Ceremony held to formally install Baroness Sandip Verma


Baroness Sandip Verma (centre) . Picture: University of Roehampton

June 14, 2023

The University of Roehampton London has celebrated the investiture of Baroness Sandip Verma as Chancellor in a ceremony attended by University staff, students, and members of the civic and business community from across London.

A member of the House of Lords since 2006, Baroness Verma is a politician and businesswoman who has long experience and deep expertise in women’s rights. She was formerly Ministerial Champion for tackling violence against women and girls overseas and currently chairs the UN Women's national committee for the UK.

Previously Baroness Verma was a government minister between 2012 and 2016, chair of the EU Sub Committee for Goods, and a member of the EU Select Committee. She also holds several positions and roles in the private sector.

She was appointed as Chancellor in April 2022 and is the ceremonial head and ambassador of the University. Her purpose is to support the University in promoting its strategic aims, activities and accomplishments nationally and internationally as well as being a role model to the University's 14,000 students. She succeeds John Simpson and Professor Dame Jacqueline Wilson as the third Chancellor for the University.

The University claims a long heritage of diversity. Founded in 1841, its Whitelands College, has provided higher education to women for longer than any university in the UK. Today, the University has 146 different nationalities studying and living on campus, 44% of students having come from outside the UK to study – a percentage far ahead of the UK average of 22%.

Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Roehampton London, said, “Baroness Verma is an exceptional individual and we are honoured to have her join the University in her capacity as Chancellor. She has an esteemed history in both the private and public sector, demonstrated through her passionate campaigning for equality and social justice, being a champion for women and girls across the globe, and being instrumental in promoting sustainable development around the world. We are very excited to work with her to continue enhancing a more inclusive community of learning at the University, that values individuals and provides excellent educational outcomes for all.”

Baroness Verma said, “It’s a privilege to take on the role of Chancellor at the University of Roehampton London. The University champions and stands for many of the same values that I have campaigned for throughout my career, particularly inclusion, diversity and sustainability. I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues to promote these values and the University on a global and national level, and contribute to our mission of providing a supportive, inclusive hub of learning where all students, regardless of their background, can realise their ambitions.”