BUCS role for our Vice-Chancellor and President

The University of East London’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Amanda Broderick, will become the new Chair of the Board of Directors of British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) in February 2024. 

BUCS is the national governing body for higher education sport in the UK, with 160 member institutions and 80,000+ students that compete across the sports BUCS offers. 

Professor Broderick has a significant track record of harnessing the power of sport to drive positive change in many forms across the higher education sector and will help drive forward BUCS’ new strategic vision to deliver exceptional student sporting experiences. 

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Broderick said, “It is an honour and privilege to assume the role of Chair of BUCS at a time when the organisation is taking a bold new strategic direction, which chimes closely with my long-held beliefs in and commitment to the transformative power of sport. Working with the Board and the Executive, this strategic vision, including taking higher education sport to the next level of national and global pre-eminence; advancing the role of the inclusive, active campus in the health and well-being of the university community as a whole; and, the opportunity to unlock health gain as a prerequisite of learning gain before, at and after university, will drive the increasing reach and significance of this important national governing body and in its value to membership. 

With sport playing an integral role in university life and beyond, collaboration must at the heart of BUCS and will be a key feature of my tenure as Chair: strengthening ties between universities, colleges, sports organisations, business, government and local communities to create an ecosystem of benefit to all. Together we will advance a culture of excellence, innovation and inclusive practice, shaping the future impact of HE sport.” 

Commercial Director and Senior Independent Director of BUCS, Russell James commented, “The appointment of Amanda as Chair spells the start of a new era for this organisation. BUCS offers so much to so many and with Amanda at the helm, I am confident she will be able to steer us in a direction that benefits all involved in UK higher education sport. Welcome to BUCS, Professor Broderick.” 

Professor Broderick has over 15 years’ experience of Board-level executive and non-executive roles. Alongside being Vice-Chancellor and President of UEL, she is also Chair of London Higher, HEA Principal Fellow and a Council Member for the Association of Commonwealth Universities. 

A Professor in International Business, Professor Broderick has an extensive record of forging successful collaborations within and between higher education and business, with a diverse senior leadership profile including at Newcastle University, University of Salford, and Durham University as Principal of St. Cuthbert’s Society, a college at the institution. 

Active Campus, which was recently launched at UEL, encourages people to move their bodies in whatever way they can by engaging in a plethora of wellness events and activities, is designed for any level of engagement, to build community links and belonging through active participation. It is an integral part of the East London Global Sport Strategy, an ambitious plan to build on the University’s reputation for sporting excellence and extend the beneficial impact of sport and physical activity to all students, staff and stakeholders, as well as to the University’s regional, national and international partners.

UEL offers several sports courses, including Sports Coaching and Development, in partnership with West Ham United Foundation.