GCU welcomes new Vice-Chair of Court

The University has welcomed its new Vice-Chair of Court, Alan Dickson.

Former Chief Financial Officer for the BBC, Alan joined Court as a lay governor in 2023 and takes over the role of Vice-Chair from Meg Lustman. Meg is stepping down after seven years of service to the Court, including five as Vice-Chair.

Prior to his role as CFO of the BBC, Alan was Chief Operating Officer of BBC News, where he led digital transformation programmes to deliver greater value to the broadcaster's global audiences. Previously, Alan also held the same COO role at BBC Scotland where, working with sector partners, he contributed to increasing levels of financial and commercial growth across the organisation.

Alan started his career in the NHS in Scotland before joining the BBC in 1995 and is a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

Chair of Court Yvette Hopkins said: “We are delighted to welcome Alan to the important role of Vice-Chair of Court. Throughout his years helping guide the University as a lay governor, Alan has already demonstrated his breadth of expertise garnered in decades of public service, his shared values with the University and a deep commitment to our mission. My warmest congratulations to Alan in his new role and I very much look forward to working with him in the years ahead. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Meg for her dedication and service to the University throughout her tenure.”

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mairi Watson said: “Myself and the Executive Team are looking forward to working closely with Alan in his new role.  He brings a combination of experience, judgement and ambition for the University that will be extremely valuable for us in our next phase of development.  We will benefit enormously from his leadership, challenge and perspective as we shape the University’s future”

Court is the University’s governing body. It is responsible for approving GCU’s overall strategic direction and exercising general oversight of the institution’s performance and development. Court delegates the management of the University to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor.