Helen Fairfoul, the chair of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals’ (CIPP) nominations and appeals committee has been awarded an OBE in the new year’s honours list for her contributions to higher education.
Fairfoul, a former chief executive of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), had a key role in achieving multi-employer pay negotiating in higher education and worked with trade unions to advance significant concerns in the industry. Her work with the CIPP sees her leading the committee that examines applicants’ standards and looks into any conflicts of interest. She is now an independent consultant with expertise in organisational, employment, and governance.
Additionally, Fairfoul oversees appeals that can result from a member being under investigation for violating the CIPP code of conduct or appeals involving the Payroll Assurance Scheme.
CIPP chair of the nominations and appeals committee Helen Fairfoul says: “I’m extremely proud to have received this award recognising my career working in the UK’s university sector. I would like to use this opportunity to thank all the amazing colleagues I’ve worked with over the years as this wouldn’t have been possible without them.
“I’m really enjoying my current roles as a university governor and independent consultant on organisational, employment and governance matters, including at CIPP. I hope I can continue to use my experience to benefit the CIPP Board.”
CIPP chief executive officer Ken Pullar FCIPP says: “Helen being awarded an OBE in the King’s new years honours list is a testament to her steadfast commitment to higher education throughout her career.
“Helen has become a key member of our Nominations and Appeals committee, using her extensive experience to improve our policies and processes, and helping to shape the Board in a really positive way. On behalf of the whole CIPP team, I would like to extend a huge congratulations to Helen on this fantastic news.”