PRESS RELEASE : Professor reappointed as UK’s International Education Champion [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 27 September 2024.

Government reappoints Professor Sir Steve Smith as its International Education Champion, supporting the promotion of UK education excellence around the world.

• Sir Steve will continue to support the government’s international education work
• His work will promote UK excellence in education around the world
• Officials will conduct a review of the International Education Strategy

Sir Steve Smith has been reappointed as the UK Government’s International Education Champion.

Reappointed by Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas, and the Skills Minister, The Rt Hon Baroness Smith, Sir Steve’s tenure as International Education Champion (IEC) has been extended for one year from 1 October..

Under a commitment made in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy, published in 2019, Sir Steve was originally appointed as IEC in June 2020 for a four-year term.

In his role as IEC, Sir Steve will continue to support the government’s international education work, including engaging with governments around the world and promoting UK excellence and partnerships in all education sub-sectors.

More widely, with the change in government, officials will conduct a review of the International Education Strategy, which will ensure that it continues to be an effective tool in increasing the value of education exports, promote policy dialogue and reflect the priorities of education stakeholders, businesses and Ministers.

Sir Steve was previously Vice-Chancellor of University of Exeter for 18 years and brings vast experience to the IEC role, where he has played a pivotal role in developing deep relationships, including at Ministerial level internationally.

In his role as IEC, he has already supported significant progress across priority countries including:

• Leading over 500 meetings with stakeholders and 22 visits overseas , which has helped open the door for education exports, now amounting to more than £28bn.
• Taking forward the relationship with education ministers in particular with Saudi Arabia, to develop the pipeline of opportunities for UK education suppliers relating to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030; and Nigeria, where the UK has co-written the country’s guidelines for Transnational Education, opening up opportunities for UK universities to provide their offer in Nigeria.
• Leading a delegation of 31 UK higher education institutions to India, where a range of partnership opportunities have been progressed.

On his re-appointment, Prof. Sir Steve Smith said:

“I am absolutely delighted to be continuing in my role as the UK’s International Education Champion, working with the government, both at home and overseas, to ensure that the UK makes the very most of international opportunities, across the breadth of the UK’s world-leading education sector.

“It’s a critical time for the education sector and I look forward to building on the trusting relationships we have with our partners around the world.”

Exports Minister Gareth Thomas said:

“The UK is an international powerhouse when it comes to our education services, and I’m very pleased that Sir Steve will be continuing in his role to champion the country around the world.

“I want to see more UK educators exporting their brilliant services around the world, and promoting our high standards, that’s why Sir Steve’s work is so important.”

Baroness Smith, Minister for Skills, said:

“Sir Steve has a wealth of experience in showcasing our brilliant education sector, and I am thrilled that he will continue in this role for a further year.

“The UK is rightly regarded as an education powerhouse and Sir Steve’s vital work will continue to strengthen that reputation around the world, driving economic growth and boosting our global prestige.”