Professor Bullen was collecting an honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of her distinguished career in the NHS and her academic career which has taken her to the Universities of Swansea and Aberystwyth prior to joining us here in Brighton.

She is currently President of the British Psychological Society, a position she was elected to in 2017.

The oration given at the ceremony noted that: “Above all, Professor Bullen’s career has been one of a commitment to social justice, particularly in the field of women’s leadership and development in higher education; throughout the common thread has been the recognition of unequal opportunities and a determination to make a difference.”

Speaking after the ceremony, Professor Bullen said: “It was a pleasure, and an honour, to receive the award from the University of Buckingham. The convocation was held at the church of St Peter and St Paul in the heart of the town.  At the end of each ceremony, the church bells are rung in celebration of the students’ achievements.  It felt so fitting that students should be acknowledged in this way.

“All graduates, in Buckingham and in Brighton, deserve to be recognised for their hard work during their time at university. I was delighted to have the opportunity to share in the celebrations with the psychology and medical students graduating from Buckingham last week.”