UCLan announces new chair of its board

By Tim Aldred

12 Oct 2023

Dame Sue Ion

Dame Sue Ion has been promoted the chair of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) board, following the retirement of David Taylor after nearly ten years in the role. 

Dame Sue, who previously held the role of deputy chair, has enjoyed a distinguished career in the energy sector. She worked for British Nuclear Fuels from 1979 to 2006, rising to the roles of technology and operations director and chief technology officer.

Throughout her career, Dame Sue has been a trusted adviser and consultant to the government on energy matters, with a focus on nuclear energy. She served on the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology and on two of the UK’s Research Councils as well as chairing the Government’s Nuclear Innovation Research Advisory Board from 2014 to 2016. 

She was recognised in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours and awarded one of the higher orders of chivalry, a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE), for services to science and engineering especially for encouraging underrepresented groups to study science and engineering subjects and for the international impact she has achieved on energy strategy, both in the UK and internationally.

Dame Sue said: “I’m immensely proud to have the opportunity to lead an institution with such a long and successful history as it heads towards its 200th year in 2028. I’m inheriting an extremely ambitious and optimistic team at UCLan.

“Everyone connected with the university has an unwavering focus on transforming lives, innovating our approach to teaching, and increasing our reputation in research and its effect on wider society.

“Rest assured that during my tenure students will remain at the very heart of everything UCLan aims to achieve, and I’ll strive to build upon David’s outstanding legacy.”

David Taylor joined the board of governors in 2013 and became chair in 2014. He was the figurehead and mastermind for the initiation, development and delivery of the University’s £200m Campus Masterplan, which began in 2015, with a vision to create a state-of-the-art, sustainable campus that would enable all students to enjoy the best possible University experience.

David saw this vision to fruition when, in 2021, the final stage of the Masterplan was completed with the opening of the Student Centre and University Square, which has been transformational for the University and the wider city of Preston.

David inspired the university’s developing presence in East Lancashire, expanding the footprint and provision at the UCLan Burnley Campus. This included the acquisition and redevelopment of the Victoria Mill and Newtown Mill sites in the historic Weavers' Triangle area of Burnley in partnership with Burnley Borough Council. In Cumbria, David has been instrumental in the expansion of UCLan’s Westlakes Campus, including the acquisition of new student accommodation at Summergrove Hall.

In addition, David initiated the Strategic Regeneration Framework, which includes the three civic anchors of UCLan, Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council, which is the vehicle for inclusive and sustainable built environment regenerative projects in the city of Preston in the coming years.

He was awarded a CBE for services to the community of Lancashire in 2007 and is the current High Sheriff of Lancashire,

Prof Graham Baldwin, UCLan vice-chancellor, said: "On behalf of the University, I want to thank David for the fantastic contribution he has made in helping UCLan to be the best we can be and to ensure we continue to improve the student experience.

"David’s willingness and capability to take on additional responsibilities in an entirely voluntary capacity throughout his Chairmanship have contributed significantly towards the success of the University over the last decade, and its growing global presence."

David said: "I’m proud to have been Chair of the University Board for almost a decade and play a supportive role in helping UCLan to strengthen its reputation and grow into a truly international institution.”

“I wish my successor, Dame Sue Ion, every success in her new role.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

Pets Choice acquires several brands from Kennelpak Tony Raeburn at Pets Choice

Pets Choice acquires several brands from Kennelpak

04 Sep 2025

2

JJO is acquired by 4D Capital Partners JJO in Bacup

JJO is acquired by 4D Capital Partners

04 Sep 2025

3

Carousel tax fraudster loses £90m property empire Arif Umarji Patel with the seized Ferrari counterfeit underwear container with counterfeit clothes inside

Carousel tax fraudster loses £90m property empire

03 Sep 2025

4

EDF confirm Heysham nuclear plant to generate power until March 2028 EDF Heysham

EDF confirm Heysham nuclear plant to generate power until March 2028

03 Sep 2025

5

Breck starts construction of 51 affordable houses and bungalows in Lancashire Preesall site

Breck starts construction of 51 affordable houses and bungalows in Lancashire

03 Sep 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs
Sub36 Deaf Village Social1200
Networking
17 Sep 2025

Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs

The Deaf Village, Blackburn, BB2 5EN

10:00 - 12:00

LBV124 September/October Launch Event
MBP Arc Cinema Preston Opening 205
Networking
18 Sep 2025

LBV124 September/October Launch Event

The Arc Cinema, Preston, PR1 2BL

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!
Preston Tech Connection Sept 25.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
17 Sep 2025 - 17 Sep 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Chorley Council breakfast event new
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Worden Hall, Leyland, PR25 3DH

08:00 - 11:00

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drop-in day
MTD drop in session.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drop-in day

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drop-in day, Blackburn, BB1 5QB

10:00 - 16:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin