Bill Wakeham, vice-chancellor of Southampton University, will take over as chair of the University and Colleges Employers Association in September. He succeeds Alasdair Smith, out­going vice-chancellor of Sussex University, and will hold the post for three years. Seven members of Ucea’s board confirmed their departures last week. New members include: Geoffrey Crossick, warden, Goldsmiths, University of London; Shirley Pearce, vice-chancellor, Loughborough University; Dianne Jeffrey, chair of council, Derby University; Ruth Farwell, chief executive, Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College; and John Brooks, vice-chancellor, Manchester Metropolitan University.