Rob Humphreys

Rob has been Director of the OU in Wales for just under ten years. During his time at the helm the OU has moved from third place for provision of part-time opportunities to become the clear leader among Welsh universities. Rob is responsible for liaison with the Welsh Government and the funding council in Wales, as well as – of course – ensuring that OU students in Wales receive tuition and support of the highest standard. Rob was appointed by the Minister for Education in the Welsh Government to the Diamond Review of higher education fees and funding. This review made recommendations for major change in the funding system, including the introduction of means-tested maintenance grants for those studying part-time. 

Rob is originally from Montgomeryshire in mid-Wales, and was an unskilled labourer for seven years after leaving school, before being awarded a trades union scholarship to study as a mature student at Ruskin College, Oxford.  He now lives in Swansea with his wife – the BAFTA-winning Welsh film-maker Catrin Evans – and their fourteen year old daughter. Asked about the best things about working for the OU Rob says: ‘The students of course, but also the staff here at the OU in Wales.  I am very fortunate to have a great team working with me (and putting me right when I make mistakes!)’

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