Appointment of new Pro-Chancellor

09 Mar 2021

Update on Pro-Chancellor appointment

The General Assembly, at its meeting last week, approved the appointment of Mr Jim Hancock, as Pro-Chancellor to the University, for an initial term of four years. Originally from Plymouth, Jim came to Manchester in 1967, graduating from the University in 1970, and his time as a student included a year as President of the Students' Union.

Jim’s career was in journalism and broadcasting. He was a Westminster Lobby Correspondent for the BBC and Independent Radio News, but most of his career was spent in the North West. He was Granada TV’s Political Correspondent from 1987-94 and Political Editor of BBC North West from 1998-2006.  Jim is now a broadcaster, media trainer and conference chair. Jim has been a long standing supporter and friend of the University, and has served on both the Board of Governors (both pre- and post- the 2004 merger) and General Assembly (stepping down in 2020 after 15 years as a member) and is an active member of the Alumni Association.

The Pro-Chancellor has an important ambassadorial and ceremonial role and deputises in the absence of the Chancellor as and when required.

The previous Pro-Chancellor, Mrs Gillian Easson, stood down from the role having served the maximum term allowed. Gillian steps down from the role with our thanks for her great contribution both as Pro-Chancellor and as a former Board member from 2001 to 2012.