The University Happy Index: Can staff in higher education still flourish in the University of 2030?

Thursday, 18 June 2026 | 6pm–8pm
Keele University

Join Lord James Timpson – Minister of State, former CEO of Timpson Group, and author of The Happy Index: Lessons in Upside-Down Management – for this debate alongside Professor Stacy Johnson MBE, Professor of Critical Inclusive Leadership; wellbeing expert Dr Andy Cope; and Dr Debbie McVitty, Editor of Wonkhe.

The panel

Kevin Shakesheff

Chaired by Professor Kevin Shakesheff

 Vice-Chancellor of Keele University

Lord James Timpson

Lord James Timpson

Minister of State, former CEO of Timpson Group, and author of The Happy Index: Lessons in Upside-Down Management

Dr Debbie McVitty

Dr Debbie McVitty

Editor Wonkhe

Professor Stacy Johnson MBE

Professor Stacy Johnson MBE

Professor of Critical Inclusive Leadership, University of Nottingham

Dr Andy Cope

Dr Andy Cope

Wellbeing expert and best-selling author