Richard Smith joins BIMM University as Director of Academic Services & University Clerk

BIMM University is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Smith to the role of Director of Academic Services & University Clerk.

Richard has 17 years of experience working in a range of regulatory roles at the Office for Fair Access, then at the Higher Education Funding Council of England, and most recently at the Office for Students, where he oversaw all aspects of the TEF exercise and the ratings that have just been released. During his career, Richard has been deeply involved with national work on access and participation, teaching and learning, university funding, quality and enhancement, and sector regulation. He is a passionate believer in the transformative power of higher education and its wider social value.

As Director of Academic Services, Richard will oversee the Student Data and Academic Administration (central and campus-based), Quality Assurance and Enhancement, Immigration and Compliance, and Regulatory Returns functions that operate across the University. As University Clerk, he will support the BIMM University Limited Board to ensure the University executes its responsibilities as set out by the Office for Students. In addition to Richard’s wide-ranging regulatory experience, he is also an experienced musician and has a Master’s degree in Creative Music Technology, in which he explored computer-generated audio-visual performance.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Prof. Louise Jackson, said the following about the appointment, ‘We are delighted to have been able to make such an appointment to this new role within the university. Richard’s extensive experience of working at a national level in higher education regulation will support BIMM University in its continued focus on ensuring our students have the best possible learning experiences. His contribution to teaching excellence and access & participation within England is well recognised, and his appointment speaks to the commitment BIMM University has made to its community to continue to be the university that shapes the creative industries through innovative, nurturing, and industry-facing educational experiences”.

“I am thrilled to be joining BIMM University,” said Richard Smith. ‘I was drawn to the University for its creative ethos, the care it takes to ensure fantastic educational experiences for its students and its dedication to supporting brilliant graduate outcomes. It’s exciting to see the many ways BIMM University graduates have a positive impact on their creative careers. I feel very privileged to be joining the University and look forward to supporting the community in every way I can to deliver for its students.”