Professor Michael Worton appointed British Council Advisor for Higher Education

In this role Michael will work closely with the British Council’s Cathy Stephens, Director Innovation, and Philip Goodwin, Programme Area Lead for the Creative and Knowledge Economy. He will take up the post on 30th September, 2009.

Reinforcing our commitment to the importance of the higher education sector in our work, Michael will provide leadership and support the expansion of our work with the sector, working with colleagues to build strong and productive partnerships. Michael will advise us on shifts in the higher education sector in the UK and its implications for cultural relations. He will also input into projects that we are developing through research, innovation and sharing of higher education expertise.

Professor Michael Worton has been Vice-Provost (Academic and International) at University College London (UCL) since 2004.  He is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating UCL’s global policies and strategies, and leading the university’s team of six global Pro-Provosts. He also chairs a number of UCL committees, including the Academic Committee which oversees implementation of the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy, and is responsible for matters relating to quality assurance in teaching and learning.

“Higher education is important to cultural relations between countries and Michael’s appointment will strengthen and develop the vital ties between the British Council and UK Higher Education,” said Martin Davidson, the British Council’s Chief Executive.

Professor Michael Worton commented: “Higher Education is changing rapidly, both in the UK and globally, as more and more students from across the world seek a trans-national education.  The British Council plays a key role in strengthening and promoting the UK’s role in this globalising world of Higher Education. I look forward to working with colleagues from the British Council on developing new partnerships with the UK Higher Education sector and with universities and other organisations world-wide.” 

For more information please email James Rowe or contact him on 020 7389 4939.

Notes to Editor 

The British Council

Marking 75 years in 2009, the British Council is the UK’s international cultural relations body

Last year the British Council engaged face to face with 13.2 million people and reached 221 million. The British Council is a non-political organisation, working in over 100 countries worldwide to build engagement and trust for the UK through programmes which support intercultural dialogue, the UK’s creative and knowledge economies and help to tackle climate change