Prof Victoria Halliwell
School of Health & Society
Current positions
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Faculty
Biography
I am the Pro vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Health, Community and Life Sciences and Professor of Industry Collaboration in Health Care Education at the University of Salford. I have extensive executive leadership experience spanning higher education, health and care systems, workforce transformation, research collaboration and civic engagement. My career has focused on building strategic partnerships that drive innovation, knowledge exchange and measurable impact across health, education and industry.
My leadership extends across major strategic health and education initiatives. I have served as Chair of the Greater Manchester Allied Health Professions Council, co-leading the development of its regional strategy, and as a member of the Council of Deans of Health England and Chair of the Council of Deans North West. I have also contributed nationally through NHS England and Health Education England programmes, including the Allied Health Professions Preceptorship and Foundation Support Steering Group and the development of the Allied Health Careers Development Framework.
A key aspect of my role is enabling research and innovation partnerships across the University's Faculty of Health, Community and Life Sciences. I actively support the development and translation of research excellence spanning life sciences, human movement and rehabilitation, applied health and care research, digital health innovation, workforce development and models of integrated care. I am particularly committed to advancing research that addresses inclusion, societal challenges, health inequalities and social justice, ensuring that research evidence informs policy, practice and service transformation for the benefit of communities.
My work focuses on fostering environments where academic expertise, professional practice and industry insight come together to address complex societal and health challenges.
I have also led the development of the University's £55 million Thrive Health and Wellbeing Building, from initial concept and business case through to construction and delivery. Opening in January 2027, the facility will provide a flagship environment for interdisciplinary education, research, innovation and enterprise, strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, healthcare providers and communities.
My approach is characterised by collaborative leadership, strategic vision and a commitment to using education, research, innovation and knowledge exchange to improve health outcomes, tackle inequalities and deliver lasting societal impact.
Areas of Research
Research interests include civic university activities and community engagement. Student experience, professional regulation, professional identity formation, workforce well being, transitions in career trajectories and preceptorship and industry collaboration in learning and teaching.
Experienced leader in Education, previous Associate Dean Academic, External Examiner.
Qualifications
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Doctorate in Education
2007 - 2013 -
MSc Education Management and Leadership
2003 - 2006 -
BSc Occupational Therapy
1990 - 1993