No, this isn’t a reference to Doctor Who’s arch enemy!

In UK universities, the person in charge - equivalent to the CEO I suppose - is usually referred to as the Vice-Chancellor. But where I work - Birkbeck, an independent College within the University of London - we refer to this individual as The Master - what a great title, eh?! And he’s the one on stage in this picture. Professor David Latchman CBE.

Our current Master’s practice is to give an address every year to report on how things are going, sort of like a State of the Union address for the College. And this year’s address took place this afternoon. All staff are invited (about 1000 people), but only 250 can fit in, so you have to get there on time if you want to hear what our illustrious leader has to say. And then after he’s spoken (without notes) for 50 minutes or so, people can ask him whatever questions they want.

All very civilised and friendly (usually). And this year actually very informative and encouraging.

I should also mention that there’s free wine afterwards. Which probably helps explain why there’s always a full house!