Chair of University Council, added: “I am delighted to validate the visit of Justine Greening and Lord Patel of Bradford as our dual Chancellors. They bring a remarkable wealth of combined experience, knowledge and dedication in locations such as mental health, social mobility and equality, which are also of terrific importance to the university community.
“They will each play a tremendously favorable function as we move forward with our enthusiastic technique.”