The School of Health & Social Care

Healthcare ‘visionary’ awarded Honorary Doctorate

Page published 8 November 2011

Roger Browning made an Honorary Doctor of Education by Bournemouth University.

Roger Browning, who has successfully lead the Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust for nearly two decades, has been made an Honorary Doctor of Education by Bournemouth University.

Described by University Orator Alan Hunt as a man of ‘vision and outstanding leadership’, Browning took the stage at the Bournemouth International Centre to accept the Award during ceremonies to mark the graduation of students from the BU’s School of Health and Social Care.

Under Dr Browning’s leadership, the Trust has won numerous awards for high-quality healthcare provision. He has fostered close academic and professional collaborations with BU culminating in the achievement of University Trust status in 2010.

In accepting the honour, Dr Browning thanked his entire family and his colleagues at the Trust where he has served as Chief Executive since 1992. He also paid a personal tribute to Professor Gail Thomas, Dean of the School of Health and Social Care at BU. “If I’m the inspiration for the Trust to become a University NHS Trust then Gail is BU’s architect and both realised our organisation’s joint aspirations last year.

“It’s so nice to receive this honour for my work with the NHS which has given me so much pleasure over the years,” said Dr Browning. “When I came to start work I had a vague idea that I wanted to help people particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.

“In my career, I focused on achieving my goals but when I reached them, I realised that they’re not that important,” he continued. “The real reward is being able to help people on the way and improve their quality of life. It’s not where you start from or where you end up; it’s the difference you make to people’s lives. It’s not the job or position you hold but the person that you are.

“The proudest work achievements have been empowering and getting involved with the patients and carers to realise their desired outcomes and treatment and influencing the Trust’s guiding values and development of staff,” he concluded. “These things have been made possible because of the partnership between the Trust and Bournemouth University.”