Richard Calvert is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategy and Operations) at Sheffield Hallam University, where he joined as chief operating officer in November 2016. He is head of the university’s administration, with overall responsibility for the university’s professional services.
Richard has an extensive background in leading professional service functions in central government. Before joining Sheffield Hallam, he was Director General for Strategy and Resources at the Department for Education. He was previously Director General for Finance and Corporate Performance at the Department for International Development (2009-2015), where he supported the delivery of DFID’s programmes, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Richard also led the department’s work on climate change and on international education, including setting up the International Citizens Service.
Richard’s previous roles included spells as Director of Strategy and Resources at the Food Standards Agency (2007-2009); Finance Director at DFID (2003-07); First Secretary (External Relations) at the UK Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels; and also as Private Secretary to Chris Patten, Lynda Chalker and Clare Short while they were in ministerial roles. He holds an MA in Law from the University of Oxford.