Green Gown Awards 2014 - Leadership Award - Professor Patrick Bailey - Winner

Dean of Natural Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor (Environment & Sustainability), Keele University

Professor Pat Bailey provided a vision 5 years ago, in which Keele’s commitment to environment and sustainability would be realised through linking its research, teaching, campus development and community engagement.

Within 3 years, sustainability had become a core theme for the University, embedded in the heart of its strategic plan. Through Pat’s leadership, the University has developed new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in sustainability, appointed a Director of Education for Sustainability to help embed sustainability into all of the curricula, and resurrected a derelict farm at the entrance to the University to create its £3.5m Sustainability Hub that supports outreach to schools, businesses and the local community.

Equally important have been myriad smaller projects – the allotments scheme, the ‘green’ student bungalow, improved cycling facilities, sustainable purchasing practices, and a range of ‘Green Impact’ projects that have involved over 100 staff. Pat has engaged everyone in a vision that the University all now share.

Top 3 learnings

1 The importance of developing a clear but ambitious vision
2 Identifying some smaller, easier projects at the outset, to instill confidence
3 Being willing to respond to opportunities as they occur, whether that means encouraging the inspirational individuals, supporting new

What the judges say ... 

In Patrick Bailey judges identified transformational leadership across the whole-institution.
The nomination was comprehensive and clearly outlined long-term commitment with significant milestones. Patrick’s ability to lead both upward and downward throughout the organisation has clearly been pivotal in integrating sustainability throughout the university.

What it means to win ...

“We feel that Keele University is one of the stand-out universities for its achievements in sustainability across a whole range of initiatives, and this Green Gown Award is fitting
recognition for Pat, as well as highlighting the importance of delivering change through the commitment and example of senior colleagues.”

Prof. Nick Foskett, Vice-Chancellor

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• Dean of Natural Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor (Environment & Sustainability), Keele University (click to hide)