Podcast: UCEM in conversation with… Mary Curnock Cook CBE

Posted on: 13 October, 2021

Episode 10 of our ‘UCEM in conversation with…’ series sees guest presenter, UCEM’s executive director – regulation, Andy Youell, talk to Pearson UK chair, Mary Curnock Cook CBE.

Mary is an educationalist who has previously served as chief executive of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and director of qualifications and skills at the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency.

Mary was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000 for assisting in training in the hospitality industry before being promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) just last year for services to further and higher education.

Mary was invited by our Chair, Amanda Clack, to speak at this month’s board of trustees meeting on her expertise in education. Whilst Mary was in the office, we thought it presented a wonderful opportunity to get her thoughts on some of the pressing issues in higher education and also gain some life advice based on her hugely successful career.

Listen to the 15-minute podcast below:

Alternatively, you can read the written version of the podcast.