ANGLIA Ruskin University has appointed John Spence OBE to its board of governors.

John Spence is a Deputy Lieutenant of Essex. He is a church commissioner, lay canon and a champion for the disabled. Last year, during November, he was made an Honorary Doctor of Education by the Faculty of Education, at Anglia Ruskin. He was honoured for his ongoing services to business, the church and the community.

Born in Edinburgh, with education there and in Dublin and at Harvard Business School, Mr Spence went on to establish a top flight career in management and leadership within the banking sector, a career that spanned over 30 years.

Subsequently he has been involved in a wide range of business and community activities. He has been deputy chairman of Business in the Community since 2000. He is a church commissioner, Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance chairman and a trustee of St Paul’s Cathedral Foundation.

Registered blind in 1991, Mr Spence chairs Action for Blind People and Vitalise. He is President of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. He also chairs Harlow Renaissance Limited. In 1999, he was awarded the MBE for services to the community, and in 2006 the OBE for services to charity and Business in the Community.

Speaking about his new role, he said: “Anglia Ruskin is already providing a leading role in our community and that is set to grow. I am delighted to be able to contribute to the achievement of its vision.”

Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Thorne said: “John will be a real asset to the Board. He has the passion, drive and ideas to help us to progress the future strategic development of Anglia Ruskin University. We know that he will use his incredible skills and abundant contact network to help make a difference to the higher education facility available to students and the community of the East of England.”