Sir Rod Aldridge OBE has been awarded a Doctor of Business Administration honoris causa by the University of Salford, recognising his distinguished contribution to public service innovation, social entrepreneurship, and his long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for young people.
Sir Rod is one of the UK’s most influential social entrepreneurs, with a career spanning more than four decades across the public, private and voluntary sectors. He founded Capita in 1984 and led the company from a small start-up to a FTSE 100 organisation, helping to shape the modern outsourcing landscape and driving major innovations in public service delivery.
In 2006, following his retirement from Capita, Sir Rod established the Aldridge Foundation to focus on tackling educational disadvantage and supporting young people to develop enterprise skills and confidence. Today, the Foundation supports a family of schools and colleges across the country, many in communities facing significant socioeconomic challenges. His work in his area was recognised with a Knighthood in 2012 for services to young people.
On receiving his honorary doctorate, Sir Rod said: “It is a great honour that Salford University have bestowed on me, and it means a great deal to me. The 18 years I have been associated with the City, has been a very special and positive experience.”
Sir Rod’s commitment to youth opportunity is reflected in his wider civic and charitable roles, including serving as a Patron of The Prince’s Trust and as the Founder Chair of Vinspired, the national youth volunteering charity created to inspire one million 16–25-year-olds into community action.
He also has strong links to Salford’s cultural life, having served as Chairman of The Lowry for 18 years until the end of 2024 – overseeing a period of significant artistic growth, community outreach and national recognition for the arts venue. Sir Rod was also involved in the successful application for the University Technical College (UTC) in Salford, and the UTC @ MediaCityUK, is now part of the Aldridge Education Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).
Professor Francine Morris, Associate Dean for Knowledge Exchange at Salford Business School, said: “Sir Rod’s leadership in business, philanthropy and education embodies the values we champion at Salford. His commitment to improving life chances for young people and his belief in the power of creativity, enterprise and opportunity make him an inspiring role model for our students. We are proud to honour his achievements with this doctorate.”
His honorary doctorate celebrates not only an exceptional career, but a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
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