Richard is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and External Engagement) and is responsible for all matters concerning research and external engagement at Roehampton, including the development and implementation of the University's Research and Knowledge Exchange strategy. As part of this work, he also oversees the University’s submissions to the Research Excellence Framework and the Knowledge Exchange Framework, and is responsible for the Graduate School and all research support services. Richard also has responsibility for the University's corporate and civic engagement, and the development and growth of employer-led education, including degree apprenticeships, higher technical qualifications, and CPD and short courses.
Richard joined Roehampton in 2012, and has since held a number of academic and managerial posts. He led the impact submission for REF2014, was Principal Lecturer in History, and then Director of Research Development. From 2019 he was Associate Vice-Provost, before taking on his current role in September 2020. Richard's research background is in History, and he has an interest in religious and political identities, with a particular focus on loyalty. Prior to joining Roehampton, he completed his doctoral research at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, where he subsequently held research and teaching posts.