Northumbria University, Newcastle, senior lecturer Susan Bickerton has been named a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The high-profile appointment recognises Susan’s business achievements and contributions to the profession of management and leadership throughout her career in the public and third sectors. Companionship is the highest level of CMI membership and reflects standing and status in terms of networking, prestige and influence. Recipients must also be nominated by fellow members.

Before joining Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School as programme leader for the BA Leadership and Management part time course, Susan was Group Director of Care and Support with social housing provider Thirteen Group. She has also been Chief Executive of Newcastle-based support services charity Norcare, and Executive Director of the Northumberland Learning and Skills Council.

She said: “While this is a tremendous honour for me, it is very much a measure of the quality of my colleagues past and present, and the support they have given over the years. I would especially like to thank my fellow CMI member and colleague Jamie Carrahar for nominating me.

“Whether it’s by helping to shape policy and influence the future of management and leadership, or sharing my experiences with the next generation of managers, Companionship offers considerable opportunities and responsibilities. As Newcastle Business School has a global reputation for teaching excellence and research I am well placed to make the make the most of these opportunities”.

Professor John Wilson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Business and Law at Northumbria, added: “This is a prestigious appointment and a clear signal of the high regard in which Susan is held in her area of expertise. Having academics with real-world business experience and an obvious track record of success enhances both the learning experience for our students and the potential for partnership and research collaboration.

Newcastle Business School’s BA Leadership and Management part time programme has a track record of academic success. It is popular with professionals looking to develop their careers and leadership skills as the part time evening attendance works well for people in full time employment.