13 June 2022

The Governing Body of Regent’s Park College, Oxford, is pleased to announce that Professor Sir Malcolm Evans KCMG OBE is to become its next Principal, following the retirement of the Reverend Dr Robert Ellis in 2021.

Sir Malcolm is currently Professor of International Law at the University of Bristol, where previously he has been Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law. His research interests centre on the international protection of human rights, with particular focus on the prevention of torture and the freedom of religion in recognition of which he was knighted in 2015. Among his many roles, Sir Malcolm has served as a member and, from 2011-2020, Chair of the United Nations Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture. In 2015 was appointed a Member of the Panel of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales. He has also served as a member of the Advisory Panel on Freedom of Religion and Belief of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Sir Malcolm read Law at Regent’s Park College (1979-82), returning for doctoral research (1983-87) for which he was awarded the degree of DPhil. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from Bangor University and is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.

Sir Malcolm intends to take up his post formally on 1 January 2023.

The Rt Revd Dr Keith Riglin, Chair of the Governing Body, said, “This exciting appointment expresses the commitment of Regent’s Park College to growth and development, as well as our continuing stress on education, research, and service.”

Elizabeth Crawford, Interim Principal, said, “The whole College community at Regent’s Park looks forward with wholehearted excitement, delight, and anticipation to Sir Malcolm’s principalship, as does the wider Collegiate community in Oxford.”

Regent’s Park College plays a significant role in the formation of Baptist ministerial students. The Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union, commented, “I am delighted that Regent’s Park College has appointed a new principal. Sir Malcolm will bring a wealth of experience to the role, together with a long-standing commitment to our Baptist family. The College brings a valuable contribution to equipping women and men for Christian ministry and leadership and I am looking forward to working with Sir Malcolm in this new season.”

The Rt Revd Dr K G Riglin
Chair of Governing Body