Justine Greening and Lord Patel Justine studied at the University of Southampton and graduated with very first class honours in 1990 with a degree in Service
Economics and Accounting. She was chosen Conservative MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields in 2005 and remained an MP until 2019, holding a variety of Ministerial positions, consisting of Secretary of State for Education. Because leaving Parliament, Justine has campaigned for social movement and equality of opportunity. In July 2023 she was awarded an honorary doctorate at Southampton.
She said: “I am honoured to be offered the function of Chancellor for the university that has played such a vital part in my life and profession. I have been exceptionally happy with all that the university has attained and, in particular, I have actually discovered the work Southampton is doing on social mobility and widening participation to be really motivating.
“While I have constantly preserved a valued relationship with Southampton as an alumna, I eagerly anticipate a deepening connection with the university neighborhood throughout my term in this role.”
Lord Patel started his profession as a social worker, later moving into academic community and government functions relating to health, education and social care. He was made an OBE in 1999 for services to ethnic minority health concerns. In 2018, Lord Patel was designated Chair of Social Work England, the regulator for kid, household and adult social employees in England.
Lord Patel is Chair of the India Service Group and currently has links to the university, as a valued patron for The India Centre for Inclusive Development and Sustainable Development. He was awarded an honorary degree in 2018.
He said: “I am happy to use up this ambassadorial function at the University of Southampton and I will do my absolute best to contribute to the university’s continuing advancement, development and success. I have always been hugely impressed with the world-class research study that occurs here and the effect it has globally. I look forward to engaging with personnel, trainees and alumni to find out a lot more about this remarkable institution.”
Sir Ian Diamond, Chair of University Council, included: “I am happy to validate the consultation of Justine Greening and Lord Patel of Bradford as our dual Chancellors. They bring an amazing wealth of combined experience, know-how and devotion in areas such as psychological health, social movement and equality, which are also of excellent importance to the university neighborhood.
“They will each play a tremendously positive function as we move on with our ambitious strategy.”