Lynn Dobbs has been named the next vice-chancellor of London Metropolitan University.

The current deputy vice-chancellor and provost at the University of Roehampton will lead the north London university from October.

Professor Dobbs, a public policy expert whose research has involved working extensively in deprived communities across the UK and in Europe, said that it was a “huge privilege to be joining London Met at such an exciting time in its history”.

“The university and all its staff play an incredibly important role in widening access, driving forward social mobility and preparing students to support the labour market in one of the greatest cities in the world,” she added.

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Professor Dobbs, whose work has focused on widening higher education participation among disadvantaged groups, paid tribute to the work of London Met’s outgoing vice-chancellor John Raftery, who took over the institution in August 2014.

She described the “dramatic improvement in the number of graduates moving on to employment or further study over the last four years under Professor Raftery’s leadership” as a “significant achievement”, adding that she looked “forward to building on this success”.

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“I will work tirelessly to ensure that London Met continues to give students the skills and opportunities that will transform their lives and careers, and that it is well positioned to play a significant economic, social and cultural role in the local community and wider city,” said Professor Dobbs.

Mark Anderson, chair of London Met’s board of governors, said that Professor Dobbs had an “excellent track record of strong leadership and a commitment to improving the experience of students”.

jack.grove@timeshighereducation.com