Biography
Steve trained as a podiatrist and podiatric surgeon in London and worked in the NHS and private/commercial sector from 1982.
He entered academia in 1984 and developed his research interests at King’s College London in the department of bioengineering. In 1990 Steve took up a post as associate dean and head of the department of podiatry at Huddersfield University, and later became dean of the School of Health and Behavioural Sciences in 1992.
In 1995 he joined UWE Bristol as dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care and professor of Health and Social Care. In 2005 he became pro vice-chancellor at the university, with the planning and resources portfolio. In 2006 he became deputy vice-chancellor and was appointed acting vice-chancellor in August 2007.
In May 2008 Professor West took up post as vice-chancellor. He is a fellow of the Society of Chiropodists, the College of Podiatric Medicine and the Royal Society of Medicine. He holds a number of honorary and advisory appointments in his discipline, and healthcare policy and practice, both nationally and internationally, including membership of the Health Education England podiatry strategic oversight group.
In 2013, Steve became the first chair of the West of England Academic Health Science Network (WEAHSN). He is non-executive director for the Office for Students and non-executive director on University Hospitals Bristol Foundation Trust Board and chairs the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership.
Steve became deputy lieutenant for the county of Gloucestershire in 2012 and was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year's Honours list 2017, for services to higher education.
Twitter: @VCUWE
