13th Making Diversity Interventions Count Annual Conference (MDICAC) 2024

Uduak Archibong PhD MBE is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion). She directs the Centre for Inclusion and Diversity (CfID) and provides strategic oversight for equality, diversity and inclusion [EDI] across the institution. She is a Fellow of the West African College of Nursing and a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing. She was listed in the New Year Honours list 2015 and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to higher education and equality.

Recognised as a foremost authority with a sustained, distinguished presence in the field of diversity management, she is currently leading in setting agenda to drive research, learning and knowledge exchange activities internationally. She has published extensively on inclusion and diversity, informed by over 30 years experience of working in the health and higher education sectors. Her academic and professional work has major impacts locally, nationally and globally. Key among these impacts is that the body of her research work has provided the evidence base for, and a robust understanding of, the development and application of cultural solutions and diversity interventions in public, private and third sector organisations.

"Shirley’s priority is to engender a vibrant culture for staff and students reinforcing the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching & learning, research, knowledge exchange and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Having lived and worked in the Bradford City Region for ten years she is committed to positioning the University at the centre of the region’s social and economic regeneration."

Shirley is responsible for the leadership and management of the University of Bradford, leading the development of its values and strategy.  Shirley is the eighth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford and is the first woman to hold the role.  Shirley has significant experience of working in higher education championing the quality of the student experience, widening participation, engagement with business and communities and advancing the quality of research and innovation.

Originally qualifying as a Registered Nurse, Shirley’s professional and academic expertise lies within the area of health and social care, service modernisation and cultural change, research methods and evidence-based practice.  She has a strong track record in all aspects of university leadership, having worked within the field of higher education for 25 years and held senior roles in three different universities.

Shirley is committed to value led leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion, increasing social inclusion and mobility through widening participation in higher education; opening up opportunities and unlocking potential for people of all backgrounds. 

A tireless ambassador for students, she is committed to ensuring that they get the best possible education and support that leads to a rewarding career after they graduate.  Her number one priority is to place the student experience at the heart of all aspects of University activities.

Shirley is the Executive Board champion for Religion/Belief issues.

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Contact details

Helen Hague
Senior Executive Services Support Manager/Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor (external).

• h.l.hague@bradford.ac.uk
• 01274 23 3012

Michelle Kenyon
Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor (internal) 

• m.kenyon2@bradford.ac.uk
• 01274 23 3007

Dave has 30 years’ experience of working in a range of public sector organisations, with expertise in organisational development and systems working.

He is passionate about putting people and relationships at the centre of everything and sees his role as being to help the University of Bradford be a place where each person can be the best that they can be.

He has an MA (Hons) in Classics and an MSc in Innovation and Improvement Science, is a qualified coach/mentor and mediator, and alongside completing his doctorate, occasionally lectures and speaks at conferences on how we can thrive in a complex, messy world.