'...it’s clear to me that teaching, encouraging and supporting talented young people to succeed – well, right now, no organisation public or private has a purpose more important than that.'
Sir Richard Heaton, Warden of Robinson College
Robinson is delighted to welcome Sir Richard Heaton KCB as its new Warden, the third since the foundation of the College. Richard joins Robinson today after a distinguished Civil Service career during which he worked in departments across government, focusing particularly on justice, the constitution and human rights.
Sir Richard was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and Clerk of the Crown in Chancery from 2015 to 2020, and Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office from 2012 to 2015. He held a number of other legal and non-legal roles earlier in his career including at the Home Office, the Attorney General’s Office and the Department for Work and Pensions. Until last summer, Richard also chaired a historic but progressive endowed charity in south London. And for six years Richard was senior race champion for the UK civil service, promoting progression into and within the service by talented individuals from all backgrounds. Inclusion has been part of his work, and one of his values, for many years.
On stepping into his new role Richard said:
'I'm proud and delighted to join Robinson as Warden, following the exceptional tenure of Professor David Yates. Robinson is a modern College that's part of the ancient fabric of Cambridge; academically first-rate, but proud to be radically different. It’s a lively place, open to ideas and thought, creative, outward-looking and international in its approach. It’s also fortunate to have won the confidence and affection of members and supporters around the world. I can’t wait to meet many of them in the year ahead.'
Watch this short video clip to hear more of Richard's personal take on Robinson as he begins his first day in the job.
Message from the Warden to Alumni, Friends and Supporters
Photo credit: Nic Marchant