History of the OU

Today (31.07.2026) is Malcolm Sweeting’s final day as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of The Open University, following eight years of dedicated service to the University.
Throughout his time with the OU, Malcolm has been a passionate champion of our mission, our students and our people. As he prepares to step down, he wanted to share a personal message with colleagues across the University.

Dear colleagues,

As I come to the end of my second term as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University, I wanted to let you all know that it has been a tremendous honour and a privilege. It is without a doubt the best Chair role in the Higher Education sector. It has given me great pleasure and satisfaction working at The Open University. Its mission, its scale and its social impact make the University unique. I’m very proud of all that you have achieved and are continuing to achieve.

The Higher Education sector faces significant challenges, and so it is encouraging that the University has returned to making a small operating surplus in the last two years. Nevertheless, like all universities, it will be critical that we continue to manage our resources carefully.

In an age of digitalisation, data and AI, many universities are now looking to follow aspects of the University’s teaching model, but we are very well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that will exist in the future. I strongly believe the OU can, in this rapidly evolving landscape, show strong leadership and direction and be the future of Higher Education. Very few other universities are positioned to be transformative and show such leadership.

Against the challenging backdrop of what is happening in the sector, the University’s new strategy was approved by Council at its July meeting. The contributions from across the University were helpful in shaping and developing the strategic thinking. Dave Phoenix has led a comprehensive and deep strategy discussion and shaped an ambitious strategy to face the future with real confidence and purpose.

My favourite and most rewarding occasions have been presiding at so many degree award ceremonies, the backflips, the cartwheels, the tears, the joy and the raucous support have made such occasions very special. The diversity of our graduates is astonishing: from the young lady who collected three (3!) First Class Degrees to the 86-year-old gentleman who said it “was the proudest moment of his life”. But the degree ceremony which I will remember for a long time is the graduation ceremony at HMP Warren Hill (life sentences, extended life sentences and intermediate sentences). The work we do in prisons is most valuable.

I wish my successor, Sir David Normington, every success, and I am sure that he will derive as much joy and satisfaction as I have over the last eight years.

My very best wishes for the future, and I will follow the OU’s progress with keen interest.

Best wishes,

Malcolm