New chair for Lancaster University’s Engineering Industry Advisory Board

Lancaster University’s School of Engineering has appointed Andy Davy as the new chair for its Industry Advisory Board.

The Industry Advisory Board (IAB) brings together employers and professional bodies to advise on teaching and research priorities, feed skills needs into curriculum planning, and support student placements and internships.

It also provides external input to accreditation and wider engagement activity, helping ensure graduates’ capabilities match sector demand and creating clear routes for companies, including SMEs, to collaborate with the School.

A long standing member of the board, Andy Davy is group operations manager at Lancaster-based Like Technologies, which provides specialist electronic and control-system support to clients across the nuclear and advanced engineering sectors, including obsolescence management and equipment repair.

In his role as chair, Andy will lead twice-yearly IAB meetings and work with the IAB co-ordinator, Chris Lambert to agree agendas and formats. He will also review minutes and represent the board at formal engagements such as accreditation visits.

On his appointment as chair, he said: “Chairing the board is about turning employer insight into practical outcomes.

"Feeding into the curriculum, helping to ensure the teaching provides the students with the knowledge, skills and behaviours that add value for local firms.

"That two-way flow helps students hit the ground running and gives businesses a straightforward route into the School when they need skills or fresh ideas.”

Chris Lambert, director of engagement, school of engineering, Lancaster University, said: “We very much welcome Andy as chair of the board.

"His deep, front-line, industry experience and knowledge will help guide the board in its role as a sounding-board for curriculum relevance, accreditation and employability.

"Its members’ perspectives shape modules, open up internships and placement year roles, and guide where our engagement will have most impact.”