Pembroke has announced that the Rt Hon Sir Ernest Ryder will be the next Master of the college, taking over from Dame Lynne Brindley after she steps down at the end of June.
Sir Ernest is a distinguished member of the judiciary, who has also been involved with the higher education sector in a number of ways throughout his career.
Sir Ernest was educated at Bolton School and Peterhouse, Cambridge. He was called to the bar in 1981 and became a QC in 1997, before being appointed a Justice of the High Court in 2004. He was both the Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit and its Family Division Liaison Judge. He became a Lord Justice of Appeal in April 2013, which has involved him leading the largest specialist part of the judicial system, with more than 5,500 judicial office holders working across the four different legal jurisdictions of the UK. He was also appointed Senior President of Tribunals in September 2015.
Sir Ernest has been a Trustee of the Nuffield Foundation since September 2014, working with colleagues to develop a sustainable model for research in Education, Welfare and Justice. He was also Chancellor of the University of Bolton between 2014 and 2017, and holds honorary professorships at the Universities of Lancaster and Bolton.
Dame Lynne Brindley, current Master of the College, says: “I am delighted at the election of Sir Ernest Ryder as my successor. He comes to Pembroke after a distinguished career and brings wide knowledge and experience to the role, as well as a deep commitment to diversity and widening participation, values that are dear to our community. He has the abilities, energy and standing to develop Pembroke in the years ahead. I hope that he will enjoy his tenure as much as I have and I wish him well.”
Sir Ernest has said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been elected to lead such a diverse, welcoming and ethically committed community of scholars at an important time in their history. I am looking forward with enthusiasm to continuing Dame Lynne’s dedicated leadership and the outstanding work of the Fellowship, students and alumni in their determination to achieve excellence and improve access to higher education. I have been very impressed with the extraordinary warmth and inclusive atmosphere of the College and the dedication of all who work within it.”
Vicegerent and Fellow of Pembroke, Professor Owen Darbishire, said: “The Fellowship and entire College very much look forward to welcoming Sir Ernest to Pembroke during the summer. His energy and enthusiasm for the role of Master greatly impressed us and we all anticipate a successful and exciting time ahead, leading to Pembroke’s 400th Anniversary in 2024 and beyond.”
