Vince Cable welcomes Plymouth Vice-Chancellor to BIS Board

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has formally welcomed the Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth University to the BIS Departmental Board.

Professor Wendy Purcell was invited by the Right Honourable Dr Vince Cable MP to become a Non Executive Board Member in light of her extensive knowledge and experience as a leading figure in the Higher Education sector.

Professor Purcell’s role will be to provide external advice and expertise to inform the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills’ decision making processes by meeting regularly with the Secretary of State and his team at BIS and with the other Non-Executives. As the only University Vice-Chancellor, she joins BIS Ministers, senior officials, business leaders and investors on the BIS Departmental Board.

The Secretary of State, the Right Honourable Vince Cable MP, said; "I am delighted that Professor Wendy Purcell is joining BIS as a Non Executive Member of our Departmental Board. Wendy's wealth of experience in Higher Education and Plymouth's reputation for engagement with local business will help BIS to maintain the UK's reputation for world class teaching and research in our universities allied to real world experience."

On her appointment, Professor Wendy Purcell commented; “I am honoured to accept this invitation and excited about supporting the important work of the BIS Department. It will be a genuine privilege to serve and humbly offer advice in accord with my values, interests and experience. I am also very proud as this is testament to the esteemed standing of Plymouth University and the very real role we are playing in demonstrating how universities can act as a powerful catalyst for socio economic regeneration.”

The appointment follows on from Professor Wendy Purcell’s current role in acting as an expert advisor to the government’s major national review into how universities can support regional growth. Professor Purcell is also the Chair of the national Council of Healthcare Science in Higher Education and a Trustee and Director on the Board of the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges.