The Chancellor is the most senior officer of the University, and is the University's ambassador, presiding over degree ceremonies and attending University events. Lord Puttnam was appointed Chancellor of The Open University in October 2006.
The primary role of the Pro-Chancellor is as Chair of the OU's Council. The Pro-Chancellor also steps in on occasion as Chief Presiding Officer at degree ceremonies.
Chancellor of The Open University: Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE
David Puttnam spent 30 years as an independent film producer. His many award winning films include The Mission, The Killing Fields, Local Hero, Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express, Bugsy Malone, and Memphis Belle.
He retired from film production in 1998 and now focuses on his work in education and the environment. In 1998 he founded the National Teaching Awards which he chaired until October 2008. He served as the first Chair of the General Teaching Council (2000-02), and on a variety of other public bodies. He was founding Chair of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, and for 10 years chaired the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, as well as serving as a trustee of both the Tate Gallery and the Science Museum.. He has also recently become a trustee of the Eden Project. David was Vice President and Chair of Trustees at BAFTA (British Academy of Film & Television Arts) from 1994-2004, and was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship in 2006. He was appointed President of UNICEF UK in July 2002, and played a key role in promoting UNICEF’s advocacy, awareness and fundraising objectives. He retired from this post in July 2009.
In February 2006, he became Deputy Chairman of Channel Four, and in April 2006 Chairman of Futurelab. In April 2007 he became the Chairman of Profero. In the same month he was also appointed Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Climate Change Bill Scrutiny Committee. Also in 2007 he was appointed as Chairman of North Music Trust, The Sage, Gateshead. Most recently he was made President of the FDA (Film Distributors Association).
David was awarded a CBE in 1982, received a Knighthood in 1995 and was appointed to the House of Lords in 1997.
Pro-Chancellor: Baron Haskins of Skidby
Christopher Haskins was made a peer in 1998. During a long and distinguished business career he was Chairman of Northern Foods until 2002, having joined the organisation (then Northern Dairies) in 1962. He also served as Chairman, Better Regulation Task Force 1997-2002, Chairman of Express Dairies plc 1998-2002, Board member of Yorkshire Regional Development Agency 1998-2008, Chairman of European Movement 2003-2005 and Director of Yorkshire Television 2001-2004.
He is currently a member of the Board of the Lawes Agricultural Trust, a Director of Montrose Associates, J.S.R. Farms Ltd and Quarryside Farms Ltd. As the OU's Pro-Chancellor he is a member of the University's Finance, Membership, Remuneration, and Strategic Planning and Resources Committees.