Institute for Equity, University Centre Appoints Prominent Business Leader Rebecca Fitzgerald as Visiting Professor of Community Engagement & Social Impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

23 September 2026

Institute for Equity, University Centre Appoints Prominent Business Leader Rebecca Fitzgerald as Visiting Professor of Community Engagement & Social Impact

HUDDERSFIELD UK – The Institute for Equity, University Centre (IEUC) is pleased to announce the appointment of distinguished industry leader and regional advocate Rebecca Fitzgerald as Visiting Professor: Community Engagement & Social Impact.

This appointment marks a significant milestone for the Institute as it continues to formalise strategic ties with premier industry practitioners who bridge academic rigor, corporate transformation, and meaningful community advocacy.

Professor Fitzgerald brings over 25 years of senior executive experience spanning large-scale digital transformation, financial stewardship, and corporate governance. Currently serving as President of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce and a Senior Leadership Team member governing Data & AI at Yorkshire Building Society (YBS), she has consistently stood out as a powerful catalyst for regional growth, skills development, and social mobility. She holds an MSc in Strategic Leadership (Distinction) from Loughborough University and gained Chartered Manager accreditation through the Chartered Management Institute.

In her role as Visiting Professor under the Institute’s Visiting Appointments Policy, Professor Fitzgerald will provide strategic insights to the SLT and contribute to research and knowledge exchange across business-aligned curricula, particularly within community engagement, ethical AI adoption, and social inclusion frameworks.

The IEUC, based in Yorkshire, is keen to develop strong ties with local businesses.

Professor Paul W. Miller, CEO & Principal at the Institute for Equity, University Centre, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald to the Institute. Rebecca is a visionary, values-driven leader whose career exemplifies how commercial acumen and social impact can go hand in hand. Her leadership in regional economic development, combined with her passionate championship for diversity, equity, and widening participation, will be invaluable to our work”.

Speaking on her appointment, Visiting Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald added:

“It is an honour to take up the role of Visiting Professor of Community Engagement & Social Impact at the Institute for Equity, University Centre. Driving regional prosperity and opening up clear pathways for talent, social mobility, and innovation are deeply personal passions of mine. I look forward to working closely with colleagues and stakeholders across the Institute to translate equity principles into modern, impactful solutions for our communities and industries.”

Throughout her executive career, Professor Fitzgerald has spearheaded initiatives designed to create sustainable social value. At Yorkshire Building Society, she co-founded and sponsored the Accessibility Network to advance neurodiversity and disability confidence in the workplace, and working alongside industry peers and as Chair of Business in the Community (BITC) for Bradford, builds allyship and amplifies underrepresented voices to promote positive change.

As Non-Exec Director and President of the Bradford with West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, she continues to champion local skills improvement plans, apprenticeship pathways, equity, diversity and inclusion, and place-based ecosystems that connect business, academia, and government.

END.

Media Contact: Andrea Miller, Deputy CEO, Institute for Equity, University Centre (IEUC)
Email: a.miller@instituteforequity.ac.uk
Phone: 01422-314-044
Website: https://instituteforequity.ac.uk/