Leeds Beckett University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Slee, has taken on the role of Chair of Yorkshire Universities (YU), the body representing the region’s higher education sector.
Slee brings decades of senior leadership behind him, along with a background in strategic planning and shaping education policy, to the role, at a moment when devolution has become central to government thinking on economic growth. He’ll be central to delivering YU’s 2025–2030 strategy, working with the organisation’s board, member institutions and both local and national government to push Yorkshire’s interests, unlock investment and drive impact across the region.
Professor Peter Slee said: “With the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, putting local and regional growth, devolution, and place-based policy, at the heart of the UK’s economic agenda, there is a significant opportunity for YU to ensure that the region’s universities are central to realising the Government’s ambitions.
“By drawing on the wealth of expertise and capabilities across our member institutions, and strengthening our partnerships with industry, business, public sector, and local communities, I am confident that we can continue to unlock new opportunities, support increased prosperity and well-being and make a positive difference to people and places within and across Yorkshire.”
He takes over from Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor at the University of York, who has stepped down as YU Chair to become Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton.
YU Executive Director Dr Peter O’Brien welcomed the appointment, saying: “I would like to congratulate Peter Slee on taking up the position of YU Chair. YU’s mission and strategy are closely aligned with the devolution agenda, and I look forward to working with Peter to ensure that YU becomes even more effective and impactful in the new policy landscape. Peter’s longstanding commitment to Leeds, and to Yorkshire, and his visionary leadership within the sector, will be a real asset to us at this pivotal moment.” He also thanked Charlie Jeffery for his time leading YU, wishing him well in his new role in Southampton.
Slee has led Leeds Beckett since September 2015. He studied at the University of Reading before completing a PhD in Modern History at Cambridge and postdoctoral work at Manchester and Durham, and holds fellowships with both the Royal Historical Society and the Higher Education Academy.
Before Leeds Beckett, he was Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield from 2010, having previously held senior higher education roles at Northumbria, Durham and Aston, as well as serving as Head of Education Policy at the Confederation of British Industry.
