Strategic Partnership Director appointed

Professor Orla Kennedy has been appointed as Director of the Strategic Partnership Board between the University and the Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust (RBFT). Orla is Professor of Public Health Nutrition and is a registered nutritionist and registered dietitian. Orla recently completed a six-year term as Teaching and Learning Dean with responsibility for Student Achievement working with the Schools of Biological Sciences; Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy; and Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences. She starts this three-year secondment post this October. 

In Summer 2021, the Strategic Partnership Board was established to cement collaboration between the University and the RBFT, building on the work of the Joint Academic Board (JAB) set up in 2018. The board provides strategic direction and oversight and is jointly chaired by the CEO of the RBFT and Vice-Chancellor Robert Van de Noort. 

Both are leading institutions in the region, and in recent years have increasingly taken advantage of opportunities to work together. Initial areas of focus were on research and education, but more recently have also begun to collaborate on infrastructure and estates projects. 

Orla said, “I am delighted to have been appointed to this role at what is really an exciting time in the history of both the University and the Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust. 

I will build on the solid foundations that Professor Adrian Williams laid with the formation of the Joint Academic Board (JAB). I look forward to working across our organisations as we evolve JAB into the Health Innovation Partnership and create a vibrant health ecosystem, benefitting the people of Berkshire and beyond.” 

In her new role Orla will work to:  

• Consolidate and strengthen the partnership between the University and RBFT by supporting existing activities and identifying new opportunities across education, outreach, research and translation. 

• Provide strategic leadership for clinical and health-related programmes, including interprofessional education working closely with the Schools delivering and developing these programmes. 

• Work with internal and external stakeholders in clinical and health-related education, expanding links with external stakeholders where opportunities are identified.  

• Support an internal community of practice to ensure a consistent approach and coordination in activities involving NHS/healthcare providers.  

• Lead on the implementation of the University health strategy.  

• Provide strategic input into the RBFT education strategy.