Leading figures from charitable sector and aerospace industry to deliver free public lectures

The founder of one of the UK’s leading charities and a highly experienced aerospace professional are the guest speakers at two free public lectures at University of Gloucestershire.

Reverend Canon Steve Chalke MBE (pictured below), the founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust, will present The Michael Perham University and Cathedral Lecture 2026 on Wednesday, 6 May from 7pm.

His lecture, entitled Education, Justice and Spirituality: Is spirituality the missing ingredient to our underperforming education and justice systems?, will be delivered at the Chapel at the University’s Francis Close Hall Campus. There will be a collection for Oasis after the lecture.

Tickets for the event are free but must be booked in advance.

Steve’s tireless work in social justice has earned him numerous honorary fellowships and an MBE. He continues to lead Oasis, which is dedicated to building inclusive local communities, and remains a prominent voice on social issues. Steve is also a regular media commentator, and his latest book is called A Manifesto for Hope.

The Michael Perham University and Cathedral Lecture series is named in honour of former Bishop of Gloucester Michael Perham, who also served as Pro-Chancellor of University of Gloucestershire and played a key role in strengthening links between the University and the Diocese.

Later the same month, The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire Lecture will be delivered by Jacqueline Sutton MBE (pictured below), whose career encompasses a variety of strategic and commercial roles for leading players in aerospace. She will present Women in Industry – specifically aerospace – Her Own Story.

A guest lecturer at the Durham University Business school, and a leadership speaker at the Judge Business School, Cambridge University, she is a fellow of St George’s House, Windsor Castle.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, she now holds several Non-Executive Director roles, including a position on the Farnborough International board, and is a strong advocate for inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

The lecture, which will be followed by a Q&A session, will take place on Thursday, 14 May at the University’s Park Campus from 6pm. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Main image: The Chapel at the University’s Francis Close Hall Campus