Paul Manners to retire from the NCCPE
Since 2008, Paul and Sophie have worked with colleagues, universities, funders and partners across the UK and internationally to develop the NCCPE. During that time, the Centre has helped make public engagement an established and valued part of university life, supporting institutions to work more openly with communities and helping shape policies and frameworks, including the REF and KEF, that recognise and reward meaningful engagement. Following his retirement, Paul will remain involved as an NCCPE Associate, supporting a small number of projects and activities.
Paul said:
"It has been an enormous privilege to work with Sophie and colleagues across the NCCPE and university sector over the last two decades.
The NCCPE has always been built around a simple idea: that universities create more value when they build meaningful relationships with people, communities and the places they serve. Everything the Centre has achieved has been the result of collective effort, shared ambition and collaboration. I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and grateful to the many people and organisations who have contributed to that journey.
One of the greatest privileges of this role has been working alongside an extraordinary community of engagement professionals, researchers, leaders, funders and partners beyond higher education, who every day build relationships, create partnerships and help universities make a positive contribution to society.
While retirement feels like the right next step for me personally, I am excited about the future of the NCCPE. The Centre has an exceptional team, strong leadership and a clear sense of purpose. Higher education has changed enormously over the last eighteen years, but the need for universities to remain connected, responsive and accountable to society is more important than ever."
Sophie said:
"Paul has made an outstanding contribution, not only to the NCCPE, but to the wider development of public engagement across higher education and research. Throughout our partnership, he has brought vision, creativity, generosity, and a deep commitment to strengthening the relationship between universities and society. He has played a pivotal role in building the engagement community and culture that exists today. While we are delighted for Paul as he begins this exciting new chapter, he will be greatly missed by us all.
At the same time, this is a moment that reflects the strength of the organisation we have built together. The NCCPE benefits from remarkable expertise across the team, strong partnerships across the sector and a clear strategic direction. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with all those committed to engagement in the months and years ahead."