The London Branch of University of Bristol Alumni Association warmly invites alumni and friends to the Branch’s 2023 Annual Lecture to be delivered by the former Director General of the Security Service (MI5), Lord Evans of Weardale, KCB, DL.

The lecture will take place at 6pm on Tuesday 17 October 2023 in the Cholmondeley Room and River Terrace at the House of Lords in Parliament, Westminster.

We are delighted to have, as our speaker this year, Lord Evans of Weardale (BA Classical Studies, 1980; Hon LLD, 2008). Lord Evans served as the Director General of the Security Service, popularly known as MI5, during 2007 – 2013. He was created a Peer in 2014. In 2018, he was appointed as the Chair of the Independent Committee on Standards in Public Life. The Committee is responsible for advising the Prime Minister about standards of conduct of all holders of public office, a role of critical importance in today’s political culture.

Lord Evans has said:

When I took on this role as Committee Chair, my son said ‘that’s a weird job for a spy’, but I do not think that it is. In the Security Service, the work was very contentious and difficult. It was at the edge of human rights law, while maintaining high standards of ethics, legality, and accountability. We delivered a form of public service that is contested, but did so on a strong legal basis, with accountability and thoughtfulness about the ethics of our work.

The event will be attended by both the University Chancellor, Sir Paul Nurse, OM, CH, FRS, and the recently appointed University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Evelyn Welch, MBE.

The Lecture will be preceded by a short Annual General Meeting of the London Branch of the University of Bristol Alumni Association.

The nearest tube station is Westminster.

The lecture will be followed by a reception with refreshments.

Tickets and admission: Ticket holders will be issued with a House Of Lords Invitation. This invitation, together with photo ID, (eg passport or photo driving licence) must be presented at Black Rod’s Garden Entrance of the House of Lords. This entrance is situated to the East of the Victoria Tower, which is located at the far end of Parliament if walking from Westminster underground station. Latecomers, and those without invitations and ID, may be refused admission.

Security: Apart from ladies’ handbags it is recommended that no large bags are brought into the Parliamentary Estate. Please expect airport-style security with bag searches. We suggest you allow time for this.

Photography: Allowed for personal use or for organiser’s publicity material. Photography is not permitted for commercial use or on social media outlets.

Notice of Election of Officers

The position of Treasurer of the London Branch is open for election at the AGM. A current member of the Branch Committee, who was co-opted by the committee, following the resignation of the previous incumbent, has indicated their willingness to stand. If any other member of the Branch wishes to stand for election to this role, please contact the Secretary at enquiries@4088.co.uk, at an early opportunity.

Refunds

Please note that Eventbrite's policy on refunds has changed and they will hold their processing fee. There will be no refunds in the last 7 days before the event.

Ticket sales will close one week before the event. This is to allow the House of Lords to update their security team on who will be attending.

University of Bristol London Branch 2023 Annual Lecture