Former Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Council Pete Bungard receives Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy

After dedicating 27 years to public service in Gloucestershire, Pete Bungard has today been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy at University of Gloucestershire’s first 2025 Graduation Ceremony at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Pete joined Gloucestershire County Council as the Director of Environment in 1998 before being appointed Chief Executive in 2005 – a role he held with distinction until his retirement earlier this year.

Nationally recognised for his leadership in local government, Pete guided the council through significant challenges, including the aftermath of the Children’s Service Ofsted inspection and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deeply committed to supporting Gloucestershire’s diverse communities, he delivered many Corporate Peer Challenges – aimed at driving improvements across the local government sector – sharing his expertise with councils across the country and bringing best practices back to Gloucestershire.

In addition to his council leadership, Pete served as an External Member of University Council from 2012 to 2021, during which he also held the positions of Chair of the Audit Committee and Vice-Chair of Council. His collaborative approach and strategic insight helped foster closer ties between the University and the County Council, contributing to major developments such as the Business School and the School of Health and Social Care.

Pete said: “My career has all been about doing my best for local communities, so recognition from our local University is a really good feeling.

“My initial interest in local government was all about a great training regime and experience as a young engineer, but with time you start to appreciate the reward of doing things for your local community.

“I go back a long time to my student days: I matured and developed enormously during my three years. My advice after graduation is to continue that journey by personal challenge and making the most out of every new opportunity. Just look back and forward on a five-year cycle and see if you are achieving the things that make life great.”