Alan Jerome
"I was educated at Bradford Grammar School and then at Cambridge University, where I did a degree in engineering. I then came here in 1956/7 to study textiles before I went into the family business which had been founded by my Grandfather in 1898, as a graduate trainee. We were principally cloth manufacturers but expanded to become a large group of different textile businesses. I became Chair and Chief Executive in 1985 and retired in 1998 when the company was taken over.
I am hugely committed to the city of Bradford. I was born and bred here and served on the city council. I have been involved in local politics since 1970 when I joined Skipton Council. Following local government reorganisation I served on Bradford Councillor from 1974 until 1985, and I have been an Addingham parish councillor since 1970. I have been a governor of Bradford Grammar School from 1976 and been Chair since 1986. I was a member of the Council of Bradford University for 15 years and was appointed a Pro-Chancellor in 1996 and Deputy Chairman in 2004. As I recently retired from this position I was keen to join the College Corporation to offer my HE perspective. I believe my expertise and knowledge will be very helpful to the College as it strives to achieve standards of excellence.
I am the named contact for the College’s Public Interest Disclosure (‘Whistleblower’) policy. I would start an inquiry if I was satisfied that there was a real issue and not a malicious accusation. If necessary I would lead an investigation. I have independence as I am not salaried by the College. I am a member of the Standards committee and Audit committee. I believe that it is important that the College gains its own degree awarding powers, establishing the College as an HE unit in its own right and allowing it more scope to develop new programmes. Bradford is one of very few large industrial cities to have only one university. It is not unreasonable to think that we are the equivalent and our status will improve tremendously in the perception of the public at large.
The College is an intrinsic part of the city. The important thing is to have the jobs in the city for graduates to stay. The city needs to be regenerated and the College’s £100m capital project is vital and important to the city. Our massive investment is showing great confidence and the College is absolutely right to do this to encourage more young people to come through FE and HE. We are taking the lead and our new buildings will encourage others to invest. Bradford needs the retail experience and more opportunities, but hopefully the professional businesses will move back and reverse the negative trends the city experienced. Having a highly educated workforce with the right skills will help bring new businesses in. We are kick-starting Bradford’s regeneration."