Prof Sir Steven West CBE DL

Member since 2014

Professor Sir Steve West CBE DL is Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO of the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol.

He trained as a podiatrist and podiatric surgeon in London, working in the NHS and private/commercial sector before entering the academic world in 1984. He is a Fellow of the Society of Chiropodists, Fellow of the Royal College of Podiatric Medicine a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, and holds an honorary membership of the Faculty of Public Health for his work in student mental health and wellbeing.

Professor Sir Steve is a Board Member of Universities UK. He is Chair of the Health Innovation West of England and Non-Executive Director for the Integrated Care Board for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG). He is also a Trustee for Bristol Zoological Society.

Professor Sir Steve served as President of Universities UK (UUK) from 2021-2023.

He has served as President on the boards of a number of charitable organisations, including the Anchor Society, supporting older people, and the Brandon Trust, supporting people with learning difficulties. He has led the Local Enterprise Partnership, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and the South West Regional CBI over the last 10 years.

Professor Sir Steve became Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Gloucestershire in 2012 and was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year's Honours list 2017, for services to Higher Education.

Professor Sir Steve was awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023 for his major contributions to education, health, and business, underpinned by a profound commitment to transforming lives.

Steve is married to Samantha and has 5 children and a golden Labrador dog, who was rescued at the age of 12 months.