An expert in healthcare strategy and a renowned entrepreneur and inventor have been awarded honorary degrees at Lancaster University’s graduation ceremonies this December.

Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE, Honorary Doctor of Science

Professor David Croisdale-Appleby has enjoyed a distinguished career as a corporate strategist and strategic advisor to the boards of public and private sector organisations, the voluntary sector and the UK government. He served as the first chair of NHS Independent Complaints, and acted as the architect of a major acute hospitals merger, responsible for innovations that have become national practice.

As an expert in medical education with the General Medical Council, in 2009 he published national guidance on Long-Term Sickness and Incapacity for National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

Professor Croisdale-Appleby is a special advisor on healthcare of the elderly and a long-standing GMC Visitor for Medical Education. In this role, he recently conducted an independent review of Social Work Education for the government.

In 2016, he won the prestigious Sunday Times Non-Executive Director of the Year Award, in recognition of his contribution to UK health and social care policy and the not-for-profit sector; in particular, for his transformative leadership of Dementia UK. He received an OBE in 2009 for his work for social justice and voluntary service.

Edward S. Fort OBE, Honorary Doctor of Laws

Lancashire-born Edward S. Fort is an entrepreneur and inventor, and founder of Fort Vale Engineering, a world leader in the precision manufacture of valves and fittings for the transportation of bulk liquids in the tank container, road tanker and rail industries.

Mr Fort overcame early challenges with dyslexia to win an apprenticeship with Rolls Royce, before a successful spell with the company, and with Lucas Aerospace and Drum Pumps. He established Fort Vale in 1967, and his revolutionary design of a T-port, three-way valve transformed safety in bulk liquid transportation. A string of innovations followed. Mr Fort received an OBE for services to British industry in 1987. Fort Vale, with outlets in the USA, China, the Netherlands, Russia and Singapore, has won four Queen’s Awards for Export Achievement and International Trading.

A committed philanthropist, his two charities – the Fort Foundation and Beaulieu Beaufort Foundation – have helped many people and organisations, focusing on youth and environmental projects. He also campaigns passionately on the perils of climate change.