Northumbria academic elected as Chair of influential Council

Dr Ian Elliott from Northumbria University, Newcastle, has been elected as Chair of the influential Joint University Council (JUC) at its Annual General Meeting held this month.

As the UK Learned Society for Public Administration, Public Policy and Social Work, the JUC , promotes the development and coordination of the work of universities who teach and research in these areas.

A Director of Postgraduate Education at Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School, Dr Elliott has research interests and expertise in areas including strategy in government, public leadership and organisational change in the public sector.

Commenting on his appointment he said: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of effective public services to society. At such a challenging time it is a huge honour for me to be elected and I will do my utmost to provide a strong voice for the work of higher education in this sector. As a university, Northumbria is conducting significant research work in public administration, public policy and social work. My aim is to draw on these strengths and to collaborate closely with colleagues in other institutions across the UK to offer leadership and represent the interests of our member institutions. This will include lobbying at the highest level in Government to help shape policy and promote the role of higher education in public administration, public policy and social work.”

Professor John Wilson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business and Law at Northumbria, added: “Chair of the JUC is a role which carries huge responsibility and I congratulate Dr Elliott on his election. It is a reflection of the value of his work and research, and the respect of his peers. Having academics in such influential roles is both an indication of Northumbria’s reputation in higher education, and of the quality of teaching and experience we can offer our students.”