UAL hires new chief social purpose officer

The University of the Arts (UAL) has hired Polly Mackenzie as the university’s new chief social purpose officer, starting July 2022.

Mackenzie has previously worked as a policy director to the deputy prime minister, as well as being the founding CEO of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute and the founding CEO of the Women’s Equality Party.

James Purnell, UAL president and vice-chancellor, said in a statement: “Polly has demonstrated her commitment to social purpose throughout her career, combining both great ideas and the skills to turn them into reality. Everyone at UAL looks forward to working with her to change society through UAL’s knowledge and creativity.”

Mackenzie added: “I am thrilled to become chief social purpose officer at UAL. I hope to help UAL become a leader in the global movement to structure our anchor institutions around social purpose. This will transform our local, national and international economies, and embed social, racial and climate justice for all.

“UAL's unique creative core will be vital to success in this global mission: the arts are central to human wellbeing, and an essential component of delivering change and holding societies together.”