Professor John Holden appointed new Vice-President | StaffNet

On September 19, 2025, Professor John Holden was appointed as the Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation at The University of Manchester. This strategic appointment comes in the wake of Professor Richard Jones’s retirement, marking a significant shift in the university’s leadership during a crucial phase of transformation in higher education.

### Background and Experience

Professor Holden’s trajectory toward this role has been characterized by extensive experience within various sectors, including higher education, local and national government, and industry. Prior to his new appointment, he served as the Associate Vice-President for Major Special Projects at the university. His contributions in this position were substantial, including spearheading initiatives such as the establishment of the UK’s Productivity Institute at the Alliance Manchester Business School and relocating the UK Biobank to the Oxford Road Corridor. He also played a key role in the ambitious Sister project, a long-term initiative aimed at developing a new innovation district on the university’s former North Campus.

In 2024, Holden co-led the University’s Regional Innovation Review and was instrumental in creating Unit M, which serves as the university’s dedicated arm for innovation. This unit was launched to unlock the institution’s potential and drive inclusive growth regionally and nationally. His collaborative approach is particularly noteworthy, especially in fostering a groundbreaking partnership with Cambridge University that aims to create a robust model of collaboration to facilitate inclusive economic growth across the UK.

### Vision for Civic Engagement and Innovation

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, expressed confidence in Holden’s capabilities, emphasizing the ambition of the university to emerge as a leading civic university. He noted the imperative to innovate and build strategic partnerships that will ultimately benefit the local and national community. Ivison described Holden as having “a strong track record of civic engagement and developing innovative programs and policies,” which positions him as a pivotal figure in addressing current challenges.

Holden himself remarked on the importance of his new role. He sees the convergence of civic engagement and innovation as essential components of the university’s forthcoming 10-year strategy, set to launch in October 2025. Central to his vision is the understanding that the university’s success is intricately linked with the success of the local region. He aims to fortify collaborations with industry, civic partners, and communities, accelerating research into tangible impact and empowering students to reach their full potential.

### A Focus on Real-World Impact

The strategic direction set by Holden comes at a time of heightened need for collaboration between universities and their surrounding communities. Higher education institutions are increasingly being called upon to demonstrate their social responsibility, and Holden’s emphasis on civic engagement as a core function of the university aligns perfectly with this trend. He has stated his commitment to not only improving lives locally but also creating opportunities on a national and global scale.

Moreover, as one of the North of England’s key innovation assets, the university is poised to take a leading role in driving inclusive economic growth. Holden’s leadership is expected to enhance the university’s contributions to tackling regional disparities and addressing global challenges, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development.

### Community-Centric Approaches

In his new capacity, Holden plans to engage closely with students, staff, alumni, and external partners to foster a multi-stakeholder approach. This participatory model, which involves a diverse range of voices, resonates well with contemporary educational practices aimed at inclusivity and engagement. The expectation is that by tightening the interconnections between academia and community, the university can facilitate solutions to pressing social issues while also amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups within the discourse on innovation and civic engagement.

### Impact on Economic and Social Policy

Holden’s prior experience as a senior strategist in Greater Manchester has afforded him a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in regional policy-making. His involvement with the Mayoral Combined Authority and contributions to the devolution deal have equipped him with insights that will be instrumental in shaping policy at the university level.

His advisory roles with national and international organizations such as the Department for Business Innovation & Skills, the European Commission, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development further underline his capacity to influence broader public policy discussions. These experiences not only bolster his credentials but also provide a unique lens through which he interprets the intersection of academia and societal challenges.

### Future Collaborations

As Holden transitions into his role on October 1, 2025, anticipation builds around potential new initiatives and partnerships that may arise under his leadership. The synergy between innovation and civic engagement presents numerous opportunities for collaborative projects that can serve as models for other institutions. Given the university’s established reputation and Holden’s strategic focus, one can expect an increased emphasis on research initiatives that are tightly aligned with community needs.

### Conclusion

The appointment of Professor John Holden as Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation at The University of Manchester stands as a pivotal moment for the institution. It illustrates a clear commitment to harnessing academic resources in ways that tangibly benefit society. As higher education faces challenges related to social responsibility and community impact, Holden’s robust background in both policy and leadership positions him well to bridge the gap between the university and the broader community.

The fusion of civic engagement and innovative practices is not merely aspirational; it’s a necessity in today’s complex socio-economic landscape. With Holden at the helm, The University of Manchester is poised to strengthen its role as a leader in both innovation and community engagement, setting an example for institutions globally. His vision underscores a renewed commitment to ensuring education serves as a catalyst for social progress, enriching lives and contributing to a more equitable society.

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