Nicola Dandridge named as new Chief Executive of UUK

Equality Challenge Unit today announced that Nicola Dandridge will be stepping down as Chief Executive of the higher education equality body in September 2009. Nicola will be taking up a new role as Chief Executive of Universities UK.

Since her appointment as Chief Executive in 2006, Nicola has overseen the development of Equality Challenge Unit into an independent and highly successful organisation with a remit to promote equality and diversity for all staff and students in higher education.

Sue Cavanagh, Deputy Chief Executive of Equality Challenge Unit, said:

'Nicola has been a highly committed and passionate advocate for equality and diversity in higher education, working with the excellent team at the unit to promote a highly successful strategy of building partnerships with institutions and developing practical and relevant projects that have really made a difference.'

'We are looking forward to building further on these achievements as we look to develop our future strategy in the coming year, and support the sector to work through the implications of the Equality Bill.'

Professor John Brooks, Chair of ECU and and Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, said:

'Nicola has been a hugely effective Chief Executive, guiding ECU through many changes and combining an understanding of the need to engage with equality and the priorities facing institutions. We wish her every success at Universities UK.'