Royal College of Podiatry Fellow knighted in King's birthday honours

Professor Sir Steve West is currently the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol and the President of Universities UK. He was previously awarded a CBE for services to higher education.

A former student of the Chelsea School of Chiropody, he progressed to working at the School as a lecturer in 1984. He was appointed as Head of Podiatry at the University of Huddersfield in 1990. By his 40’s he was a Vice Chancellor and has lead UWE Bristol since 2008. Speaking to The Podiatrist for the January/February  2023 edition Steve told us “‘When I look back, who’d have believed it? I owe everything to podiatry. I’m really serious about that. It is the thing that got me going.”

This is the first knighthood awarded to a podiatrist.

Speaking to UWE Bristol about the honour, Professor Sir Steve West said:

“I am absolutely delighted and proud to receive this honour, which also reflects the amazing work we are leading at UWE Bristol. I have been at the University in a senior leadership position for over 27 years, and President of Universities UK since 2021. I feel very privileged to have worked with brilliantly talented students, colleagues, collaborators, and boards throughout my career. Together we have achieved transformational change in education, health and business. I am deeply touched to receive this honour and would like to thank everyone for their support, guidance, and influence over the many years, in particular my family and colleagues.”

RCPod sends its heartiest congratulations to Professor Sir Steve West.