Senior nurse to bring vast experience to ARU role
Ruth May, England’s former Chief Nursing Officer, joins Anglia Ruskin University
Professor Dame Ruth May DBE
England’s former Chief Nursing Officer Professor Dame Ruth May DBE has taken up a professorial role with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), bringing a wealth of experience to ARU’s health provision.
Professor May has joined ARU as Professor of Nursing and Health Systems Leadership, within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care.
An operating theatre nurse by background, Professor May retired from her role as NHS England’s Chief Nursing Officer in July 2024 after five years in the role. This was a culmination of several decades working in the NHS, including a number of roles in the East of England.
Among her many accomplishments as Chief Nursing Officer was her leadership through the Covid-19 pandemic, directly advising the Government on nursing policy during one of the greatest challenges facing the health service in modern times. She also led the Stop the Pressure campaign to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers among hospital patients.
In 2009, Professor May was given the award of Honorary Doctor of Science by ARU in recognition of her leadership skills within the health service.
She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to nursing, midwifery and the NHS.
Professor May’s new role involves working closely with staff and students, partners, and wider stakeholders, supporting ARU’s ambitions in its delivery of high-quality education and meeting NHS workforce needs, as well as supporting ARU’s collaborative endeavours through innovation, knowledge exchange and research.
Among the key areas that Professor May will focus on in her new role is ensuring an excellent experience for health and social care students, particularly in the context of practice learning and employability.
“ARU has a special place in my heart and, as a local resident too, it will be a great privilege to continue to play a part in helping the next generation of nurses, midwives and other health professionals on their path to an incredibly rewarding career.”
Professor Ruth May
“I congratulate Professor Dame Ruth May DBE on her appointment as Professor of Nursing and Health Systems Leadership at ARU, we are delighted that Ruth has joined the team in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care.
“We look forward to drawing from Ruth’s vast knowledge and expertise developed over an impactful career in the NHS including overseeing the health service during the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the most significant global societal events in recent history. Ruth will make a unique contribution, further enhancing our students’ experience, partnership collaboration and the impact of ARU across the region.
“ARU is proud to be the largest provider of healthcare education in the East of England. Our graduates play an important role in this region’s workforce and beyond, positively contributing to health and care delivery and optimising population health outcomes.”
Professor Jackie Kelly, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)For more information about studying Nursing at ARU, please visit aru.ac.uk/nursing