Colin all stations

Playbook speaks to outgoing Cardiff vice-chancellor Colin Riordan

Do vice-chancellors put their heads above the parapet and speak to the media to defend the vital work of higher education frequently enough? Do they willingly pick up the phone when journalists come asking awkward questions about salary levels, financial security or political policies that will impact their students and staff?

Perhaps the most diplomatic answer is that some do and some do not. Outgoing Cardiff University vice-chancellor Colin Riordan has (at least in Playbook’s long and undistinguished career) been one of those university leaders who has been happy to go on the record to defend the sector and speak frankly about its challenges. We are quite sure that it is something his peers are very grateful for (just as we journalists are).