Greater Manchester Civic University Board Pays Tribute to Baroness Helen Newlove

The Greater Manchester Civic University Board is deeply saddened by the passing of Baroness Helen Newlove, who served as a valued member of the Board for two years.

Baroness Newlove made an extraordinary contribution to public life in Greater Manchester and nationally. A passionate public servant, she dedicated her career to championing victims of crime, building safer communities, and widening access to education for young people. As a founding member of the Civic University Board, she helped shape its early direction and, as Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Greater Manchester, championed access, social mobility and fairness across higher education.

Professor Jennie Henley, Chair of the Greater Manchester Civic University Board, said:

“Baroness Newlove was a founding member of the Civic University Board and a passionate and committed public servant who dedicated her life to championing the rights of victims and communities. She will be remembered with great respect and gratitude by all who had the privilege of working with her.”

The University of Greater Manchester also paid tribute to her leadership and lasting impact. Baroness Newlove received an honorary doctorate from the University in 2017 for her outstanding services to Victim Support and was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor two years later. In 2022, she launched Mentored with Newlove in partnership with the University and Bolton Muslim Girls’ School – an initiative designed to inspire and support Year 10 students to achieve their highest aspirations.

Dr Greg Walker, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greater Manchester, said:

“Helen was passionate about helping people from a wide range of communities and especially giving opportunities to disadvantaged young people, as well as her incredible work to give a voice to victims of crime after her own appalling experience. She was a wonderful, caring person who made a huge difference with the work she carried out and was very much respected and admired by the university community.”

You can read the University of Greater Manchester’s full tribute here: Statement from the University of Greater Manchester